Clement’s Weekly Picks and Prognostications…Divisional Round Playoffs

Everything looked more than peachy after Saturday (2-0); however, things took a turn for the worst on Sunday (0-2).

As for this weekend’s predictions, let’s take some time to review some final numbers for the regular season and let’s see if the playoff tide can turn.

Regular Season: 32-15-2
Playoffs: 2-2

…by the way, have you ever seen so many touchdown-plus spreads in a division weekend…

Seattle @ Green Bay [-8]













Over the last 10 weeks, Grant leads the NFC in rushing yards.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

An amazing matchup a few years back, this opening game of the divisional round may prove to be the weekend’s best. While the weather in Lambeau isn’t predicted to be terrible, homefield advantage really means something in this game. While Ryan Grant allows the Pack to be multifaceted on offense, I don’t see this game getting out of hand. I’ll take Seattle to squeeze the spread – even in a loss – but I fear the return of a late Al Harris pick-six may haunt me.

Jacksonville @ New England [-13.5]
















After a week off, will the momentum only increase?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

A playoff spread at nearly two TDs? That’s what happens after 16-0. While they will see 17-0, the Jags should be able to keep this much closer than they did two years ago with Leftwich at the helm. Then again, these are the Patriots. Despite the temptation of a two TD spread, I’m taking the Pats to cruise early and often. No Jacksonville hype here.

San Diego @ Indianapolis [-8.5]












Early reports have Harrison near 100%. Believe the hype?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

We all know Peyton Manning isn’t going to toss 6 INTs, Adam Vinatieri won’t miss a chip-shot FG, the Bolts won’t return 2 punts for TDs and Marvin Harrison/Dallas Clark are active. What else should we learn? Indy is gonna blow this open early in the 4th quarter, especially with a banged-up Antonio Gates giving Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders more freedom than ever.

New York @ Dallas [-7.5]















Who else wants to never hear about Tony & Jessica? Me too!
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Is it that difficult to beat a team three times in one season? It’s been done. And it will be done again. However, this is a tricky spread. I’m predicting an old fashioned 1-possession game. The last game of the weekend may be the one getting the most East Coast love, so I’m all ears.

We will continue our ban on the mockery that is fantasy football during the playoffs.

Championship Weekend looms, I for one can’t wait for my dream scenario:
Green Bay @ Dallas Indianapolis @ New England

However, we all know "dream" scenarios have a way of leaving egg on our faces.

Until next time…