NFL Playoff Predictions – Survey Says Jets Soar No More!!!

The glory of the Lombardi Trophy is a mere two wins away. Men put their life and limb on the line just for an opportunity to hold it in their hand. The road is long for some, longer still for others. Four teams will have to endure 60 minutes of regulated football time and the elements of a cold, hard winter. The Super Bowl is upon us and the ESPN panel of fortune tellers verdicts are in.

I should note that last week, after my prediction article was published, Ron Jaworski and Chris Mortensen changed two of their picks. Both had originally picked the Jets to win over the New England Patriots. I am sure the trash talk of the New York Jets had something to do with it. Changing their picks was a mistake on their part nonetheless. Only one expert went 4-0 last week and you are reading his article right now. Thank you very much. Who am I picking this weekend and why? Read on for my breakdown and analysis!

The results of last week’s playoff games were surprising, some might say shocking. While I predicted that the Green Bay Packers would win, as I am sure others did too, I don’t think anyone expected it to be the blowout that it was. The majority of the world expected the New England Patriots to defeat the New York Jets. I am certain that those who predicted the Jets to win did not anticipate that Rex Ryan and co. would dominate the Pats as they did. The playoff race has been a string of upset victories and I fully expect this trend to continue. So, let’s get to it.

The Our QB Will Earn The Respect That He Deserves…FINALLY Game Of The Week
Bears vs Packers: Aaron Rodgers has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 11 TD’s in the last four games. He seems like an unstoppable force right now. The Pack have won their last four games, beating out 4 of the best teams in the NFL. One of those teams were the Chicago Bears. We all know that tale. Had the Bears won their last game of the season against the Cheese, Green Bay would not have made the playoffs and the New York Giants would have squeaked in.

To quote playoff stats here would be somewhat pointless. Chicago played their first playoff game last week, where as Green Bay has played two already. As things stand, however, the two teams match up quite well. Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler have long been underrated and overlooked whenever the word “elite” has been mentioned. Rodgers has definitely made some strides in being parked alongside the quarterbacks in the league who are frequently tagged with that label. Jay Cutler has not warranted such praise this playoff season as of yet. Last week’s victory was a given, seeing as how the Seattle Seahawks came hobbling into the postseason with a losing record.

The matchup between these two teams is a division rivalry. This one could wind up being the most significant game that they have ever played against each other, setting up bitter revenge matches in the future. The Pack have gone on to win 4 out of the last 6 games, ever since Rodgers took over at the starting QB role in 2008. One thing is for sure, each team knows the other real well. Rodgers and the Pack are the odds on favorite to win but I think that Chicago is being severely underestimated. As mentioned, the postseason stats aren’t an objective tool to utilize since some teams played more games and lesser teams. Chicago does fare well in the postseason stats though. It is going to be a brutally cold day in Soldier Field on turf that ChiTown knows like the back of their hand. With their fans behind them at home, I think Chicago has the advantage and determination necessary to put an end to Aaron Rodgers and the Cheese’s 4 game winning streak. Da Bears!

The Don’t Take Us For Granted Game Of The Week
Jets vs Steelers: It’s another insurmountable obstacle for the New York Jets to overcome. Three weeks ago, it was Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Last week it was “Rapunzel” Brady and the New England Patriots. The Jets have been running through a gauntlet of gunners and coming up BIG time! Adding Ben Rothlesberger to that list will earn them a gladiator’s status that even Zeus himself would be envious of.

Again, we run into the same situation with the stats. The Steelers have only played one postseason game this year. The balance of the stats scales are off. The Steelers have been to the big dance before. They hold the record for most Super Bowl wins (6). I have a sneaking suspicion that Pittsburgh will expect a win and underestimate the Jets. The Colts and Pats did it…or did they? Could it be that the New York Jets just have a knack for finding a way to win? Could it be that the Jets are destined to win the Super Bowl after a 40+ year absence? Pittsburgh has the home field advantage and are the favorites to win. But I think the Jets are going to put on a command performance, take hold of a lead and the Steelers will not be able to kethcup. The Jets win!

The underdogs will prevail this weekend. What do you think?