Updated today @ 4pm
THE NFL POSTSEASON has reached the divisional round with some cracking games deciding which four teams will get to play for their conference title next weekend.
Last week, Connacht rugby coach Dan McFarland’s 100% record fell by the wayside while TheScore.ie was left cursing the referees in the Dallas/Detroit game who denied us a perfect four from four.
This time, it’s the turn of Mayo star Aidan O’Shea who – like half to population of Ireland – is a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers which means his supporting interest ended last week. However, he wouldn’t mind seeing the Patriots and Tom Brady in particular win a fourth Super Bowl under Bill Belichick.
“I’ve been into the NFL a while but I’m only a Steelers fan since their last Super Bowl when they lost to the Green Bay Packers. I just like the way Ben Roethlisberger is big and fat and just kind of lumbers around but still gets the job done.
“I’ve always been impressed with their defence though, especially the likes of Troy Polamalu and James Harrsion.”
While O’Shea has been in the States a number of times during the NFL season, it’s never quite coincided with at Steelers home game, something he hopes to work on in coming seasons.
But on to this weekend’s picks:
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers – Sunday, 6.05pm
AOS: Dallas were really good against the Lions in the Wild Card round so I’m going to go with the Cowboys. Tony Romo and that offensive line are very tough to beat and haven’t lost a game on the road this year. I know the game isn’t in Dallas, but it’s a pity the NFL pitches are too small to play Gaelic football on because I’d really fancy a game there. Maybe we could reduce it to nine-a-side?
TS: If you’re only going to watch one game this weekend – though why would you do something silly like that – make it this one. The logical pick is to side with the Green Bay Packers and their perfect record this season in Lambeau Field.
However, there are question marks over the fitness of Aaron Rodgers and the Cowboys offensive line – which we looked at in detail earlier this week – have the ability to keep him off the field for long periods of time even if his is healthy. Still, though, I can’t bet against the Packers at home.
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos – Sunday, 9.40pm
AOS: I’m going to go with the Broncos. I can’t imagine any other result in this one and a mate of mine who is normally very good at tipping these things is backing Denver so that’s good enough.
TS: It’s such a great narrative, the old master in Manning coming up against the youngster who took his place but really, this game is more likely to be decided by which defence can make the big plays.
Indianapolis won’t have learned a lot from beating the Bengals last weekend but their defence will fancy their chances against a Peyton Manning whose arm appears to be getting weaker every single game. It’ll be close but I’m picking the Colts, just.
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Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – Saturday, 9.35pm
Aidan O’Shea: When I was doing the research for this it seems that experts are split 50-50 on the outcome. Having said that, I’ve been to Boston in the winter and it’s cold so I’m going to pick the Patriots as I think the conditions will suit them better. Obviously, I hope they win it all if the Steelers can’t.
TheScore.ie: I suppose the reason most people are undecided on the result of this one is that – despite how good the Patriots have been this year - the Ravens have a really good record in Foxborough under John Harbaugh, winning two of their last three visits in the playoffs and only losing the other by a shanked last-gasp field goal.
For that reason, my gut tells me I should back Baltimore but I’m siding with Aidan and picking the Patriots.
Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, 1.15am
AOS: There’s no chance for the Panthers in this game. It’s probably the easiest game of the weekend to pick and I can’t see anything other than the Seahawks winning. I really like Richard Sherman and the way he backs up all his trash talk with big plays too.
TS: Carolina go into Saturday’s late game as just the fourth team to enter the divisional round as greater than 10 point underdogs. With both teams having extraordinarily good defences – particularly over the final weeks of the season – this game could finish with less scores than an Ulster football championship game. That said, if the Panthers are as flahulach with the football as they were against the Cardinals, this is a relatively straightforward win for Seahawks.
However, if they’re not, it’s worth pointing out that no team has won a playoff game the year after winning the Super Bowl since 2005.
Originally published on Friday, 9 January.
