Playoffs

After stumbling to the finish line, the Steelers have ended with a division crown and a 4-seed going into the AFC playoffs. Unfortunately, along with a 4-seed comes a WIld Card matchup with the 5-seed, the hottest team in football, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags are the only team to beat the Steelers at home this season, a week 15 loss, 29-22. The game was looking like a blowout, until the Steelers pulled off a 15 point 4th quarter to come back and tie the game, only to have the defense give up a game winning touchdown drive, capped off by a Fred Taylor touchdown run. The Steelers were outplayed and physically dominated during that game, but many of the mistakes were fundamental problems by the Steelers defense. Unfortunately, the Steelers are pretty banged up, on both sides of the ball. The offensive line has injuries, as does the defensive line and of course the serious injury of RB Willie Parker. Saturday night will prove to be probably the most physical games of the playoffs, as both teams bring tough and gritty defenses and running games to the contest. The country is picking the Jags, the analysts are picking the Jags, I say not so fast, and here is why. The Steelers know the playoffs, especially Big Ben. The Steelers know how to win in the playoffs without having to run the ball... (note 05-06). The Steelers are the underdog, and always play well when playing the underdog. The Steelers are at home. The home field advantage may be the most important element, and that is because of the elements. Fred Taylor has continually expressed his displeasure for the playing surface at Heinz Field, calling it "a lawsuit waiting to happen." Whatever that means is irrelevant, but one thing tp note is that Taylor may hesitate to run if the ground is getting torn up, as it should be with the rain and cold weather playing a large factor. With all these ingredients, with a splash of luck, I think that the Steelers will actually pull out a close game. Expect the Steelers to get some big breaks (remember the divisional in 2004) and pull out the win because of their most consistent player, Jeff Reed.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Jaguars 17


Other matchup predictions:

Redskins @ Seahawks: Seahawks 31-21... A great late push mae for a great, heart-warming story. Unfortunately for the Redskins, having to play the Seahawks isn't a good draw. Hasslebeck throws 3 TD's and has 270 yards passing.

Giants @ Buccaneers: Giants 27-23... The question is, which Giant team will show? If the right one shows up, expect them to win in an entertaining game. Eli gets it down with 3 TD's and 220 yards passing.

Titans @ Chargers... Chargers 33-17... Too many injuries to Tennessee will hurt them as they take on a hot team in San Diego. LT will lead the way with 130+ yards a 2 TD's.