WWMPD?
What Would Mike Phillips Do?
He is our Gridiron Green seer also known as “Commute29.”
Phillips would pick a bunch of winners; that’s what he’d do. He did it all regular-season long. He did it better than all the rest.
Phillips never won a week, but he won the year.
And he won by keeping it simple – no crystal ball.
“I don’t do any real research on the teams other than trying to pay attention if any of the big players are hurt; I just go from the gut and try not to overthink it,” Phillips said in an email to the Gridiron Guru.
So, after my .500 turn the first week of the NFL postseason, your humble Gridiron Guru turned to the master for his playoff-prognosticating influence.
Phillips, a Durangoan for 20 years and longtime Gridiron Green veteran enjoying his best season to date, happily obliged.
Granted, the Mountain Bike Specialists’ commuter didn’t fare any better than the Guru last week, only picking the 49ers correctly to beat the Packers on the frozen tundra.
“I did horrible this last weekend,” Phillips said.
But, hey, only one team wins the Super Bowl.
“Yeah, 49ers!” Phillips said.
So, is Phillips putting all his eggs in the 49ers’ basket?
Let’s find out.
Saturday, Jan. 11
New Orleans at Seattle (KASA) – CenturyLink field has been a fortress this season, recent loss to Arizona not withstanding. The Saints proved they can play outdoors last week, but they didn’t have to face the Legion of Boom. Pete Carroll’s positive vibes combined with Russell Wilson’s icy demeanor under pressure will win the day. Pick: Seahawks, 24-20. Line: Seahawks by 8.
MP: “I just think it is too hard for a team to go into that stadium and beat the 12th Man.”
Pick: Seahawks.
Indianapolis at New England (KCNC, KREZ) – Did you see Andrew Luck’s beard last week? He clearly is built for postseason football with that Balaclava of facial hair. And chopping down trees with a blue ox. Who is Tom Brady planning on throwing the ball to? Himself? Joe Flacco has beaten the Patriots in Foxborough in recent years, which means Indianapolis won’t need too much Luck. Pick: Colts, 33-28. Line: Patriots by 7½.
MP: “Andrew Luck has had a great season, but it’s hard to go against Brady in the playoffs.”
Pick: Patriots.
Sunday, Jan. 12
San Francisco at Carolina (KASA) – Colin Kaepernick’s choice to eschew sleeves to better kiss his guns won’t seem so valiant in Carolina this week. As it stands, though, the 49ers are battle-tested compared to the wide-eyed Panthers. Cam Newton has a championship pedigree, just not at this level ... yet. Pick: 49ers, 19-17. Line: 49ers by 2.
MP: “A little bit of an upset, especially after last weekend, but I’ve always kind of liked Carolina. Hopefully Cam Newton has a big game at home.”
Pick: Panthers.
San Diego at Denver (KCNC, KREZ) – Philip Rivers wore a bolo tie after the Chargers’ last win in Denver, sparking speculation the clothing accessory is making a comeback. The House of Thunder, however, will not suffer that offense again. Plus, Wes Welker will be running routes this game instead of holding a clipboard. The Bolts’ Cinderella run ends Sunday. Pick: Broncos, 38-30. Line: Broncos by 10.
MP: “Looking for Peyton to send Philip Rivers home for the winter – Come on, Broncos!”
Pick: Broncos.
