Championship Sunday

Jets vs Colts: Will the decision to pull their starters come back to haunt the Colts?

YES.

The Colts should have disposed of the Jets in their regular season game. Instead, they now have to face the Jets in the AFC Championship game.The Colts are a much different team when they have a lead. If the Jets fall behind in this game, they will lose.

If the Jets do not turn the ball over, they will win this game. Hopefully, Ryan and his coaching staff will use the 2006 AFC Championship game and the 49ers game this year as a template to defeat the Colts.

In the 2006 AFC Championship game, Cowher came out throwing. They used play action a lot. On defense, the Steelers got a lot of three and outs. The Colts were a poor 3 for 13 on third down. Remember, the Steelers had a much better offense than this Jets team. This is why the Jets must win the turnover battle. Despite the Steelers being a minus 1 in the turnover ratio, they still won the game. I do not think the Jets could be minus 1 and win. This year the 49ers should have defeated the Colts. Despite being in control of this game for three quarters, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said, "A couple dropped balls make the difference in a game like this," "Any missed opportunities in a game like this are going to bite you in the end. The only thing I can say is we came here to win the football game."

Let us hope the Jets do not turn the ball over or make mental mistakes. Right now, the Jets are playing better football. Last week, they defeated a Charger team which had won eleven games in a row. They are playing fantastic defense and have an excellent ground game. On the other hand, despite having a 14-2 regular season record, the Colts won a lot of close games. They did not dominate their competition. In their playoff game against the Ravens, the Colts did not look good. They benefited from all of the Ravens miscues. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has an 8-8 record in the post season. His record at home is 6-3 and 2-5 on the road. Finally, the Colts have difficulty running the football. I think Rex Ryan will come up with a fantastic game plan to get in Manning's face. They frustrated Phillip Rivers and they will frustrate Manning.

I like the Jets. Take the Jets +8 points. Jets 23 and Colts 17

Saints vs Vikings:

WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the Saints time. This is their time. They are at home. They have the dome field advantage. Living here in New Orleans, Saints enthusiasm is at a fever pitch. There is black and gold on every street corner. Fans are wearing Saints shirts. Right now, my daughter is wearing a pink Drew Brees jersey. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is focused. He will have a big game and will get the media attention he deserves. Saints head coach Sean Payton will have a fantastic game plan. With Shockey injured, look for Payton to use Reggie Bush as a decoy. Saints will take an early lead and will coast the rest of the way. The Vikings are a different team on the road. When the Saints take an early lead, the defense will blitz Favre. Favre will be sacked at least 4 times. Pass rushing will decide this game.

I like the Saints. Take the Saints and give 4 points. Saints 35 and Vikings 20.