I like all of the interesting observations by all of you. We'll just have to wait an see after tomorrow, won't we?
Here are my picks:
Tennessee at Oakland. The Raiders pimp-slapped the Titans in week 4 this season at Oakland (52-25). Do the Titans still have hand imprints all over their cheeks from that game? Of course they do. Will they be mad and seeking revenge? No doubt, yes! Can they win in 'The Black Hole'. Not on this Sunday. While I think Tennessee is a very good football team, I don't think they will be good enough to beat the Raiders at Oakland. Home field is so important at this stage of the Playoffs that I would definitely pick Tennessee to win if this game was in their home building (plus, it's a revenge game). It's just asking too much to into Oakland and pull out a win. The result?: Oakland 30, Tennessee 20
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia. Tampa, quite simply, is not as good as people perceive. Consider who they've lost to: at Philadelphia, at New Orleans, vs Pittsburgh, and vs New Orleans. These teams finished with a combined 40-23-1 record (.633). The teams they beat (at Baltimore, at Cincinatti, at Atlanta, at Carolina, at Detroit, at Chicago, vs STL, vs CLE vs MIN, vs CAR, vs GB, and vs ATL) have a combined record of 82-108-2 (.432). Did they beat a few good teams? Yes. But they beat Green Bay after GB already peaked for the season. The beat (twice) a Falcons team that is young with (basically) a rookie QB, who has speed and a strong arm but isn't too accurate (yet). Do they have a great defense? Definitely, yes! Did they beat the 49ers in the playoffs? Yup. An overrated Niners team who had a lame-duck head coach. Their record in the cold? 1-21. Philly's "D" will give the Brothers Johnsons (Keyshawn and Brad) fits tomorrow. Both teams will struggle to put points up. Plus, Grammatica is injured (tired leg. Gruden brought in Kickers to try to replace Grammatica). Jurevicious has an ill child at home and his mental state is questionable. Unfortunately for Tampa, the stars aren't lined up in their favor. The result? Philadelphia 19, TB 10