Thursday, January 1, 2009

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

This was one of the most improbable seasons ever. Nobody expected these two teams to be squaring off on wild card weekend. Most of America is rooting for the Dolphins because of their historic turnaround with the additions of Chad Pennington, Joey Porter, Tony Sparano, Bill Parcells, and new innovative offensive packages like the wildcat formation. Pennington won comeback player of the year for the second time in three years. Miami has won its last 5 games but against teams that were slumping (Rams, Bills, 49ers, Cheifs, and Jets). The only problem in their way is that they are facing arguably the best defense in the league right now. The Ravens stopped the wildcat offense in the first game and held the Dolphins to 14 points. Flacco is an emerging quarterback and the Ravens are ranked 4th in the league in rushing yards per game with 148.5. The Dolphins will try and live up to the Cinderella name but fail. Rex Ryan, the Ravens defensive coordinator, will throw blitz after blitz at Chad Pennington. By doing that, it rushes Chad Pennington and creates havoc in the backfield which helps negate the effects of the wildcat formation.

Prediction- Ravens will win this game 14-13.


Andrew Seiler

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers

This matchup features two of the hottest teams in the league right now. This might baffle some people but usually the spread on the games can determine the winner of the game. Las Vegas always wants the betters to think that they are making an easy decision but they are actually just wasting money. It is remarkable that every road team is favored on wild card weekend. Both of these teams have struggling defenses and great quarterbacks that will probably slash the defense all day. People might think that the Colts are a sure fire bet to cover this one but don't listen to them. THOSE PEOPLE ARE WRONG!!! San Diego is a great underdog pick this week.

Prediction- Chargers will win 31-27

Andrew Seiler