Auld Lang Syne

It has been a bittersweet year for me.  At least it ends, like every other year, with football.

I've had some bitter moments this year.  My children have had issues at school.  In our section of Indiana, we had a difficult winter which even included the words "Polar Vortex."  My work in the medical field has been made more difficult by the new Healthcare Laws enacted this year.  We will even be home schooling in the new year.  By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.

However, we had some memorable events this year, too.   We had two weddings in one weekend.  We saw my son have a memorable debut in High School Baseball.  My daughter has blossomed on stage, showing dancing skills that must have skipped a generation.  My wife had a big work assignment and ushered in and electronic era.  Sometimes the best things are the little things.

So I get to watch a little football.  I've already registered my opinion on the College Football playoffs (see my post Playoff Scenario).  I've seen or heard nothing to change my mind.

The NFL playoffs are a different story.  Let's walk through, game by game:

Arizona at Carolina- Don't let Carolina's sub-.500 record throw you.  They have a good defense, and the offense is capable.  Down the stretch, when it counted, they didn't lose.  Cam Newton needs to win, and show he is a top level quarterback.

Arizona is wounded at best.  Ryan Lindley is a good quarterback, but playoff football is a whole new world that moves at a different speed.  Third string quarterbacks don't have a good track record in playoff games.  (Back ups can do something, see Frank Reich coming back from 32 down against Houston in 1993.)

It's hard to call a win at home an upset, but Arizona is  a 6 1/2 point favorite.  Take the Panthers and the points.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh- They split head to head during the regular season.  The quarterback matchup is intriguing, as both have won a Super Bowl.  If it comes down to quarterback play, give Pittsburgh a huge advantage.  However, the past doesn't count for much.

The team that runs the football, wins the game.  LaVeon Bell's injury is huge, and LaGarrette Blount will need to play above his head.  Justin Forsett has quietly racked up over 1,200 yard rushing, and will be the key.  Forsett goes for over 120 yards and the Ravens win a big game on the road in the playoffs.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis- Another playoff appearance for each team.  Cincinnati has something to prove.  With Andy Dalton at the helm, the Bengals are searching for their first playoff win.  The Colts and Andrew Luck are searching for a big playoff win.

Jeremy Hill is a key.  He is the only back in the game to rush for over 1,000 yards and the only back capable of dominating the game.  If Cincinnati's line can dominate the line of scrimmage, it could be a long day for  the Colts.

The Colts are a 3 1/2 point favorites.  They may need every point.

Detroit at Dallas-  Wait a minute: Dallas 4-4 at home?  8-0 on the road?  What about home field advantage?

Detroit has a stronger defense than Dallas.  Dallas has an experienced quarterback in Tony Romo, and Matthew Stafford prepares for his second playoff start.  Dallas has DeMarco Murray, Detroit has Calvin Johnson.  Detroit's defensive line got a boost when Suh was spared punishment because his feet were cold.  Dallas has a solid team defense.

Look, I still think running the ball is King.  Save a Murray, Ride a Cowboy.

So...am I off base?