NFL Pick 'Em - Playoff Edition

Well, here we are after an interesting season of NFL Pick 'Em, and I believe we enter the playoffs with me ahead by 8. There are only 11 games in the post-season so I'm feeling pretty good. If Derek loses two games directly to me or picks any three games incorrectly, I lock this puppy up. On to the first picks!

NY Jets @ Cincinnati

Loren - Cincinnati. You'll hear more about this on the show next week, but the Jets are the team least deserving of making the playoffs. Don't get me wrong, I believe in their defense, but that's about all this team has made me believe in. In a choice between two former USC QBs, I'm definitely taking Palmer over the rookie Sanchez.

Derek - NY Jets. Luckily for me there are some good games this first week so I think I can pick up some ground. I'd take the Jets here if I were just picking to pick and not trying to catch up. The Jets put the hurt on the Bengals only a week ago, the Bengals have zippo for offense the last three weeks and have to play the best D and best running team in the league. I'm feeling good about this one.

Philadelphia @ Dallas

Loren - Dallas. I hate to do it, but I've got to take Dallas here. Not only did they sweep the regular season matchups, they embarrassed the Eagles last time out. Dallas is on a roll and it comes down to who has the bigger shot of choking. Sorry Eagles fans (Clint, I'm looking at you), I think Romo has progressed enough to lead his team to a playoff victory.

Derek - Philadelphia. The plays were there last week for the Eagles to beat the Cowboys, I think they'll make them this week. Phily has the playoff experience to go the distance. Heck it was only a week ago they were going to be the second seed.

Baltimore @ New England

Loren - New England. The Pats aren't about to let the Ravens knock them out in the first round. Even going into the game a little injured, the Pats have enough weapons and, more importantly, the experience to deal with the Ravens D. I'm calling it right now, though, the Ravens will be a ridiculously good team next year if they get one more quality receiver.

Derek - New England. Yeah I just don't see Baltimore doing much here. Bummer because I only have a few games I can't go against Loren. That's how much I think the Pats will win. The Ravens have a solid D but the DB's can't cover Moss. He could have a big big game.

Green Bay @ Arizona

Loren - Green Bay. They have the momentum and they just put a serious butt kicking on the Cards in the final game of the season. Yes, the Cards sat many of their starters, but this team already has so many questions marks that adding on the psychological burden of that loss might be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I also have to keep hope alive that GB and Minny will meet down the line.

Derek - Arizona. Man Green Bay is playing well right now, but so are the Cards. They'll get back into the groove playing in a meaningful game at home. If the Packers don't get to Warner, expect it to be a landslide.