NFL Playoffs

Hola ETC readers. This weekend is one of the best football weekends of the year. It's the second round of the playoffs and only 8 teams remain. Of all the playoff weekends, I like this one the best. You still have 4 games to watch, 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday and generally speaking the best games occur this weekend. That is because teams have been eliminated that either squeaked into the playoffs or just weren't playing good football. So the talent level is higher than last week and the players realize they one game closer to the Super Bowl.

So to get you fired up for the weekend I've decided to unveil my first video that I have made for the blog. But before I do that, I've got say a few things about the weekend.

I realize that the majority of the male viewers are well aware of who is playing, what is at stake and every key matchup to watch. However I cannot leave our female readers out to dry. So ladies, I'm going to try and get you interested in the games and give you some advice and things to talk about if you find yourself at a party or bar with guys who are enthralled with the games.

1. Guys love football, but they love watching football even more. We don't want to miss the start of the games, so resist the urge to ask if you can catch up on Gossip Girl episodes before or between the games.

2. The Saints/Cardinals game is going to a "shoot-out" meaning there will be a lot of scoring and a lot of passing. If you want to impress a guy, talk about Kurt Warner's ability to complete passes against the blitz, and that you think his veteran leadership will really make a difference. Even if you don't understand what you're saying, he will.

3. Despite having a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback, you think that the Jet's can win the game if they can run the football and not turn the ball over. (This is very cliched and obvious, but if you're a beginner at talking football to guys, this should do the trick. Consider it the "bunny hill" of football talk)

4. When talking about the games, less is more. Especially if you're not a true fan or don't really know what you're talking about. Use one of these talking points that I'm laying out for you and then let the guy control the conversation. Chances are he will be so happy that you're interested he will tell you everything you need to know.

5. Peyton Manning might be the best quarterback of all time, not just the funny guy that does commercials with Justin Timberlake.

I hope that helps ladies. But now on to my picks. Our resident expert, MP4, is so swamped with work that his company has sent him away from society to the frozen tundra of Maine. It's so bad that he may not even be able to watch his beloved J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! Let's all say a quiet prayer that he finds a way to watch the game. So I will do my best to fill in for him, which is no easy task I might add.

Cardinals (+7) over Saints- The playoff rule is never pick the underdog unless you think they can win outright. Well I think they will win outright. They are on a role, and the Saints lost their last 3 games of the season. It used to be that the bye week was desired in the playoffs, but lately the hottest team has had the edge. It will be a tough atmosphere, but I think the Cardinals pull it out on the road. Cardinals 37- Saints 34.

Colts (-6.5) over Ravens- I love how the Ravens are playing, and the same can be said about the Colts as previously said about the Saints. They've lost their last 2 games and are coming off the bye week. But they sat Peyton Manning most of the last 2 games and they just aren't the same team with Manning on the Bench. Ravens will definitely keep it close, and may even have the lead in the 4th quarter, but Manning will not lose this game at home. Colts 24 Ravens 17.

Cowboys (+3) over Vikings- It pains me to pick the Cowboys, but I think they are playing great football. Romo is shockingly playing his best ball of the season, in the playoffs no less, and they have a power run game to match. The Vikings only chance is to hope that Adrian Peterson has a day because I think Favre is too run down and too old to pull it out. Cowboys 30-Vikings 24

Chargers (-7) over Jets- I think the Chargers just have too much firepower for the Jets to stop. If Sanchez can play as well as he did last week the Jets have a very real shot. But I think he is going to have to throw it more then 15 times this week, and if he completes around 20 passes, the Jets win. But I don't think that will happen. Chargers 28 Jets 26.

I've watched a lot of football and made a lot of picks, but I honestly don't feel confident about any of these games. It wouldn't surprise me if any team won this weekend, which makes a recipe for great games. So without further adieu, here is the video I put together to get you fired up for the weekend. For optimal enjoyment, jack up the volume and watch in full screen mode. Enjoy the games, and until next time, as always.....STAY SWEET!