Pilfo's Wildcard Parlay
January 8th 2010 - Pilfo             

Cincinnati may have the most balanced team in the playoffs this weekend and they are playing the most 1 dimensional team in the playoffs. The Bengals simply do not have a weak spot. They are above average in all categories from Running Backs to Wide Receivers to Special Teams to Defense to their under-rated Quarterback. The Jets have the best defender in the league and a very good defense overall but their one dimensional offense and their rookie quarterback will be their downfall in this game. Throw out last week's game between these two. This one if for real!
Prediction: Bengals 24-10

The Dallas Cowboys have been an improving team and a streaking team down the stretch which is what you want to enter the playoffs in the NFL. Romo has improved his timing with his receivers but the running game stays average. The Dallas defense has also stepped up in the past few games. So why do I like the Eagles in this one? If the Eagles would have won last week, which they certainly did not, we would be talking about the streaking Eagles instead of the streaking Cowpokies. After the Cowboys got out to a lead last week, the Eagles pretty much shut down their show as to not give anything for the Cowboys to look at on tape to lead up to their rematch. The thing the Eagles do best, they did not do. Rush the quarterback and get him out of rhythm. You will see a different Eagles team on the field this week that will keep Romo running for his life. Count on Wade Phillips to be out coached in this one.
Prediction: Eagles 27-21.

The Patriots are a team that has been running on heart, guts and great game-planning. Brady has been admirable and the defense is over-performing. The running game has been good also. That is where it ends though. The crude reality is that the Pats are banged up and the Ravens defense will be targeting Brady and all other injured players that take the filed. The Ravens offensive running game will dictate this game and open up the passing game to Mason and Kelly Washington who is actually the best receiver on the team. Look for a very physical game that wears down the Pats midway through the 3rd quarter.
Prediction: Ravens 24-20

3 Team Parlay:  Bengals -3 / Eagles +4 / Ravens +3.5