Post-season Predictions (cont.) - Championship Games & Super Bowl
In my Divisional Round projections, I went out on a limb and predicted the Patriots would lose to the tough Jaguars to face the defending Super Bowl Champs in the AFC Championship. In the NFC, I have a rematch of the season's top 2 seeds. Here is how expect these games to play out:
(2) Colts vs (5) Jaguars: The Jaguars have arguably the best pair of RBs in the NFL in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. David Garrard has played virtually mistake-free all season. Reggie Wayne stepped up his game in Marvin Harrison's absence, but Harrison will be healthy for the game. Dallas Clark is one of the best receiving TEs in the league and Joseph Addai is one of the best RBs. After getting the monkey off his back last year, Peyton Manning has shown that he can win the big game. The Jags are 0-2 vs the Colts on the season and I expect this game to be close. However, the Jags will leave the RCA Dome winless vs the Colts this season and the Colts will have the opportunity to defend their championship.
(1) Cowboys vs (2) Packers: Will Brett Favre's season end in a 10th unsuccessful attempt to win at Texas Stadium? Or will he get his first win there when it matters the most? Much has been made about the Cowboys struggles in December, but as Wade Phillips likes to point out - this is the Cowboys team that has tied its record for most wins in the storied history of its franchise. The Cowboys have the highest scoring offense in the NFC and the Packers have the second best scoring offense and defense in the NFC. The Packers will be healthier for the rematch, but I expect the outcome to be the same. The Cowboys will get the chance to win their 6th Super Bowl and the speculation will soon begin about Favre's return in 2008.
Super Bowl XLII - Indianapolis Colts vs Dallas Cowboys:
Another ring? Who will get one? The Defending Champs? Or the franchise, along with San Francisco, that has won the most Super Bowls (5)? I think the difference in this game will be Dallas Clark. Cowboys safety Roy Williams struggles in coverage and the Colts use Clark well in their passing game. With Addai running the ball and Harrison and Wayne on the outside, Williams won't have much help. I expect Peyton and Colts to exploit this matchup. The Indianapolis Colts will head into the 2008 season looking to Three-Peat.
So, I have the Patriots not winning SuperBowl XLII. Feel bad for them? You shouldn't. Bill Belichick and the Pats have the 7th-overall pick in the 2008 draft. The rich will be getting richer. Although I think the Pats are the best team heading into the playoffs, I expect them to meet the wrong team at the wrong time, but they will most likely be pre-season favorites to win Super Bowl XLIII.