New York (10-6) at Tampa Bay (9-7) - Full disclosure, I am a Giant fan. Now that my bias is in full view, can we please find a so-called expert picking the Bucs that isn't using terms like "Patriots hangover" or "the Giants will find it hard to match that emotion." Idiots.
I side with the train of thought that says playing a football game is better than resting your players. Just look at the Colts, up until last year of course. For years, they would clinch the 
playoff spot by week 12 or 13, rest Peyton and their gaggle of stars, and then BOOM, first round playoff loss. I mention this because Coughlin has been getting heat for playing his Giant players last week against the Patriots. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tampa coach Jon Gruden has been resting all of his players, including QB Jeff Garcia who hasn't played since the first half of Week 16.
playoff spot by week 12 or 13, rest Peyton and their gaggle of stars, and then BOOM, first round playoff loss. I mention this because Coughlin has been getting heat for playing his Giant players last week against the Patriots. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tampa coach Jon Gruden has been resting all of his players, including QB Jeff Garcia who hasn't played since the first half of Week 16.Why I think the Giants can win. Jeff Garcia has beaten the Giants twice in the playoffs since 2003, with the Niners and Eagles respectively. Let's face it though, this is a different Giants defense. They are faster, more aggressive, and their front seven is dominant. Tampa won their division with a 9-7 record. Oh yeah, this is the worst division in football, FYI. The Giants, they played Dallas twice, an emotional Redskin team, the Eagles while they were playing the best football in the NFL, the Packers, a red hot Minnesota, and of course the Patriots. They Giants are a tested team that can play a high level of football. In the Bucs case, while it's not their fault, you can't really judge your team by playing the Falcons.
Why I think the Bucs can win. Like I had mentioned in my post regarding the Jags-Steelers game, it's scary when you go into a game with your X-Factor being you QB, in this case Eli Manning. If the Bucs can force Eli into turnovers they will have a better than great chance of winning.
Tennessee (10-6) at San Diego (11-5) - You have to love a game that matches up two teams that hate each other. The Chargers love to talk, and the Titans love to answer with prototypical smash mouth football.
Why I think San Diego can win. They have the best RB in football. They have the best TE in football. There front seven is dominant. That enough of a reason? Oh yeah, the Titans franchise Quarterback Vince Young might not play today.
Why I think the Titans can win. With all the great players that the Chargers have, you are only
as strong as your weakest link, and their weak links are the QB and head coach Norv Turner who is 1-9 in playoff games. The Titans are well coached with Jeff Fisher, and they are always in the ball game. Fisher and his defense will try and find a way to make the Chargers QB Philip Rivers have to beat them, and in that vein, make big mistakes. Once again, it's scary when your teams X-Factor is the QB, as it is with the Chargers.
as strong as your weakest link, and their weak links are the QB and head coach Norv Turner who is 1-9 in playoff games. The Titans are well coached with Jeff Fisher, and they are always in the ball game. Fisher and his defense will try and find a way to make the Chargers QB Philip Rivers have to beat them, and in that vein, make big mistakes. Once again, it's scary when your teams X-Factor is the QB, as it is with the Chargers.I'm rooting for the Titans here. As I mentioned, the Chargers talk too much. They dance and talk smack when they win. When they lose, they cry about the other team dancing and talking smack. Big babies. They don't deserve the $5,000 a night hookers they sleep with.
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