By jcave, Section Journals
Posted on Tue Jan 09 2007 at 7:12 PM EST 
More on: NFL, Playoffs, Eagles, Saints, Patriots, Chargers, Bears, Seahawks, Ravens, Colts (all tags)
 The first week of the 2006-07 NFL Playoffs went mostly as expected. This week promises to be different though, we have four intriguing matchups to watch, each with a different story- line. Can the Patriots and Bill Belicheck keep their championship hopes alive against the red-hot San Diego Super Chargers and stars like LaDanian Thomlinson and Shawn Merriman? Will the improbable run of the Saints continue, or will veteran Jeff Garcia continue to carry Philly? Does the motto, offense sells tickets, defense wins championships apply to the Colts- Ravens clash? Can 'Da Bears' return to early season form and hold of the surging and dangerous Seahawks? Before the weekend and drama arrives, I would like to make some picks.
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 P.M. ET, CBS
Indeed, defense does win championships. The Colts offense struggled last week against a mediocre Kansas City defense that forced Peyton Manning to throw three interceptions. A similar performance against the Ravens' swarming defense will just not get the job done. On the other side of the ball, Jamal Lewis should be able to put up decent numbers and Steve McNair will do enough to get his team to the AFC championship game. Ravens 24 Colts 16
Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints, Saturday, 8:00 P.M. ET, FOX
The atmosphere at the Louisiana Super Dome on Saturday Night will be electric. America's new underdog team will be playing host to the resurgent Eagles. It will be Drew Brees and Reggie Bush versus Brian Dawkins and Jeremiah Trotter. Philadelphia's new Rocky, Jeff Garcia who has thrown for 1309 yards and has a 5 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio, will come in and march the Eagles to victory. Eagles 31 Saints 27
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1:00 P.M. ET, FOX
If this game is even remotely like their week 4 contest at Soldier Field, the Bears should easily be able to come out victorious. They have struggled as of late, but I do not see the Seahawks playing like a different team, even with Shaun Alexander back. Rex Grossman or Brian Griese can produce, and the Bears will advance. Bears 28 Seahawks 17
New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers, Sunday, 4:30 P.M. ET, CBS
This could quite possibly end up being the best game of the weekend, as we see the Patriots try to extend a dynasty and the Chargers try to summit a mountain. L.T. will not have as good of a game as expected because of the New England defense who is led by the emotional Teddy Bruschi. Also, the Pats' have Tom Brady calling the shots, so I see him boosting his playoff record to 12-1. Patriots 17 Chargers 10
Those are my picks for the week. Next week, I will look at the conference championship game matchups. Stay tuned!
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