The Head vs. The Heart
With their final, dying breath, my Eagles went out as martyrs. “This looks like the end of the road for us, pal,” they croaked. “But we’ll make sure we cover.”
And so, it is with tears in my eyes that I bring you the Championship Round edition of Stein vs. The Field. Goodnight, Sweet Prince.
Record for the 2019 playoffs: 4-3-1
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (-3)
Sunday, Jan 20 – 3:05 EST
The Head:
The two best teams on paper in the NFC. But paper is stupid and it’s bad for the environment.
The Eagles couldn’t wait for their do-over last week against the Saints after getting punched in the mouth 48-7 in Week 11. Though they couldn’t quite overcome New Orleans in the rematch, they went down with a respectable 20-14 defeat.
The Saints beat the Rams 45-35 in Week 9, and Sean Payton’s post-game mentioned that the Saints had found a match-up they liked with Marcus Peters on Michael Thomas. Peters was accordingly incensed, but who knows if the Rams will be able to respond. I say no.
You could make the argument that the Saints had a bit of a favorable schedule during the regular season. The three best teams they played (Eagles, Rams, and Steelers) were all in NOLA. They might be vulnerable on the road. Too bad it doesn’t matter!
Pick: Saints -3
The Heart:
Trying to predict Jared Goff’s play this season has been like trying to calm down my girlfriend – it rarely works, and leaves you questioning your own sensibilities.
His success is too tied to his head coach’s until further notice. He’s like a running back who can only get what the offensive lines blocks for him.
Still, there’s good Jared, and then there’s bad Jared. I say we’re a few hours away from offseason Jared.
Pick: Saints -3
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5)
Sunday, Jan 20 – 6:40 EST
The Head:
One of these teams is going to end up fooling me – I just don’t know which. They both sure did last week.
On one hand, maybe Andy Reid and the Chiefs have finally outrun their Arrowhead playoff misfortune. I thought Mahomes would be erratic in his playoff debut, but Reid drew up a brilliant game plan that had Mahomes making smart, safe throws and avoiding the kill shots he loves so much.
On the other hand, these Patriots are apparently still the Patriots, and they have everyone’s number. Have you ever noticed how every single condition seems to favor the Pats? The game’s being played in sub-30-degree weather – that favors the Pats. It’s January – that favors the Pats. Bill Belichick took a dump this morning – that favors the Pats.
Andy Reid is 2-6 all-time vs. Bill Belichick. But Bill’s 3-4 in road playoff games since becoming the Mayor of Foxborough.
I’m very torn here. I want so badly to root for Andy Reid to exorcise some demons and take this thing all the way. Unfortunately, my head is telling me that the Patriots +3.5 in an AFC Championship game is too sultry to walk away from.
Pick: Patriots +3.5
The Heart:
$#@! it man, root for the Chiefs.
Pick: Chiefs -3.5
What do I actually think? Put your money on New England +3.5. That’s my official pick. But I’m betting on KC money line. I STILL LOVE YOU ANDY.
