Written by Josh Katz
New York Jets (6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2)
Sunday, 6:30PM, CBS
-As if there was ever any doubt about the New Jersey Jets being for real, all of that was erased with a convincing win over New England last weekend in Foxborough. I, like most other “experts”, picked the Pats to cruise to the AFC title game behind the Brady/Belichick factor, but I should’ve seen an upset coming. The Jets walked the walk, frustrating Tom Brady and the young Patriots defense behind an outstanding game from Mark Sanchez and company. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it appears the Jets have a little magic brewing, similar to their stadium buddies in the 2007 New York Giants, who did the unthinkable beating the then undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl 42. Side note: Since Tyree’s magical grab, the Patriots are 0-3 in the playoffs. Go figure.
-This matchup between the Steelers and Jets will be a beauty. A rematch of a regular season affair, which the Jets won a tight game at Heinz Field will be a must watch for die hard Football fans. Two teams that play solid defense, run the ball effectively, and use their big-play wide receivers to move the ball down field. The Steelers have been here before though, winning two Super Bowls in the past five years. So far, it has been nothing but hugs and kisses between the two teams in the way of trash talk, a break from the normal nonsense we hear from Rex and the Jets leading up to kickoff. I am beginning to believe the Jets are a team of destiny, but it is a tall order for the Jets to go into Heinz Field again and knock off the Steelers for a trip the title game. I expect a pure dogfight, with quarterbacks ultimately deciding the game.
The Pick: Jets 24, Steelers 21
Green Bay Packers (6) @ Chicago Bears (2)
Sunday, 3:00PM, FOX
-Go Pack Go. Aaron Rodgers has become a stud before our very eyes, taking his Packers into one of the toughest venues in football and blowing out the Falcons' lazy weekend in Atlanta. Rodgers was incredible, using his precision and mobility to keep the defense on their heels from the opening whistle. There is a reason the Bears played all of their starters in Week 17, to avoid seeing Green Bay again in a situation like this. Lovie Smith is no dummy. He knew that this Packers team was special, and they appear to be super at this juncture. The Bears had a relatively easy test knocking off the Cinderella Seahawks in convincing fashion in the divisional round last weekend. This is a rivalry that is as old as Noah’s Ark, and another chapter will be written this Sunday at 3PM. Be there or be square.
-When it comes to divisional matchups, I tend to throw out all of the statistical nonsense that goes along with it. These games are downright nasty, because of the nature of the rivalry. The Packers and Bears have been going at it for decades, and finally the spotlight lands on Soldier Field for an epic clash with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The Packers are arguably the hottest team in the tournament behind Rodgers' elite play, and with their solid defense, have the ability to confuse a turnover-prone Jay Cutler, who is due for a Favre-like stinker. This game will ultimately come down to who can control the clock, and I believe with new-blood running back James Starks, the Packers can and will do just that. Matt Forte is no slouch either, but has been inconsistent in his ability to put up big numbers in big games such as this one (I had him on my fantasy team and the man let me down a number of weeks.) As long as the Packers can contain Devin Hester, they should win this one. Look for another huge game from Aaron Rodgers, as he continues to enhance his legacy before our very eyes.
The Pick: Packers 27, Bears 16
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