Now this week is TOUGH. All 8 teams are teams you could make a legitimate argument for, and I would believe you. Shit week to have a lead.

So.

The Ravens D' is much better than the Chief's D' , and I still think that, until I see otherwise, Manning doesn't win against great D's in the playoffs. I'll take McNair, Lewis and Heap over Green, Johnson and Gonzalez also, but just barely. McNair, mostly. If the Colts D' can repeat what we saw last week, I'll lose this one, but I doubt that.

Ravens by four

Philadelphia is hot, yes. Drew Brees has looked unstoppable at times, and Bush, Coleston, and Horn have all had solid years. This offense is #1 in the league. Defense wins championships, but, against a team that squeaked a win out of the Giants at home, I'll go with the offense this week.

Saints by nine

Ah, Rex Grossman. What a quandry you put me in. I mean, the 'Hawks didn't really earn a win last week, they needed some luck. But what happened in Green Bay? Grossman said he was unprepared. That won't happen this week, and I just don't think Seattle's DBs and WRs can hold up the fort with the injuries.

Bears by fourteen

They left the toughest one for last, did they? Very well. L.T.? Amazing. But if anyone can stop him, it's Big B and the Pats. Phillip Rivers? Underrated. But how underrated would he have to be to light up the Pats at playoff time? No Rodney Harrison. No enforcer back there. And, of course, you rarely bet against Brady when the chips are down. Last year, the Pats got thumped by a good running game, an adaquete passing game, and a solid, if not spectacular defense. That's right. The Broncos. Watch that game film, Mr. Schottenheimer. Only because it's in San Diego.

Chargers by three