Suffern's Ryan Grant Leads Packers to Dominate Win

-Packers 42, Seahawks 20
Heroes: Ryan Grant & Green Bay offensive line
Goats: Seattle defensive line
Turning Point: Brett Favre convincing coach Mike McCarthy to challenge spot on a 4th and inches when trailing 14-7. Packers won challenge and tied game on the drive, and the Packers' offense never looked back
Next: @ Dallas/vs. NY Giants

After two big, early fumbles that set up two Seattle touchdowns, Ryan Grant was simply unstoppable. Grant ran for 201 yards on 27 carries in leading the Packers to a 42-20 win in what were blizzard like conditions in Green Bay. The Seahawks' defensive line was simply outclassed by the offensive line of the Packers. Even backup running back, Brandon Jackson had an impact on the game. It was a stunningly bad performance from a line that held Clinton Portis to just 52 yards rushing last week.

Brett Favre managed the game brillantly. Favre did not go crazy throwing bombs after the Pack fell behind 14-0, which he tends to do sometimes. He made an incredible play late in the 1st half when he scrambled away from a sack and threw underhand to Donald Lee for a 1st and Goal. That would set up the TD before the half which would make it 28-17. You'll see that play on highlight reels for years to come.

As for Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck played a decent game, but was plaqued by dropped passes and an inept performance from Shaun Alexander. It is a amazing how far Alexander has fallen from his MVP year two years ago. He will need to bounce back to form for the Seahawks to be a legit contender in the NFC for the next couple of years. The Pack will head to Dallas or host the Giants next week. They clearly sent a message to the NFC with their dominate performance today.

By the way, how funny did Seahawks' coach Mike Holmgren look in the snow? FOX kept cutting to him during the game, and each time they did the snow was higher and higher off his hat and headset. You can wipe it off, Mike!

Pat Morgan

Exciting Day 1 to the NFL Playoffs

Jaguars, Seahawks advance: A Day for the Cornerbacks

- Jacksonville 31, Pittsburgh 29
Hero: Rashean Mathis, 2 INT, TD
Goat: Ben Roethlisberger, 3 INT, 1 Fumble
Turning Point: David Garrard's 32 yard run on 4th and into FG position
Next: Most likely @ New England, unless Tennessee upsets San Diego, then they would go to Indianapolis

Ben Roethlisberger's dreadful 1st half put the Steelers in a deep hole that proved to be the difference in the game. He threw two wild picks up for grabs, and a third as the Steelers were looking to score before the half and possibly cut the deficit to one possession. He made some decisions like I make when I play Madden. Coverage? Who cares! I was really disappointed with his play coming off his best season in the NFL. He did play much better in the 4th quarter turning a 28-10 deficit into a 29-28 lead, but whoever decided to have Big Ben run on 3rd and 6 with 3 minutes left should not be in the NFL. Roethlisberger was really clicking at that point, and he should have surveyed a throw before taking off. A throw for a first down would have put the Steelers a couple plays away from winning the game. Never the less, they had to punt giving the Jaguars the ball at midfield. Then came the play of the game. David Garrard who had his worst game of the season, ran for 32 yards on a 4th and 2. This set up the game winning field goal.

The football world will now most likely get to see the Jags take on the Patriots next week. However, this was a game that the Steelers probably should have won. It is hard to say when Jacksonville lead 28-10, but all three of their first half TDs came via Big Ben's INTs or the Jones-Drew kickoff return. Then the 3rd and 6 dreadful quarterback sneak call that gave the Jags the ball at midfield with only needing a field goal to win. I also didn't like the Steelers going for two after a 10-yard holding penalty put them on the 12. Those two points proved costly. I thought many people overrated the Jaguars, and disregarded how the prideful Steelers would play in their own building. If the Jags play like they did tonight, they will be torched by New England next week. They gave up a ton of yards to a beat up team, and they didn't muster up much on offense. They got some big game changing plays that allowed them to take a big lead, and then were given a final chance by one of the dumbest calls I've seen. Forget about them being the team that can knock the mighty Pats off.

- Seattle 35, Washington 14
Hero: Marcus Trufunt, INT, TD
Goat: Shaun Shisham Missed 30-yard FG after kickoff recovery on Seattle 13
Turning Point: Shisham's missed FG after kickoff recovery put the Redskins in great shape for another score
Next: @ Green Bay

The Seahawks dominated just about every facet of the game for the first three quarters, but then the storm hit. Todd Collins connected for two touchdowns in under four minutes into the 4th quarter. Then the unthinkable happened. A gust of wind knocked down the Redskins kickoff allowing them to recover the kick at the Seahawks' 13 yard line. The Skins were in great position to take a 21-13, or at least a 17-13 lead.

However, this is where the game changed back to Seattle. The Skins went three and out, and Shaun Shisham missed a chip shot, 30-yard field goal. Matt Hasselbeck would then snap out of the funk he was in and lead the Seahawks to the go-ahead touchdown. The game was put on ice when Todd Collins ran out of magic and threw an interception for a touchdown to give the Hawks the 28-14 lead. This game was simple though. The Seahawks were just too good for the Redskins. I was surprised actually that the Skins made it interesting for a few minutes. The Seahawks defense was incredible, and the Skins wouldn't have even scared them if the offense found the endzone and didn't allow turnovers to let the Skins back in the game. I am sad to see the Skins' season end, but they truly had a remarkable run. Todd Collins played like someone who was a starter for 15 years. As for the Seahawks, they will be a very difficult opponet for the Green Bay Packers next week in Lambeau. Great matchup on tap!

Pat Morgan

Shawn Marosek's Wild Card Picks

Redskins @ Seahawks

I'll be watching the game with a Redskins fan and for her sake, I hope Washington pulls off the victory. However, I don't think it will happen. The game should be a close one, but I see the Seahawks coming away with the win. The Redskins have won four in a row with new Quarterback Todd Collins and the emotion driven from the death of Sean Taylor. It would be a great story if the Redskins advanced to the second round against the Cowboys. I could see the Redskins beating the Cowboys in the divisional round based on their performance last week. The Cowboys are not going into the playoffs playing their best ball and the Redskins are. Even with all this, I don't think Washington will advance. Matt Hassleback and the Seahwaks defeated the Redskins two years ago in the same round by the score of 20-10 and it would be no suprise if that happened again. Hassleback is better than Collins by far, even though the Redskins QB has been playing well. The Redskins have a 12th man in Sean Taylor, but the Seahawks have one of the loudest crowds in the NFL and that alone will make it very difficult for the Redskins to have an effective offense. Seahawks 20 Redskins 13

Jaguars @ Steelers

It seems like everyone, except Pat Morgan, is picking the Jaguars. However, I'm going to have to agree with Pat on this one. The Steelers have been through this before and the Jaguars have not won a playoff game since 1999. I know the Steelers haven't played up to their expectations this season, but how can you look past this team. Ben Roethlisberger should have a pretty game while David Garrard has never started a postseason game, which isn't too promising if history repeats itself. Yes, the Jags went in and beat Pittsburgh at Heinz Field about three weeks ago. Good luck doing that again. If the Steelers can tackle better and stop the run, which they haven't been able to do consistent'y over the second half of the season, they will win this game. I expect this to be the case, resulting in a hard-fought Pittsburgh win. Steelers 17 Jags 13

Giants @ Bucs

In my opinion, the Giants will be the only victorious road team this Wild Card Weekend. The Giants earned a lot of support after playing full strength against the Patriots and they should bring some momentum into Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay. Ronde Barber even gave the Giants more of a reason to want to come out and beat the Giants. Now New York is using Barber's statements as bulletin board material. When it all comes down to it, this game is about Eli Manning. This is his time to shine. If he can come through with a big game, he might be able to gain some respect from the hometown fans and it might help keep Tom Coughlin from being fired. But if SHEli plays another terrible playoff game, you can expect some rumblings in the Big Apple during the offseason. Eli will play solid, not great, but good enough to get a win. Giants 24 Bucs 17

Titans @ Chargers

I'd love to see the Titans win this game, but they have a lot of injury problems and San Diego is by far the better team. Jeff Fisher is one of the top 5 coaches in the league and should have been considered for Coach of the Year after getting this team to the playoffs. They are the least talented team in the playoffs and the fact that Fisher was able to coach them to a playoff berth is about as impressive as anything in the NFL this season. (Yes, despite the Patriots going 16-0!) This game will be a lot closer than many people think. I could see it being a three-point game late, but San Diego will hold on for a close victory. The running of LaDainian Tomlinson will be too much in the 4th quarter and the Chargers will advance to the divisional round of the AFC Playoffs. Chargers 27 Titans 21

Shawn Marosek

NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

NFC Wildcard
3) Seattle 27, 6) Washington 17
I expect the Redskins' run to come to an end here after yet another long road trip. They have become an incredible story, but this is where the magic of Todd Collins will wear out. Expect Seattle's defense to give him a hell of a time. The Skins' D will play well too, but they won't score enough points on offense. Seattle is an awfully tough place to play, and the Seahawks are a much better team than the Skins.

5) NY Giants 20, 4) Tampa Bay 16
My only concern here is whether the Giants will experience an emotional letdown after going toe-to-toe with the Patriots this last weekend. They are the better team and have won on the road all season long. I like Jeff Garcia and Jon Gruden an awful lot, but I believe they are the product of a bad division. The Giants defense shouldn't have a problem with Tampa's offense, and I think Brandon Jacobs will be the difference in a defensive struggle.

AFC Wildcard
3) San Diego 28, 6) Tennessee 10
To me, this is the biggest lock of the Wildcard round. I know the Chargers are snake bit when it comes to the playoffs, but if they can't win this game, they will never win a playoff game. They have won six in a row, while the Titans have struggled since starting 6-2. Making the playoffs in year two of the Vince Young era is a big accomplishment already. The Chargers are about winning now. Just that fact alone tells me where the two teams are.

4) Pittsburgh 17, 5) Jacksonville 14
Jacksonville is the better team, but I can't see them winning in Pittsburgh twice in a four week span. Everyone seems to be projecting a Jaguars/Patriots matchup already, but I don't think the Jags are there quite yet. They are a remarkable story and will continue to get better as the years go on, but I think Pittsburgh wins a nail biter in this one. This is definitely the best game of the Wildcard round. I expect nothing short of a blood bath in this one!

(Rest of the Postseason: Reasons will come when matchups confirmed)

NFC Divisional
2) Green Bay over Seattle
1) Dallas over NY Giants

AFC Divisional
2) Indianapolis over San Diego
1) New England over Indianapolis

NFC Championship
Green Bay over Dallas (not since Buffalo/Dallas II have both #1 seeds met in the Super Bowl)

AFC Championship
New England (in a nail biter) over Indianapolis

Super Bowl XLII
New England over Green Bay (19-0)