The Divisional Picks.

This could be one of the better divisional rounds with all four rematches from the regular seasons, and two games with hated rivals. I will be missing Sunday games with work, which leads me to my first DVR football day.  I will probably know who wins before the games end, but that's okay.  Here you go with the picks. 

Saturday 

Baltimore at Pittsburgh- In my opinion, this is the best rivalry in the NFL because these teams hate each other, but still have respect for one another. The Ravens impressed me with their beatdown of the Kansas City Chiefs after trailing 7-3 at halftime. The big news today though was Ray Rice caught the stomach virus, which could be a factor and we all know the flu sucks. It will be interesting to see if Rice plays or even contributes. I still don't trust Joe Flacco as much as I do with Ben Roethlisberger.   

People forget how good Big Ben is in the playoffs.  He has two Super Bowl rings already, and has a true deep threat in Mike Wallace.  The Ravens aren't that great against the pass, and I am willing to bet Wallace has at least one touchdown.  The one that pulls me towards the Ravens is the weak Pittsburgh cornerbacks. Bryant McFadden gets picked on all the time, and Anquan Boldin had two pretty solid games against the Steel Curtain.  I am torn on this one, and when that happens, you take the home team by three. PITT 23-20 (OT)  

Green Bay at Atlanta- The Packers are receiving a lot of hype in the last week as they were with Philadelphia but it still scares me.  A must for the Packers is to come out and hit the Falcons in the mouth in the first quarter. The Falcons haven't played a meaningful game since New Orleans further you can argue that game still didn't matter much because they knew Carolina was up next.  This leads us to their last important game on Thanksgiving weekend against The Pack.  If the Packers have a solid first quarter say a 10-0 lead or like a 14-3, this will be a Packer victory.  

Atlanta is a very good team when they have the lead.  They are not built as a quick strike offense that can score touchdowns at will. The Dirty Birds need to ride Michael Turner and long exhausting drives to win this game. In no way can Matt Ryan carry this team throughout the game.  For some reason ESPN fails to mention... Matt Ryan hasn't won a playoff game! Granted, it's just one game but that's the same thing with Aaron Rodgers but whatever. The Falcons are very poor against the pass and every good quarterback has done very successful against them. The Packer offensive line will be the key to this game, if they are great this could be a rout.  But it's a road playoff game so you expect to be close, and that's what I see.  GB 27-21  

Sunday 

Seattle at Chicago- I cannot believe people are buying the Seattle hype. I know this is Jay Culter's first playoff game, which scares me than becoming a part of the Human Centipede. I will be interested to see how he handles himself, but trust me, he will do enough to beat Seattle.  Here's the thing, the Hawks do have the momentum, but they went 2-6 on the road. In addition, Matt Hasselback looked the best he has in three years last week against a weak New Orleans secondary. Not to pile it on like my name is Clay Bennett, but Marshawn Lynch will not do anything against the second-best rush defense. They have four of the best tacklers in the front seven.     

Now that I am on fire like Reggie Miller at MSG, you mean to tell me that Russell Okung, the rookie left tackle has to stop Julius Peppers?! Child please.  I have a feeling we see Clipboard Jesus by the third quarter. To finish off why the Bears will win by large margin, the Seahawks are in the bottom tier at stopping the run and Matt Forte, if Mike Martz allows it, will run wild. The Saints weren't able to balance the run and pass leading to their defeat. The Bears will do it and win handily.  CHI 31-10

New York Jets at New England- People are pumped about this one because the consistent shit talking going on throughout the week.  While the Ravens-Steelers let their play do the talking, the Jets-Pats do not carry that same credence. If I am the Jets, I will take the Packers game plan from a couple of weeks ago. Just use their running game as much as possible, and try to control the clock to keep Tom Brady off the field.  But I keep coming back to Mark Sanchez's noodle arm.  I tweeted last week "Mark Sanchez blows" and "Glad to see the Jets figured out Sanchez has a noodle arm."  He isn't okay, I really think he is hurt. 

Another quick prediction is that Brady will go over the top on Antonio Cromartie in the first five plays of the game and if it's a touchdown, the rout could be on. Most people think this will be a blowout, but I honestly see a close game to the very end with Brady leading a last second drive for the win over Cromartie.  NE 31-28  

-Charlie.

3-1, The National Title, & The Tiny Exclusive Track

The Ravens, Jets and Packers came through for me this weekend. The Saints did not, so that's 3-1 for Captain Captain Industries' NFL playoff picks for the 2011 season. I'll get to picking next week's games soon, but right now, we're closed for business today, as our Oregon Ducks are playing Cam Newton and Auburn in Glendale, AZ for the national title.

As a bonus for putting up with our holiday, we'll throw a demo track your way --

Captain Captain Industries : "Department Party (Vox Demo)"

We'll get to cleaning up around the office eventually. 'til then, y'all.
Go Ducks!
C.C.I. xxxxx

My Drinking Buddies as Playoff Teams: AFC

I apologize for this taking until Sunday but I like to party hard so that takes the place of blogging sometimes. I would like to think I won the 'title belt' for my performance last night, but that's a whole another story for another time.

1.) New England Patriots- E: The reason E gets this spot because I don't remember a lot of times where E told me he wasn't going out on a weekend. Is he bad influence sometimes?  Yes but does he always bring the party? Yes.  The Pats are the best team in the NFL right now and E's performance of being at a bar from 9 am to 8 pm on a Saturday will never be forgotten like the streak Tom Brady had this season.

2.) Pittsburgh Steelers- Doz:  I like this spot for the Doz because he is a consistent drinker just like the Steelers are a consistent team. I have witness this guy as John Gruden would say pound near 15 beers without phasing him. He has been known to get a little wild, but nothing like Big Ben.  Also I wrestled with him once, and never doing that again. I feel like that's how it is to go against the Steel Curtain.

3.) Indianapolis Colts- Mitz: My partner in crime last night gets this spot because he isn't going to wow you with his drinking skills, but he always gets the job the done.  He is always thinking about the next step like Peyton Manning. The only time he gets the expressionless look that Jim Caldwell has is when he gets flashed in the kitchen.
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4.) Kansas City Chiefs- Benny VDubbs: One of my younger drinking buddy who will be turning 21 this coming week. I am excited/scared to see what he has to offer at the bars in the upcoming months. A lot like the Chiefs who have a bunch of young talented that could be really good in the upcoming years. I really like their young nucleus of Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.

5.) Baltimore Ravens- Big Cat: I had trouble placing the BC but he gets this spot.  The Ravens will make big hits, they will make statements to the league (see Terrell Suggs, Ray Lews), and get aggressive. When Big Cat comes out of his lair, this basically describes a night out with him.  He will start with the Goose, then laid out Mitz while walking to bars, and speak the truth to women. Bless his heart.

6.) New York Jets- Patty P:  Him and I haven't drank as much as we probably should have, but I know there is a ton of talent there.  Kinda like how the Jets have skills that aren't always used  Additionally, he has a firey mouth that may get him into trouble, but usually says just enough to get people to laugh it off.  A lot like this....



Take care enjoy your weekend, playoff reactions/National Championship breakdown/ Return of Daily Debates

-Charlie.

NFL Wild Card Picks

The playoffs are here and I have gotten superstitious.  There are certain things I refuse to eat, places I refuse to go, and chairs where I refuse to sit.  Last year, it wasn't that bad but this year seems to have some good vibes going so I will keep it for the Packers on Sunday. Here we go with the Wild Card Picks.

Saturday
5.) New Orleans at 4.) Seattle- I am scheduling a nap for the beginning of this game. I will be disgusted if a 7-9 team actually gets a playoff win, but it could happen.  Matt Hassleback is lethal against the blitz and the Saints only have two healthy running backs. That might be a bigger concern for the upcoming game if the Saints win.  It will be close and people will start wondering how lucky Chicago/Atlanta could get if the Hawks win the game.  The Who Dat crew pulls away in the fourth quarter.  NO 35-20

6. New York Jets at 3.) Indianapolis- Rex Ryan is running his mouth about Peyton Manning and my only explanation is he loves to put his foot in his mouth if he's wrong. I really haven't seen a great performance from Manning in the past month, but that doesn't mean he can't do it again.  I will be curious to see how much Antonio Cromartie gets picked on as they will likely stay away from Darrelle Revis. The Colts can't run the ball, and I don't buy the Colts are all the sudden better at stopping the run. The Jets wear down the clock in the fourth quarter for the W.   NYJ 24-16

Sunday
5.) Baltimore at 4.) Kansas City- You might think that GB-PHI is the most puzzling game of the weekend, but I think it's this one. I like the Ravens, but I have felt they have been overrated throughout the year. Joe Flacco shits the bed every time in late game situations, and their running game has been nonexistent against certain teams. The Chiefs looked unimpressive against the Oakland Raiders last week but they are much better than people give them credit for in my opinion. But I cannot take the Chiefs.  The Ravens struggled against stopping the pass, but are in the top five in stopping the run, which is the KC's speciality. You always have to take the defense. I don't think this is the last time we will see the Chiefs in the playoffs.  BALT 20-14

6. Green Bay at 3.) Philadelphia- Am I worried that people are riding Green Bay?  Yes.  But do I feel confident?  Yes.  The Eagles do not have a good secondary, and their offensive line is much maligned like the Pack last season. So that translates into Aaron Rodgers tearing through that secondary like a tender steak, and the Packers throwing the kitchen sink at Michael Vick. I do have two worries.. Sam Shields gets exposed even though he can keep up with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, and the screen game with LeSean McCoy. I love the Packers to have a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter and I am doing tequila shots at Hectors in celebration with the Ryans.  GB 31-20 

-Charlie.  

Post-Season NFL Picks Vol. I

-- C.C.I. Playoff Picks --

New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks

After an abysmal NFC West 'showdown' Sunday night, the Seattle Seahawks became the first team in NFL history to reach the playoffs with a losing record (7-9). Pete Carroll, the team's first year coach, said that this feat didn't bother him, and rather embraced the 'innovation' behind Seattle being handed another football game in Qwest stadium. The Seahawks finished the season by losing 7-of-10, their quarterback, and a large portion of fan support, and somehow stumble into a home-field playoff spot vs. the defending Super Bowl Champions.

So how does Seattle upset New Orleans? Simple. They don't.

Sometimes luck is just talent hidden in modesty. Not in this case. Seattle should thank their lucky stars that they have one foot in the post-season. New Orleans should thank their lucky stars that they now practically have a first-round bye. Gregg Williams, New Orleans' phenom of a defensive coordinator, should thank his lucky stars that his looming opponent will be either playing a mediocre Hasselbeck, or a rookie at the QB position. I don't buy Seattle for a second. I do however, buy their jerseys. Seattle may have one of the most elegant uniforms in the NFL.



Verdict : New Orleans is a 10.5 favorite going into Seattle. I completely agree with that. New Orleans wins big behind Brees' post-season savvy.

New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts

Minnesota, Dallas, and the Jets -- three teams that were absolutely surrounded in pre-season hype and hubbub by professionals and NFL regulars alike. Only the latter made the playoffs, so that should tell you a considerable about making your picks before the season begins.

Peyton Manning's coming off of an odd season, to say the least. The Colts have so many injuries this year that it's really is a wonder, and a mere miracle, that Indy's entered the post-season for an NFL-record tying 9th consecutive time. As a result of winning the AFC South's lone playoff berth, the Colts get the privilege of hosting Rex Ryan and his squadron of green and white in the good ol' state of Indiana.

I've grown pretty damn sick of the Jets this year, to be honest. Whether it was the two/three week long speculation of benching USC alum, Mark Sanchez, or Rex's irrelevant infatuation with feet, the Jets seemed to be on ESPN every waking minute of 2010. However, I refuse to believe that a banged-up Indy offense wins this key game. Peyton's good, but then again, St. Louis' Sam Bradford's pretty good, and did you see last night? If you wanna win solely because of QB play, then you certainly need somebody to catch the ball for you.

Verdict : Indy has a 2.5 swing going into this game -- reasonable, but not what I'm going with. I'll take the Jets to win in Indy.

Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

First off, I do tip my hat to the Chiefs. Granted, their divisions a little awry, but none-the-less, KC deserved their post-season berth. Matt Cassel's looking strong, and of course, there's Jamaal Charles, the second-leading rusher in the NFL this season. On the other hand, coming off of a blowout loss at home to the Oakland Raiders didn't do much for any hopes that the Chiefs could represent the AFC in Dallas, something which Ray Rice and the Baltimore Ravens should know when they fly in for a less-than-friendly welcome at what has been described as the loudest stadium in the NFL.

Flacco's looking steady. The defense always roars. The Chiefs know this will be an uphill battle. The question is though, can the Ravens slow down the run? Jones may not be a factor, but Charles will.

Verdict : Beards and all, I have to give this one to Baltimore. Harbaugh's a solid coach, and it seems that the Ravens have been guaranteed a post-season slot each of his three years at the head of the table. Remember last year's routing of New England? Baltimore wasn't even favored to win, and pulled it off. Now, the Ravens are 2.5 favorites -- something I think they'll manage to cover.

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Easily the most intriguing match-up to open off the postseason. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most regarded quarterbacks this season, much like his adversary, Michael Vick. The Pack just beat Chicago at Lambeau in a crucial game for Green Bay, while the Eagles rested Vick and took a one-point loss to Dallas. The talk of Vick playing Atlanta, his former home, is growing profusely. DeSean Jackson's still one of the biggest statement-makers in clutch games. Does Green Bay have the gall to halt Philly?

Maybe. That's what makes this so interesting. Both teams have played wonderfully, and then, there are times where both teams have been a bit lack-luster. It's all a question of who shows up to play ball.

Verdict : The Eagles are favored by 2.5 in this one. Vick's the talk of the NFL, and while he may not nab that MVP honor, he's easily the biggest comeback player in recent history. However, I give my nod to the Pack. They're much better up front then they've been in recent years, and last year's OT loss @ Arizona has to haunt Rodgers. Vick's battling a minor injury, and he's been a tad erratic lately. My pick of the week? The Pack upset Philly for either a repeat showdown with Chicago or a tall task in Atlanta.


Call 'em stone-cold locks. 4-4 baby!

CCI xxx