Regular Season: 30-25-0
Playoffs: 4-0
Overall: 34-25-0
Can the ‘Capper get an amen?
As much loathing as we’ve heaped upon the alleged pigskin punditry, the ‘Capper must give thanks. For it is in part due to the blathering across the likes of Bradshaw, Aikman, Simms, Buck and Ditka that folks like me can earn a return. Schedule timing dictates a great deal in the NFL and only an artist develops a sense for that special rhythm. “Any given Sunday” is a cliché as old as the very sport it describes; any one team can beat another as the gap between best and worst in the NFL is too small, the bounce of the ball too unpredictable and the impact of a single play too influential to perfectly predict a single game’s outcome. Last weekend was bad timing for the Eagles, Saints and Chiefs. Can you hear the rhythm for this week?
This week’s hype reflects the same poor thinking that led to so many Wildcard round “surprises”. Are the Seahawks to be this year’s Cinderella? Are the Pats really unstoppable? Naah.
This week’s selections
Take the Chicago Bears -10 at home versus the Seattle Seahawks
The Saints lost IMO since they underestimated the 7-9 Hawks, were injured at key positions and failed to bring defensive pressure.
Did the Da’ Bears pay attention? Check, Check, Check.
The Bears watched the Saints debacle, are healthy, motivated and accustomed to the big stage. Hawks on the road have been an embarrassment just 2-6 ATS this year and 3-14 ATS dating back to ‘08. Hasselbeck won’t survive all 60 minutes, Bears are able to compete in special teams and offensively will provide heavy dose of Matt Forte. This one will be very ugly.
Take the Jets +9 at New England
All the world is talking about trash talk and 45-3 expecting the Pats to continue their recent dominance over all opponents. ‘Capper recognizes that blowouts between two experienced and solid divisional opponents are VERY rare. Hoodie not winning by margin come postseason having failed to cover his last 5 playofff games. The ‘Capper remembers that the Jets won the 1st game and once you add revenge, hard not to see competitive game. 9 points assumes a blowout; ‘Capper doesn’t buy it.
Take the Packers at Atlanta UNDER 43.5
Love the public dialogue; all one hears about this game is Aaron Rodgers versus Matty Ice, an aerial extravaganza as shotgun formations, multi-receiver sets and deep passes dominate the playcalling. Not a chance. I-formation for the Falcons and full-house for the Packers will be the norm as running plays and defense prove the story for this game. Falcons tend not to generate big plays; even the stars like Turner, White and Gonzo often earn their salaries within 15 yards from scrimmage. Both teams feature solid secondaries, effective special teams and conservative coaches. Add two quarterbacks with quick releases and solid decision skills, and interceptions should be minimized. Hard to see OVER without big plays and trends back that up as high flying Pack ‘under’ 11-6 on the season. This should be a great close game but the scoring will be lower than anticipated.
Additional Selection:
Take the Ravens +3.5 at Steelers
Everyone knows the recent history of these two divisional rivals. They play close games. Last four meetings all decided by exactly 3 points and the doggie has been 6-1-1 ATS last 8 in series. Ravens IMO won both games this year; the second showed differently on the scoreboard thanks to the game-ending strip sack by Troy. Undoing of Steelers in this game will be offensive line; Ben extends plays but one devastating sack/fumble will prove difference. In a departure from prior meetings, ‘Capper expects a lot of shotgun 3 WR sets from Ravens who attempt to provide Flacco and his talented WRs extra time. 3 and a hook is too much to pass up. Neither team will succeed on ground and game winner likely to come from defense. Ben will take more hits and one of them will hand game to Baltimore.
‘Capper out.
