Championship Playoff Predictions
The Jets, Colts, Vikings, and Saints all play for a trip to the Super Bowl in the conference championships.
New York Jets 17, Indianapolis Colts 27
A lot of noise has been made in the buildup to the AFC Championship about the Jets and Rex Ryan’s schedule planned out all the way to the Super Bowl. For some reason they’re the trendy pick even though the Colts are 8-point favorites. I don’t put much weight behind Vegas odds (see: 2007 Super Bowl), but this outpouring of Jets support seems more due to everyone loving the underdog than any real expectation of making it to the Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning and the Colts rolled over for the Jets in week 16, and although the Jets can cling to the “We gave the Colts their first loss!” mantra, it’s time for a serious reality check. The Colts have been playing great defense and are managing the clock with effective short passes and disguised runs. The Jets have been getting by on a decent running game and by underachievement of opponents. Which do you think will prevail in Indianapolis?
Minnesota Vikings 35, New Orleans Saints 31
This one is a virtual toss-up. Both teams have offenses capable of scoring from anywhere on the field at any time during the game. I’m giving this one to the Vikings mostly because the Saints are due for another huge letdown after their victory over the Cardinals. The Vikings defense is more than capable of making enough plays to maintain a slight lead.
