A Political Scientist’s NFL picks

A Political Scientist’s NFL picks
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Updated on 1-22-2010

So, I was wrong about a few of those games. I went 2-2 in my predictions, missing the Jets victory over the Chargers and the Saints destruction of the Cardinals defense.

For this week I am going to be picking two teams that I feel are riding pretty high.

Vikings – Saints:

Last week the Vikings came out and dominated a red hot Cowboys team. They stopped the Cowboys offense cold and were able to score almost at will against their defense; which had been playing well.

The Cardinals come into New Orleans after a close game with the Packers. They came in flat and the Saints had returned to form, not a good combination for the Cardinals.

Sunday, we will have two teams in the Vikes and the Saints that are both playing great football.

Earlier this morning on Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN radio one of the Mike’s said that if this game was played 10 times each team would win 5 of the games. I agree.

But, for this week I am predicting the Vikings will get the win. Brett Favre will be able to compete with Drew Brees. The big difference is the Vikings are a better team. The VIkings have better WR’s, two running backs that are better then the Saints best RB, a great TE and a amazing defense.

The Vikings defensive line will be able to put pressure on Brees which will allow the secondary and linebackers to stay in coverage to slow down the passing attack. Don’t expect Bush, Bell or Thomas to do much. Even though Kevin Williams has a bruised bone, he should be good to go. With a limited running attack and facing a strong pass rush, Brees will be forced to throw more then he would like. This will lead to a few turnovers on the Saints side.

Look for the Vikings to get up early and never look back.

Vikings 36 Saints 14

Jets – Colts:

This is another great game. We have a surprise team in the Jets and the perennial favorite in the Colts. The Jets have the number one rushing attack and number defense in the NFL and stopped the high flying offense of the Chargers this past week.

The Colts demolished the Ravens and are looking like the team to beat in the playoffs right now. In the end the Colts will win. The fact is that Manning will be dominate enough and be careful enough to get the Colts a victory. Although the game will be close. I can’t imagine that Mark Sanchez will be able to pull this one out, but if he did that would be amazing. Look for a Vikings – Colts Superbowl for 2010.

Colts 21 Jets 17

Here are last week’s picks.

2010 has started off just as quickly as 2009 ended. We just finished a crazy year and it seems that we are starting a new brand of craziness. Haiti is enduring a horrific disaster and the aftermath of it, the Airline industry is facing scrutiny after an attempted bombing of a plane, Yemen is under pressure because of this, Afghanistan is heating up, Jay Leno is stealing Conan’s timeslot back on NBC, NASA found cocaine in their space shuttle hangers and we are in the midst of the NFL playoffs.

A lot is going on currently. The Red Cross, US and the rest of the world have taken it upon themselves to make sure Haiti does not collapse. Obama, along with the EU, have also pledge their dedication to helping Haiti and with airport security. Cleric’s from Yemen have threatened Jihad if the US attacks Yemen and more troops will be going to Afghanistan. We are seeing NBC become the butt of many jokes because Conan is getting the shaft as Leno is taking over again. I can only imagine the astronauts from NASA being the ones who used the cocaine as well; probably bringing it with them in orbit.

But, selfishly, I keep thinking about the NFL playoffs. As I am currently working on many articles at the moment, I thought I would add some NFL predictions for all those who might be so inclined to care.

Arizona at New Orleans Sat 4:30PM-

This is a tough call. But, Arizona proved to be a good pick for me last year and I am thinking they are the hot team going into this game. New Orleans has an amazing offense, and a big play defense, both of which have not been playing that well as of late. Fortunately for New Orleans they have plenty of rest. In the end the Cardinals will take the game.

My prediction Arizona 35 New Orleans 33

Baltimore at Indianapolis Sat 8:15PM

The Ravens dominated the Patriots this past week in a game that surprised most people. They have weak QB play currently, but Ray Rice is an amazing Running Back. Too bad they are going against the Colts. With Peyton Manning as the QB you know the Ravens are going to have to score a ton of points to be able to win. I do not expect this to happen, unless Manning has a Brady-like performance against the Ravens.

My prediction Colts 28 Ravens 14

New York at San Diego Sun 4:40PM

Chargers. This is an easy one, the Jets may have a great running game and defense, but the Chargers are too much for the Jets to handle. It would be the surprise of the week if Mark Sanchez is able to pass for 2 TD’s and no picks against the Chargers this week like he did last week against the awful Bengals.

Chargers 33 Jets 21

Dallas Cowboys at the Minnesota Vikings Sun 1:00PM

As a die-hard Vikings fan this game has been holding my attention since the Cowboys routed the Eagles last week. The Cowboys are a team to fear, I would not assume that they will roll over and be begging for mercy. Even though Favre has said he would be ‘shocked’ to not win this game, I think it will be a close one. Romo will pass for 250 -300 yards with 2-3 TD’s, Miles Austin will get his 100 yards receiving and Witten might come close as well. The Vikes run defense will show up and stop the Dallas running game in its tracks. Jared Allen and Co will apply enough pressure on Romo to cause him to make some bad plays, whether it is a bad pass on 3rd down or an easy interception, it will happen. This game will be one or lost on the play of the offensive and defensive lines of both teams. Both defensive lines seem to have the advantage, except that the Vikings offense is a lot more explosive. Once the Vikes establish the running game and short distance passes, then look for the Favre to Sidney Rice connection. Expect Shiancoe and Harvin to also get in on the action.

My prediction Vikings 28- Cowboys 27

Last week I was 2-2 in my predictions. I correctly predicted the Jets and Cowboys wins and did not predict the Ravens or the Cardinals to go on. We can now only wait and see what happens. I hope that everyone enjoys this little break in their hectic lives that we call the NFL playoffs.

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