Spreading 'em wider for the postseason....okay, next season we need a new name for this.

I mentioned how there are seven prognosticators (writers, columnists and some guy named "Vegas Vic") in the Phila. Daily News who pick the games each week against the spread. The best record among them is 125-125-6, right at .500. The next best is 119-131-6, so I would be in second place among this bunch! HA! Anyhoo....

Indianapolis at NY Jets (-6): The Jets are on a roll, while the Colts look so good in some games (like against the Eagles.....grrrrr.....) and so awful in others (like against the Giants.....grrrrr.....) that it's mind-boggling. But somehow I think Indy is gonna cover, even if I don't see them winning. Colts +6.

Atlanta at Green Bay (-6 1/2): On a January day in Green Bay, why the heck does this game have to be played at night? That borders on unfair! The forecast calls for 27 degrees and a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Hey, Mike Vick, what happened to your magic? The Falcons seriously backed into the playoffs. The only reason they made it is because the Saints had a worse collapse. (Both of these teams opened the door for the Giants.....grrrrr.....) As inconsistent as the wounded Packers are, they shouldn't have much difficulty here. Packers -6 1/2.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-7 1/2): These two teams have played tight games, both won by the Steelers by a field goal. Why should this one be any different? Browns +7 1/2.

N.Y. Giants at San Francisco (-3 1/2): Another game in which the New York team is on a roll and their opponent is maddeningly inconsistent. But unlike the Colts, the 49ers are at home. Will that be enough? I don't think so. Giants +3 1/2.

So when I posted my predictions I was obviously drunk while making the Saturday picks...and swiftly sobered up for the Sunday games!

This week: 2-2
Playoff record: 2-2
Overall record: 122-132-6, .481

Divisional picks:

TENNESSEE -4 over Pittsburgh
PHILADELPHIA -7 1/2 over Atlanta
San Francisco +5 1/2 over TAMPA BAY
NY Jets +5 1/2 over OAKLAND

[ January 10, 2003: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Joe, I've enjoyed your thread all the way! But c'mon, if you had actual $$$ on the line, would you REALLY pick Philly +7 ½ over the Vicks Vapo-O-Rubs? 7 ½? Really? 7 ½?

Sure would. I have no reason to believe that this will be anything less than a 10-point win for the Eagles. They've been focused on their goal of the Super Bowl since last January's loss in the NFC title game. If Donovan McNabb's injury didn't stop them, nothing will.

Well, I got the important game right. Tennessee just missed covering, and the Jets were close for awhile, at least.

This week: 1-3
Playoff record: 3-5
Overall record: 123-135-6, .477

Okay, conference championships...

I am inclined to think that both games will be close. The four teams involved aren't flukes. The one team that seems to be most lightly regard is Tennessee, yet they've been red hot for a while now. Steve McNair has been amazing.

I read something interesting in the paper today: in recent years, Oakland's first game in the playoffs was a strong win, but each time they struggled the following week. The Raiders this year reminded me of last year's Detroit Red Wings. I kept waiting for them to slow down due to age, and they never did. I keep thinking the same of the Raiders. I expect them to win, but I think the Titans will cover. I'm picking the Titans +7 1/2.

And then there's that other game that, here in Philadelphia, we've heard, oh, a word or two about. I spelled it out in one of the other threads, so here's the abridged version: Eagles pass rush & secondary shut down Johnson and receivers, McNabb generates enough offense to win. Eagles -4.

Joe, yu had me eating crow (with a tasty Bernaise, sans doute) last week, but this week I'm with you all the way. Go Titans!

Sadly, Seph, your faith in me goes unrewarded.

This week: 0-2
Playoff record: 3-7
Overall record: 123-137-6, .474

As for the Super Bowl, not that I care or that I'll even watch, but I'm going with Oakland minus the 3 1/2.

So happy here to see you pick the Raiders, Joe. Based upon your picks this year, that gives me even more reason to believe that my Bucs will kick some raider ass. . . .