Monday Morning Recap

The good news - everybody's team who made it to the playoffs, are still in the playoffs.

The bad news – the Chickens are in the playoffs. Stooopid Chickens.

Redskins 17, Buccaneers 10
Watched the game, but only rooted for the Redskins out of loyalty to Joe Gibbs, who owns Tony Stewart's team.

Patriots 28, Jaguars 3
The Jags had game for the first quarter, but the Pats pulled the proverbial string in the Jag's sweater and unraveled their whole game in the second half. The Pats real talent is making the game still interesting to watch even when they're stomping the other team. Impressive.

Panthers 23, Giants 0
I didn't watch this game, but apparently it didn't matter. Ba-zing!

Steelers 31, Bengals 17
Palmer going down didn't look like much from the front angle, but after seeing the reverse angle replay – ooooch.

It sucks that the Steelers gained an advantage, even if it wasn't intentional (and I don't believe for a second that it was). Drivers in NASCAR shrug it off with the familiar mantra, "Welp, that's racing." It's the only way to cope with the unfortunate things that happen in a tough and competitive sport.

On a side note, I accidentally rooted for the Steelers. I was under the incorrect assumption that if the Steelers won, the Pats would play the Colts next week. Wrong - it was the other way around. The only reason I cared is that my sweetie would rather the Pats lose to the Colts because, a) he hates the Broncos (as do I) and b) so my brother can finally witness Payton Manning smiting Tom Brady in a playoff game, thus ticking another item off his "things to do before I die" list.

My predictions for next weekend?

Seahawks over Redskins – one more step towards my selfish fantasy of seeing the Chickens make it to the Super Bowl and lose horribly against the Colts. As a Raiders fan, I *deserve* this.
Panthers over Bears – it'll be close, but if Panthers keep it together they can test their mettle against the rested Bears defense and come out on top.
Colts over Steelers – but I pray the Steelers will be able to keep it interesting.
Patriots over Broncos – just keepin' the faith, baby, keepin' the faith.