And so it begins

Here come the playoffs! After just 17 short weeks, we are now just 11 games away from another long offseason with no football(unless you count 27 mock drafts a week from ESPN).

SEAHAWKS -3 over Redskins: As good as the Redskins have played over the last few weeks, playing at Seattle is a different environment. He's done a good job the last few weeks of not relying on Shaun Alexander too much, but will the Seahawks be able to keep it up in January when the pass game doesn't come as easy. There is talk of Holmgren retiring after the season(like most walruses, he just wants to relax on the beach and eat fish), so we'll see if he can go out with a bang.
STEELERS +3 over Jaguars: I'd be willing to guess that the Steelers have never been underdogs at home in the first round of the playoffs, but after the beating the Jags gave them a few weeks ago(and that was when they had Willie Parker) I'm surprised it's only a 3 point spread. The injury report for the Steelers is discouraging, with tackle Marvel Smith, DE Anthony Smith(no relation), Parker, and tackle Max Starks among the starters that won't be suiting up. In addition Troy Polamalu is doubtful and Ben and Allen Rossum questionable. Two years ago the Steelers snuck into the playoffs as a 6 seed and walked away with the Lombardi Trophy, partly by beating the Colts, who only a few weeks earlier had destroyed the Steelers in their regular season matchup. This time its the Jaguars they seek their revenge against, and despite being a 4 seed, their job looks to be significantly harder this year.
Titans +10 over CHARGERS: A month ago the Titans lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Chargers and now they're 10 point underdogs? I think the Chargers probably win again but the Titans will keep it close.

Money Picks*

Giants +3 over BUCS: Eli Manning on the road, as underdogs, in January. This has about as much chance of success as one of the Spears sisters raising a well-adjusted child(exhibit A). Add to that the fact that Sean Salisbury and the rest of the ESPN analysts are talking up the Giants as an upset pick and I'm not sure why I'm still picking them, much less laying money on them. I do know this though, the Giants won in the Tecmo Super Bowl matchup despite only 118 yards and 2 interceptions from Eli. That's good enough for me.

*Note: 5 out of 5 doctors recommend NOT following this advice. If you value your money at all, you should seriously consider NOT betting on the advice of an anonymous internet blogger.