Ha. I'm so out of the loop I didn't realize half the WC games had been played already...and I'm strangely ok with that.
Well, my math then...
Indy @ Hou
Projection: Ind 24, Hou 17
Actual: Ind 21, Hou 7
Reaction: Wow. I was talking to a guy from KC who spent time at the ESPN Zone on the boardwalk across from where we were staying at Disney and I said Indy was the team his guys had to fear, potentially, because Luck was back, had help with the rushing game and the defense looked legitimate for the first time in a long time. Apparently so on all counts yesterday. A good start for my Colts.
The good? a terrific defensive performance against a team with talent AND a very solid first half on the road. The less good? Casper on offense in the second half. Going to need four quarters of offense AND that road performance in the next round.
Sea @ Dal
Projection: Sea 26, Dal 24
Actual: Sea 22, Dal 24
Reaction: the Cowboys offense did what they looked to do, but that defense must have stepped up. Good news for Cowboys fans? You finally see a playoff win again. Bad news for Cowboys fans? That means it's six more years of Garret.
Seattle got off to a slow start before surging ahead in the third quarter. Then Dallas fought its way back into the lead with a solid 4th quarter. A good sign, having to come back against a good team late. Not so good? They had to do it at home.
SD @ Bal
Projection: SD 27, Bal 28
Actual:
Comment in advance: if the Bolts win this one, and they could as it looks like a toss up on paper, I'll just call them the Blts. On the road in the sort of game they haven't played in a bit? Maybe Joe has to help out late the way Hurts did for Bama. A bit of redemption? Beats me. Will it beat Baltimore? Probably not.
Phi @ Chi
Projection: Phi 37, Chi 28
Comment: okay, that's not my actual math, but it's how I want to see this one go. I actually (on paper) like it Chicago 27, Philly 22, but here's why I'm projecting a different and more surprising win for Philly...Noles fills the holes. Noles is some sort of magic for this team when they need him. The Bears haven't been in this position in a very long time, favored in a playoff game and they have an untestested qb. If he falters on the big stage that defense won't save him. Everything has to go right for the Eagles to have a realistic shot at winning this game. The odds are against them. Go Philly anyway.
