Indianapolis +3.5 over NEW ENGLAND
It's tough to wager against the Patriots at any venue, let alone home. Peyton is in a zone that hasn't been seen since the likes of Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, John Elway, and Dan Marino to name a few. Not only is he is a zone but he is in total command. He gets up to that line of scrimmage and takes complete control of game. Granted, this defense is not the Chiefs, but neither is the offense. Trent Green was right on target last week and was hitting everyone in the numbers. Tom Brady is composed and he's talented, but Peyton Manning he's not. Much has been made about Belichick's game preparation and how he is a defensive genius. And how he will have a game plan that will slow down the Colts offense. That may be true, however, you can't stop this offense right now and the Patriots are going to have to forced to score some points. Bottom line here is that I will back a much more confident Peyton Manning right now over Tom Brady and until someone shows us something different, I'll gladly gamble that nobody can stop him.
Play Indianapolis +3.5 <img src="http://www.playersinsider.com/images/NFL/colts.gif" alt=" - " />
Carolina +4 over PHILADELPHIA
The Eagles are not that good. Simple as that. Last week and an unimpressive win over the Pack has me even more convinced that this Eagle squad is the worst team left in the playoffs by far.. The Eagles are favored by more than a field-goal again and have not right being so. This is not the Cowboys or 49ers of years past. This is a very mediocre football team that is operating shorthanded. Two of Philadelphia's top players are out as running back Brian Westbrook and linebacker Carlos Emmons are done for the year. Defensive back Troy Vincent is questionable. Westbrook is a huge loss as he provides running, catching and kick return abilities. Emmons was voted the team's top defensive player. In a previous meeting between these two in late November, Philly emerged with a 25-16 win as the Eagles ran for 124 yards but 64 of them came from Westbrook. When your quarterback is your best rusher, you've got a problem. The Eagles Donovan McNabb is a tremendous athlete and a capable pivot but he cannot do it alone. Philadelphia does not own a passing game as demonstrated by the Eagles wideouts combining for just five touchdowns all season long. The Panthers are more balanced. The Panthers are comfortable on the road, especially as an underdog having covered four of five when receiving road points. It would be a mistake to underestimate Carolina and a bigger mistake to spot points here.
Play Carolina +5 <img src="http://www.playersinsider.com/images/NFL/panthers.gif" alt=" - " />
