NFL 2009 Conference Championship Games Picks & Selections

Benjamin Lee Eckstein & J. McCarthy

Jets (+7.5) over Colts-x

Now, we'll find out about Jim Caldwell's decision to rest his starters against New York back on December 27.

Indianapolis was ahead 15-10 when Peyton Manning and the "A" team went to the bench, and the Jets wound up with a 29-15 victory. That ended Indy's run at perfection, and was the springboard for the New Yorkers playoff run.

Will Caldwell regret it?

Probably not, but it AIN'T gonna be easy Sunday. There's a reason, actually two reasons, the the Jets are this deep into the post-season, and 60 minutes from the Super Bowl. They have THE best rushing attack and THE best scoring defense in the NFL. Shonn Greene, who has taken the bulk of the work from Thomas Jones, has rumbled for 420 yards and two TD's in the last four games.

How do the Colts stack up on the ground?

They DON'T. Last week against Baltimore, they RIPPED (please let that word drip with sarcasm) it up for a grand total of 25 yards on 16 carries. Of course, Manning takes it all on his huge shoulders, but that lack of a solid running game is gonna be a problem against NY's top rated D, the "Walk About" defense.

Back in the 80's, it was Buddy Ryan and the "46" defense. It was, as you might remember, pretty damn potent. Now his kid Rex, has built something very special, and VERY confusing, even for Peyton the Great.

The Jets have covered seven of their last eight overall, and are on a 5-0 spread run on the road.

Unfortunately, New York is gonna come up a few points short, where is Joe Namath when you need him, as the Horseshoes head to Super Sunday with a 24-19 victory.

Saints-x (-3.5) over Vikings

What a difference a Dome makes. Just ask the Dallas Cowboys who were pummeled by Minnesota at the Metrodome last week, 34-3.

Now the venue is the Superdome, and it's gonna be very tough for the Vikings. The noise level, just like the Metrodome, is OFF the charts. But this time, the noise is all Saints.

If you think THAT doesn't matter, just ask the Arizona Cardinals who came up on the raw end of a 45-14 score.

Domes are wonderful, if you are the home team. Minny was a perfect 9-0 in their Dome this season, but a mediocre 4-4 on the road. Actually, the Vikes have been under water away from home since 2005, winning just 17 of the last 40.

You got Drew Brees, the league leader in TD's with 34, and the New Orleans offense which led the league in points scored (510), against the old gray warrior, Brett Favre. Tough call but I'm on Brees.

Sure the Vikings D will come with its pressure package, but the guy who brought the lions share of the pressure last week, Ray Edwards, who had three of the six sacks, is looking very shaky.

Then there's this new guy, number 25 on your program. Think they call him Reggie Bush. If it is Reggie Bush, it sure AIN'T the same Bush we've seen the last couple of years. Maybe that's because he is as healthy as he has been for years, or, Kim Kardashian said she would marry him if they got to the Super Bowl. And for those not familiar with Kim K, do a quick google search, and you'll understand why Reggie is playing out of his FLIPPING mind.

This should be the most entertaining game, with Saints on top at the gun, 33-24.

 

x-home team

Last week: 1-3

Season record: 124-122-2

NFL 2009 Playoffs AFC & NFC Championships Latest Line

Favorite Points Underdog
Source: J. McCarthy
INDIANAPOLIS7 1/2 (39)New York Jets
NEW ORLEANS3 1/2 (53)Minnesota

 

Fantastic Four Ready For NFL Championship Weekend

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NFL 2009 Playoffs AFC & NFC Championships - Selections & Latest Line