Fearless (?) NFL Playoff Predictions!

Eight teams remain in the hunt for one of the most prestigious titles in all of sports, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, signifying the world champion of the National Football League. That title will be decided in Glendale, Arizona, at the gleaming new University of Phoenix Stadium, on February 3 at the Super Bowl. But who will take that next step this weekend towards the ultimate goal?

The New England Patriots are the overwhelming favorites, having finished the regular season undefeated, but will the plucky Jacksonville Jaguars make history by ending the streak? Can Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre continue to defy Father Time, or will the Seattle Seahawks end the fairy tale run? Will Tony Romo be able to overcome the effects of Mexico, Jessica Simpson, and a hobbled Terrell Owens to defeat the New York Giants? And can the San Diego Chargers and all-world running back LaDanian Tomlinson defeat America's quarterback Peyton Manning and the defending world champion Indianapolis Colts? The world finds out this weekend.

SATURDAY

4:30 Seahawks at Packers

There are many factors working against visiting Seattle. The biggest is Lambeau Field itself, one of the most forbidding places to play in in all of the NFL. Not to mention the Ghost of Playoffs Past coming back to visit Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck all week in the form of his guarantee of a sudden-death score over the PA system, then making it come true...for the Packers by throwing an interception returned for a touchdown. And then there's Mr. Favre, who loses at home as much as a blue moon occurs. But the 'Hawks are bringing Patrick Kearney and their punishing pash rush, and a better run game than the Packers, meaning they have the opportunity to keep the ball out of number four's hands. So, it's not outside the realm of possibility that the Seahawks win this game. But it doesn't look promising, since even time can't beat Favre in Green Bay. PACKERS 24, SEAHAWKS 17

8:00 Jaguars at Patriots

Will 16-0* come back to haunt visiting Jacksonville on Saturday? See, the problem with giving the Patriots bulletin board material this season is that they take it really personal. Just ask Pittsburgh Steelers DB Anthony Smith, who Tom Brady and company made a point of burying with pass after pass after he guaranteed victory before their game this season. Thing is, the Jaguars have just what made New England look somewhat vulnerable this year in close wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, and that is a smash-mouth running attack. The two-headed monster of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew have the ability to take the ball and let the air right out of it. Much like the first game and that great QB, if Brady isn't on the field, he can't beat you. This year, though, everything will have to go just right to beat the Patriots, especially in Foxboro, and the Jags don't have the necessary experience yet. PATRIOTS 31, JAGUARS 28

SUNDAY

1:00 Chargers at Colts

Yes, the Chargers did defeat Indianapolis this year, however, that was a) at San Diego, b) in a game in which Manning threw five interceptions, something that almost never happens, and c) in a driving rain. Points a and c are moot, since the game is under the RCA Dome in Indianapolis this time. But what of b? San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie will be there, he led the NFL in interceptions this year, and the Chargers defense has really rounded into form since their rough start to the season, losing three of four. Offensively, the Chargers have Tomlinson, who had yet another great season. The question is, can lightning strike twice for the Bolts this season? Not likely, since a) Manning almost assuredly will not repeat that performance, and b) the Colts are far too balanced and far more experienced in these situations than their opponents. COLTS 28, CHARGERS 21

4:30 Giants at Cowboys

Romo's been waiting for a chance to redeem himself since last season's botched field goal hold cost Dallas a playoff win. And with two wins over the visiting New York squad this season, things are definitely looking up in Big D for a win. However, a lot of their chances will depend on Terrell Owens' ankle. Sure, you say, they have Jason Whitten, Marion Barber, and a great defense, how big a difference can one guy make? All the world, in the Cowboys' case. Owens opens up opportunities for the rest of the offense just by his presence, but if that presence is diminished enough by injury, the bolts tighten just enough. And will the pressure of Mexicogate get to Romo? Plus, Eli Manning is looking like a quarterback at the right time, and the Giants' bruising running game will make life very difficult for that defense. In other words, three times will not be a charm for the Cowboys. GIANTS 14, COWBOYS 10

So, the rematch of the heavyweights will decide the AFC title, while the old school will try to stay in session just a little longer and the new school will continue to try to come out of big brother's shadow in the NFC. Anyway you look at it, the NFL playoffs are excitement personified, and this will be one hell of a weekend.