Are YOU ready for some football? In Chesapeake country, if you're a Marylander at heart, the answer is YES!! (C'mon Redskins fans, aren't the guys up the Parkway your AFC team?)
Life is good in Baltimore. Who would have expected the Ravens could be in the second round of the playoffs with a respectable chance to win to fight for the AFC title? As a three point favorite, that makes the Ravens almost a 50/50 chance to win as the home team is routinely spotted a field goal by the odds makers. However, the Ravens have much going for them. They must play flawless football and their offense must play a little stronger than they did in Miami. The formula is to get to the quarterback early. Score first, and win the turnover battle. A timely Ed Reed interception sure would be a good sign.
Fans have some fine matchups this weekend:
Baltimore at Tennessee (-3)
This is a game for those who love defense! The Ravens should prevail by at least a field goal.
Arizona at Carolina (-10)
One can argue that far west teams don't travel east well and the Cardinals have been no exception, but since this is a night game, some of the "jet lag" issues are abated somewhat. This is a matter of how the teams match up, and the Carolina Panthers are clearly the better team.
Philadelphia at New York Giants (-4.5)
The question to be answered by this game is are the Giants truly the same team without Plexico Burris? They had the division and a first round bye wrapped up pretty quickly, so it could be argued their late season softer play could be a result of that, but now they play a game that counts. When Donovan McNabb and the Eagles are on their game, they are awesome, but they can lose games that they should have won like against Washington, but if there's any hint of the Eagles being the team that the Ravens pummeled in November, they're toast. We're picking the Eagles to upset the Giants, but it won't be easy.
San Diego at Pittsburgh (-6.5)
Welcome east, fellahs. Gone from the Pacific coast warmth on the Mexico border, not only will the Chargers have to execute perfectly, they will have to smash Ben Rothlesberger and count on a game turning mistake by the Steelers. This is the one game that could be a blowout with Pittsburgh high atop of the rubble. Regardless, It's hard to imagine the Steelers not triumphing and hosting Baltimore next week.
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