NFL Wildcard Weekend

We wrapped up a dismal season picking games against the spread, coming in at 114-130-12 after a 7-8-1 mark in Week 17.

For what it's worth, my friends at the NY Post, who run the Bettor's Guide every week, didn't fare much better. Nine of the 10 folks listed there also finished under .500, and I had the identical record as the erstwhile Hondo.

Good thing I don't gamble outside of the occasional office pool and Super Bowl boxes.

For the record, here's who we saw in the playoffs way back in Week 1.

NFC Wildcards
GIANTS over Dallas
SEAHAWKS over Panthers

Divisional
SAINTS over Giants
BEARS over Seahawks

Championship
SAINTS over Bears

AFC Wildcards
PATRIOTS over Ravens
Broncos over BENGALS

Divisional
CHARGERS over Broncos
Patriots over COLTS

Championship
CHARGERS over Patriots

Super Bowl
Chargers over Saints

Shows you how much I know, getting only six of the 12 playoff teams right. Alas, last year we went 9-2 in the playoffs and Super Bowl, so let's see if we can approach that mark.

On to this weekend's game.

SATURDAY
SEAHAWKS -3.5 Redskins: Forecast calls for rain in Seattle, but what else is new? Love the Redskins coming of their four-game win streak just to get here, but think this is where it ends. Short week, Seattle is relatively rested, and Todd Collins is due to come back to earth facing a sturdy Seattle pass rush. The Seahawks are better than I thought they'd be this year and don't be shocked if they wind up in the Super Bowl. Seahawks 27-20

STEELERS +2.5 Jaguars: Pittsburgh lost at home to the hot Jags three weeks ago and are in a rare home underdog spot tonight, which I believe gives them more than enough motivation. Sure, they're banged up on the offensive line and miss Willie Parker, but I expect Ben Roethlisberger to outplay David Garrard, while sloppy conditions slow the Jaguar rushing attack. Expect a nasty slugfest. Steelers 24-21

Viewer alert: Both games today are on NBC, so do your best to avoid their studio show and that douchebag Keith Olbermann, the current leader for the famed LGF Fiskie Award.

SUNDAY
Giants +3 BUCCANEERS: New York has been on full throttle the past two weeks, putting up 73 points against Buffalo and New England while Tampa has been on cruise control. Look for the Giants to establish the run, play it safe underneath in the passing game against sturdy Bucs pass defense. Giants have more weapons with Jacobs, Bradshaw, Burress, Toomer and rookies Kevin Boss and Steve Smith and are 7-1 on the road. Jeff Garcia 2-0 against New York in the playoffs, but the Giants league-leading pass rush should keep him in check. Giants 24-20

CHARGERS -9.5 Titans: San Diego hasn't won a home playoff game since the 1994 season and is peaking at the right time, while Titans may be left with Kerry Collins at QB and are missing their top receiver in Roydell Williams and TE Bo Scaife. On top of that, LenDale White is questionable. Forecast calls for rain, so expect LaDainian Tomlinson to get the ball around 25 times and ornery defense to take out their recent playoff frustrations on Tennessee. Likely the only blowout of the weekend. Chargers 37-13

If these picks pan out, the matchups you'll get next weekend are Seattle at Green Bay, New York at Dallas, San Diego at Indianapolis and Pittsburgh at New England.