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.

bisons n' buffalos

Did y'all see that art showcase @ The Beauty Shop yesterday? Camille's style is fucking ill. My boy Jason Burkhardt of the P.A.C. crew dropped some bills on a piece of this, and I gotta say, it's gonna look fly wherever he puts it.

Anyway, I was at our Medical Unit in Mt. Pleasant, when our lobby television displayed the local news, highlighting C.C.I. fav's The Olympics. Shit was ballin' outrageous.

Peep the official link right here. Good to see our bro's killin' it and taking their sound to the next level.

What else do we have in the file here... Oh, my playoff record thus far is 1-1. Not quite the 4-0 I imagined, but then again, who really thought the Seahawks would take it to the Saints? Congrat's to LT and the Jets for actually proving their worth under Rex Ryan by beating the Colts with a solid, last second field goal attempt.

Blahh, other than that, mellow day here. I'm gonna hit the sack. Proofreading mixtape selections and what-not. You take it easy though!

C.C.I. xxxx

My Drinking Buddies as NFL Playoff Teams: NFC

You really thought that I would go a whole week without talking about the playoffs?  CMOOOON MAAAAN   Of course, I would talk about them more except 45 hours at Office Max leaves me no time to blog.  Hopefully this gets done before the game starts on Saturday afternoon, but if not... suck it I don't care.  Here we go...

NFC:
1.) Atlanta Falcons- Grandpa Dan: The reason my friend and member of Snakes R Us makes it as the Falcons is because he is the most conservative 22 year old drinker you will find in Wisconsin. Does he get drunk? Absolutely, but have I ever seen him do something stupid when drinking? Not really, no. It's just like the Falcons. Sure they win a ton of ball games, but do you ever hear someone talk about how good Matt Ryan is?  Not really.  I told him this and the 'no lights' performance came out meaning he hates this title, which means awesome things to come.

2.) Chicago Bears- Fant: This really makes a ton of sense for a variety of reasons. First of all, he is a FIB (one of my favorites though). Second, he is about as unpredictable as the Bears. You never know what you are going to get with him. I always brace myself when I go out with Fant because it wouldn't shock me if I ended up in Eau Claire County Jail. He also has a bit of a tempter sometimes, a lot like Jay Culter getting mad when timeouts are wasted.  Fant also has that quizzical look on his face like Lovie Smith when he has reached blackout stages. 

3.) Philadelphia Eagles- The Ginger: Don't worry Pat this isn't you, it's my friend Bails. He is a couple years older than me, but he could easily out drink me plus parties like he is a fresh 21 year old. Bails had a revitalization in his career a lot like Michael Vick, and both have been awesome to be a part of.  The Ging didn't kill dogs though so that is where the comparison ends. We have had enough rowdy times during sporting events to consider us tough enough to beat us Philly fans. 

4.)  Seattle Seahawks- B-Squared:  Some of you might see this as a shot at my friend Bert but it's not. No, I just don't remember many times where him and I really did some damage together on a Friday night. He gets comfortable and watches the History Channel on Friday night instead of getting faced with his boys.  This is the college equivalent to having a 7-9 team in the playoffs.  I am done talking about it, the only reason I am not raging on it more is because Seattle has been through a lot as a sports town, they need hope.

5.)  New Orleans Saints- Yours truly:  I chose the Saints because I see them as one of the flashier teams in the 2011 playoffs. I like to think that I am a good dresser, and care about my self image when I head out on a weekend night thus flashy. The Saints have that flashy aspect by the way they play football by chucking the ball up and down the field.  The Saints also have Who Dat, I created S.E.C. and brought STEEEEVE calls to Eau Claire, this fits and I'm done talking about myself

6.) Green Bay- Schac Attack:  Schac who is a frequent commenter on the blog is my choice for the hallowed Packers. The reason is we do not drink enough together.  Whenever we do, it's a great time and it's a strong force like the Packers performances against the New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings. But it doesn't happen enough, leaving us at inconsistent points of our career. A lot like the Packers struggles against Detroit and Washington.  Also he gets this spot, just because I still remember watching the Pack with him as young'ns and he took it more serious than me, hard to do. 

-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