The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I don't care how big of a football fan you are, college or pro, the playoffs this year have reeked more than a freshly sprayed skunk going on a shower strike. Let me run down the scores of these 13 games: NCAA Alabama 24 Washington 7 Clemson 31 Ohio State 0 Clemson 35 Alabama 31 Total score: 90 - 38 = 52 (averages of 30.0 -  12.7 = 17.3) NFL Houston 27 Oakland 14 Pittsburgh 30 Miami 12 Seattle 26 Detroit 6 Green Bay 38 NY Giants 13 Atlanta 36 Seattle 20 New England 34 Houston 16 Green Bay 34 Dallas 31 Pittsburgh 18 Kansas City 16 Atlanta 44 Green Bay 21 New England 36 Pittsburgh 17 Total score: 323 - 175 = 148 (averages of 32.3 - 17.5 = 14.8) Combined scores: 413 - 213 = 200 (averages of 31.8 - 16.4 = 15.4) Of the 13 playoff games that have been played thus far, only 3 have been decided by one possession (23.1%), while 8 have been decided by three possessions or more (61.5%). If we exclude the three one-possession games, the combined score of these 10 playoff ...

Sunday Game: New England at Denver Prediction: New England - Watching the two AFC divisional games this past weekend, it appears as if New England's offense is healthier than its been in a while and Denver's lucky to be playing this next week. If it wasn't for Fitzgerald Toussaint's fumble, Denver could very well have been sitting at home for this game. So long as the Pats' offensive line can protect Tom Brady relatively well in this game, I have to like their chances in this one. Their offense is healthier than it's been in several weeks, Brady has been much more consistent throwing the football than Peyton Manning this season, not to mention he's had the upper-hand in the two future Hall-of-Famers' postseason matchups. Lastly, considering the fact New England blew a 4th quarter lead against the Broncos earlier this season, I have a difficult time seeing Bill Belichick lose again to the same team in a single season. I'll take the Pats on the roa...

Saturday Game: Kansas City at New England Prediction: Kansas City - I know odds would have it that the New England Patriots, led by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, at Foxboro, following a bye week, is a near victory guarantee. However, I'm going against the odds on this one. When it comes to wins and losses, no team is hotter than the Kansas City Chiefs, who have reeled off 11 straight victories since starting the season 1-5, including a 30-0 thrashing on the road against Houston last week in the Wild Card round. New England may be healthier than they've been, but that's not saying a whole lot, and so long as the Pats' offensive line plays as they've been playing, Tom Brady won't be nearly as effective as he's been in past such situations. I'm going with the upset - the Chiefs on the road by 4. Result: New England 27 Kansas City 20 Record: 0-1 Game: Green Bay at Arizona Prediction: Arizona - Who was that Green Bay Packers team that steamrolled...

With the NFL playoffs being set and starting in a week, I thought I'd count down my favorites heading into the post season, starting with #12: 12) Green Bay Packers (10-6) - The Green Bay Packers are playing like anything but a playoff team right now. If it wasn't for their 6-0 start this season, they'd likely be sitting at home for the playoff. The team is just 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Packers' receivers aren't getting separation, their offensive line isn't protecting Aaron Rodgers or creating running lanes for their tailbacks, and even Rodgers has been made to look pedestrian. Even if Green Bay wins at Washington in the first round of the playoffs, which won't be easy, they'll then have to go on the road to face either Carolina (15-1) or Arizona (13-3). I'd be shocked if the Packers make it past the 2nd round. 11) Houston Texans (9-7) - Here's a team that started the season 2-5, but have won 7 of their last 9 games, are playing some ...

Saturday Game: Kansas City at Houston Prediction: Kansas City - These two teams started the year a combined 3-10, but finished the year a combined 17-2. Houston's defense has been stepping up a great deal in recent weeks, but then again, so has Kansas City's. The Chiefs, winners of ten in a row, have a more consistent quarterback in Alex Smith, finally have a vertical threat in Jeremy Maclin, and should be able to score just enough points to eek out a win. I'll take Kansas City on the road by a field goal. Result: Kansas City 30 Houston 0 Record: 1-0 Game: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati Prediction: Pittsburgh - A lot depends on the health and readiness of Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton. If he's fully healthy, isn't being rushed back, and doesn't showcase much rust in his return, I'd be inclined to go with the Bengals at home. However, I don't believe that's going to be the case, and unfortunately for Dalton, Marvin Lewis, and the Bengals, ...

In light of the new college football playoff rankings, ESPN staff writer Heather Dinich wrote an interesting article today, entitled, "College Football Playoff contenders judged differently according to committee's 'eye test'" (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/14101809/college-football-playoff-selection-committee-making-clear-distinctions-teams-using-own-eye-test). In this article, Ms. Dinich contends that while the playoff committee still takes strength of schedule and quality wins into consideration while ranking teams, it appears as if the "eye test" may be the most important component of all, and I tend to agree with her. The problem with this is, though, as Brad Pitt said in the film Burn After Reading , "Appearances can be deceptive." While I've been on board with a playoff in college football for a number of years, I've tended to favor computers deciding the most deserving teams rather than people. The reason for ...

Sunday Game: Green Bay at Seattle Pick: Seattle - One has to be pulling for the hampered Aaron Rodgers somewhat, but I have a difficult time seeing a hobbled Rodgers going into Seattle and getting the better of the best defense in the league. Seattle's on a roll and is once again looking like the Super Bowl-winning team from a year ago. I'll go with the home team in this one by a touchdown. Result: Seattle 28 Green Bay 22 OT Record: 1-0 Game: Indianapolis at New England Pick: New England - With the AFC Championship game at Foxboro, this has all the makings of a Bill Belichick/Tom Brady victory, especially with the impressive way they overcame a two touchdown deficit in their come-from-behind win over Baltimore a week ago. Indy is a team on the rise, but is still a year or two away from seriously contending for the Super Bowl. I'll go with the Pats at home by 10. Result: New England 45 Indianapolis 7 Record: 2-0 Week Record: 2-0 (1.000) Overall Playoff R...

While, at the end of the day, the Dallas Cowboys came back from 14 points down to defeat the Detroit Lions 24-20 on Sunday, all the talk is about the phantom flag (phantom flags would be more appropriate). With 8:25 left in the 4th quarter and the Lions up 20-17, Detroit faced a 3rd-and-1 from the Dallas 46-yard line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford then threw a pass toward tight end Brandon Pettigrew near the 25-yard line. Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens had his back to Stafford as the pass was coming in toward Pettigrew and appeared to make contact with Pettigrew as the pass hit Hitchens in the back. Almost immediately, a flag was thrown for pass interference on Hitchens. In the NFL, if a defender "face-guards" a receiver, but doesn't make contact with him, it's not a penalty. However, if contact is made, then it constitutes as pass interference, according to Rule 8, Section 5, Article 2 (1) of the NFL rule book (prohibits "contact by a player who is not pla...

Saturday Game: Baltimore at New England Pick: New England - Baltimore's offense actually looked decent in their victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday. It had been struggling quite mightily down the stretch. Due to that performance, I'm half-tempted to take the Ravens in this one. However, the Pats, at home, basically coming off a bye week - it's difficult going against Belichick in that scenario. Baltimore should keep it close, but I'll go with the Pats at Foxboro by 6. Result: New England 35 Baltimore 31 Record: 1-0 Game: Carolina at Seattle Pick: Seattle - Carolina's playing their best football of the season right now, but their defense was largely aided by Arizona's injuries on offense in the Wild Card game and Cam Newton was cringing for about 2/3 of the game. I have a hard time seeing this Panthers team going into Seattle and beating the defending Super Bowl champs. Expect Newton to cringe plenty more by the time this one is through. I'll go w...

Saturday Game: Arizona at Carolina Pick: Carolina - It's really a shame Arizona has been so banged up this year, especially at quarterback. Of course, just about every team could play the what-if card, but it especially applies to the Cardinals, who would probably be the top seed in the NFC if Carson Palmer didn't get injured. Even though part of me feels sorry for Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals, though, it's hard for me to pick them on the road against the suddenly resurgent Carolina Panthers, who, after starting the season 3-8-1, finished the regular season off at 4-0, capped by a dominating road victory against Atlanta this past Sunday. Arizona's defense should be able to keep things relatively close, but I have a difficult time believing their offense will generate enough points to put them on top at game's end. I'll go with the Panthers at home by 6. Result: Carolina 27 Arizona 16 Record: 1-0 Game: Baltimore at Pittsburgh Pick: Pittsburg...

I have a lot to get done before heading out of town on Tuesday for the holiday, so I'll give the condensed version of my picks. I'll list my picks in chronological order, with my confidence number next to each pick (1-38), and keep a running tally. Game: New Orleans Bowl Match-up: Nevada vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette (7 confidence points) Result: Louisiana-Lafayette 16 Nevada 3 Record: 1-0 (7 points out of 7 total points) Game: New Mexico Bowl Match-up: Utah State vs. UTEP Pick: Utah State (38) Result: Utah State 21 UTEP 6 Record: 2-0 (45-45) Game: Las Vegas Bowl Match-up: Utah vs. Colorado State Pick: Utah (22) Result: Utah 45 Colorado State 10 Record: 3-0 (67-67) Game: Idaho Potato Bowl Match-up: Air Force vs. Western Michigan Pick: Air Force (9) Result: Air Force 38 Western Michigan 24 Record: 4-0 (76-76) Game: Camellia Bowl Match-up: South Alabama vs. Bowling Green Pick: South Alabama (8) Result: Bowlin...

Since the start of the playoffs, like most other commentators,  Pardon the Interruption co-host Tony Kornheiser has been doubting the Kansas City Royals and their chances in the playoffs. After winning six consecutive games in the playoffs to take a 2-0 series lead against the Baltimore Orioles, Kornheiser appeared to finally stop his doubting, and actually said this on yesterday's show: "It seems like, in the playoffs, relief pitchers are more important than the starters. Most all of these teams have solid starting pitching, but these guys only go 6, 7, 8 innings and then have to be taken out. It's the teams with the best bullpens that have an advantage." (paraphrasing) I'd say I agree with Mr. Kornheiser up to an extent, but not fully. While there are exceptions, typically teams with the best starting rotations make the playoffs. Over a 162-game season, most every hitter and group of hitters will go through a slump or two. These everyday players will be set ...

While I'm not against the idea of both leagues adding a second Wild Card team to the playoffs in baseball, I am against the one-and-done format for that Wild Card games. The divisional series are just a best-of-five format, and the championship and World Series are both in a best-of-seven format. I can understand not wanting the season to last too late into October, however if the league is that concerned, how about decreasing the load of regular season games down from 162 to 155 or 150? If we can't decide who belongs in the playoffs after 150 games, we may never fully decide on the matter. Also, while I was pulling for the Kansas City Royals to win last night's Wild Card game against the Oakland Athletics, I don't think either of these two playoff teams, whom played 162 regular season games, should see their season end after a single playoff game. At the very least, it should be a three-game series. The following breakdown just doesn't make a lot of sense to me: ...

Just a couple of weeks ago, as I was watching an ESPN broadcast of a baseball game, former ace Curt Schilling talked about the Kansas City Royals, how they relied too much on speed, and that speed doesn't result in victories come playoff time. Immediately as I heard this, I shook my head and likely provided a confused expression only a mother could love. I later talked to my father about the matter, and with which he agreed, I said that I felt speed was one of the most underutilized and effective tools come playoff time. The fact of the matter is, over the course of a 162-game season, great pitching usually wins over great hitting. This year, eight of the top twelve teams in ERA made the playoffs, with the only outliers being the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at #15 (3.58) and the Detroit Tigers at #24 (4.01). Besides those two, the other playoff teams ranked as follows in that category: #1 Washington (3.03), #3 Oakland (3.22), #6 LA Dodgers (3.40), #7 Baltimore (3.47), #8 Pittsb...

It was earlier announced that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton had signed a six-year contract extension, worth $115 million. While it appears as if approximately two out of every three NFL "experts" think this is a good move by the Bengals, like with the Joe Flacco deal a year ago, I'm much less confident about it. Following his great playoff run two seasons ago, the Baltimore Ravens signed quarterback Joe Flacco to a $120.6 million deal. While I could have partially understood the move, based on the quarterback's epic performance in the playoffs that year, I thought, in the long-term, he wasn't going to be worth it. The fact was, during the regular season, he was simply an above-average quarterback throughout his career. The Ravens mainly relied on their staunch defense, their solid special teams, and their pounding ground attack to get them to and advance them in the playoffs. When Flacco signed that record-breaking deal, the Ravens had to let go of ...

After the post-game BCS National Championship game wore off, it seemed as if the biggest story in the sports world this past week was with regard to Denver Broncos starting quarterback Peyton Manning and his alleged struggles (or choke jobs as some claimed) in the playoffs. With the Broncos beating the San Diego Chargers today, that improves Manning's overall playoff record to 10-11. While Manning started his career 3-6 in the playoffs, he's 7-5 since then. Tom Brady - the press' favorite quarterback, it seems - started his career 14-3 in the playoffs and is 3-4 since that time. While I think it's understandable that the press gives Tom Brady such high praise, I think they're being quite unfair to Peyton Manning. While it's true Manning's playoff numbers were inconsistent in the early part of his career, he's been quite steady over the past 5-6 years. Since 2008, his lowest quarterback rating was 88.3, when he posted that in a 38-35 loss to Baltimore a...

Sunday Game: New England at Denver Pick: Denver - While I wouldn't argue with anyone if they were to say New England brings with them better coaching than Denver, I do think the Broncos have the better team, and playing at home, I think it'll provide them just enough of an edge to win a very tight game, which will move them on to the Super Bowl. I'll go with the Broncos by a field goal. Result: Denver 26 New England 16 Record: 1-0 Game: San Francisco at Seattle Pick: San Francisco - It's nearly impossible for a road team to win in Seattle. However, as Arizona illustrated at the tail-end of the regular season, it can happen. While Seattle's defense is playing fairly well, their offense has been sub-par over the past month or so of the season, and San Francisco is getting hot at just the right time. Following these trends, I like the 49ers to upset the Seahawks and play in their second straight Super Bowl. I'll take San Francisco by 4. Result: Seattl...

Saturday Game: New Orleans at Seattle Pick: Seattle - Look for New Orleans to play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder after getting blown out in Seattle during the regular season. However, with a an extra week to both rest banged up players and prepare for the Saints explosive offense, look for the near-unbeatable-at-home Seahawks  to win there yet again. I'll take Seattle by a touchdown. Result: Seattle 23 New Orleans 15 Record: 1-0 Game: Indianapolis at New England Pick: New England - How the Colts came back from 28 points down in the 3rd quarter to upend the Kansas City Chiefs is still beyond me at this point. However, don't look for that kind of magic (or luck) to happen in back-to-back games, especially on the road facing a Bill Belichick coached team which is coming off a bye week. Look for the Pats to limit T.Y. Hilton in the passing game, and through that, limit the Colts offense. I'll go with the Patriots by 10. Result: New England 43 Indianapolis...

Many Philadelphia Eagles fans had to shake their heads and chuckle some after seeing Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs blow a 38-10 3rd quarter lead against the Indianapolis Colts yesterday, probably saying to themselves, "Well, it looks like nothing's changed there. Same old Reid!" However, after watching the Eagles fall to the New Orleans Saints last night, these same fans also had to realistically say, "We improved this year, but still have a long ways to go." The New Orleans Saints appeared to be the superior team for close to sixty minutes last night, however, penalties and turnovers almost killed them. New Orleans gained 178 more yards than Philly, converted nine more first downs, was much more efficient on third down, held onto the ball for almost ten more minutes than the Eagles, etc. However, the Saints were also -2 in turnovers (two Drew Brees interceptions) and were penalized seven times for 85 yards. The Eagles offense wasn't nearly as explo...

Saturday Game: Kansas City at Indianapolis Pick: Kansas City - I would have been much more confident with this pick about a month or so ago. The Colts appeared to be reeling after the Reggie Wayne injury and were so inconsistent, I could have flipped a coin on them week in and week out. Still, their lack of a running game and a sub-part to average defense has me leaning toward the Chiefs in this one, whom are essentially coming off a bye week. Having the 5th seed all locked up prior to their regular season finale against the San Diego Chargers, head coach Andy Reid sat all his key starters to rest up for the team's first round playoff game. While the good Colts could very well show up at home in this game, I'll give a slight edge to the well-rested Chiefs. I'll take Kansas City by 4. Result: Indianapolis 45 Kansas City 44 Record: 0-1 Game: New Orleans at Philadelphia Pick: Philadelphia - This is an incredibly difficult pick for me to make. While I'm sure mo...