Not exactly a banner week for Paul’s Picks – only Indianapolis came through for me.  The overwhelming trend I noticed in all of the games – they were terribly played. I can’t believe Arizona and Dallas came out so flat, and don’t even get me started on the San Diego Chargers. So we’re left with only four teams in the the quest for the Superbowl, and here’s how they got here.

ARIZONA/NEW ORLEANS

Any signs of rust that New Orleans was thought to have were erased in a matter of minutes. After the opening 70 yard run by Tim Hightower, the Saints took complete control, and actually got a great contribution from someone I didn’t think had it in him – Reggie Bush. I’ve been critical of Bush’s NFL potential ever since he left USC, but yesterday he demonstrated what kind of impact he can have on a team. If the Saints can get half the effort they got from Bush next week, the Vikings are in trouble.

I hope that wasn’t the last game of Kurt Warner’s career. The hit he took from Bobby McCray was devastating, and it’d be a shame for a sure-fire Hall of Famer like Warner to retire after such a dismal game from his team.

BALTIMORE/INDIANAPOLIS

Another stinker. The Colts did just what I thought they’d do, completely overwhelm the Ravens. Joe Flacco wasn’t able to step up (although he’s injured), and the Colts were able to stack the box and hold Ray Rice to just 67 yards.

Peyton Manning threw the ball a whopping 44 times, and the Colts showed what they can do to teams based on running and defence. Study the game tape New York, the Colts are going to force Mark Sanchez to win next weekend.

And more with the retirement note, it could very well be the end for two Ravens. Derek Mason flirted with retirement last year (he actually retired only to come back), and right now he says he’s 60-40 in favour of retirement. But even more upsetting is Ed Reed’s talk of calling it a career. The 31 year old battled injuries all year, and isn’t quite sure whether or not he’ll come back next year. Quite a shame if he hangs up the cleats.

DALLAS/MINNESOTA

Brett Favre is on a mission. Four touchdown passes against an improved Dallas defence was a simply amazing performance. That was the same Favre we saw earlier in the season, the one who can carry the Vikings despite poor performances by Adrian Peterson (26 carries for 63 yards). We also saw how dominant the Vikings’ defensive front can be. They made a mockery of the Dallas offensive line.

As for the Cowboys, looks like Roy Williams didn’t have that huge game I predicted. It’s hard to have a big game when you’re only targeted once. I don’t understand Dallas’ offensive scheme sometimes. 14 carries for Felix Jones, eight for Marion Barber. Roy Williams targeted once. Miles Austin four catches. Talk about a terrible game plan. Now we only have eight months of Jerry Jones tweaking his team until the new season.

NY JETS/SAN DIEGO

Shameful. There’s nothing else to say about San Diego. Nate Kaeding should be cut for his effort, and Norv Turner should fear for his job. Terrible gameplan, terrible execution, a waste of a season.

As far as New York’s concerned, they are playing outstanding football. Shonn Greene’s got a chance to be special, and he’s already made Thomas Jones expendable in the offseason. His 53 yard run was beautiful. Darrelle Revis had no problems shutting down whoever he was covering, and he made an incredible play to pick off a Philip Rivers pass that deflected off Vincent Jackson. Even without the playoffs, I still feel that Rex Ryan should have won coach of the year. If you look at the Jets’ roster, it’s not overly intimidating. Ryan has done an amazing job.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- Mike Nolan leaving Denver is a curious move. It’s reportedly a “parting of ways”, but there’s got to be something else to it

- Chan Gailey’s now the front-runner for the Buffalo head coaching job… what an embarrassment for the Bills’ organization the coaching search has been

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is almost upon us, and I’m looking forward to a much more entertaining slate of games than last weekend. Fans should look forward to a shootout in the South, endless quarterback talk in the North, and a blowout in the West. Without further delay, here’s my take on the matchups.

ARIZONA @ NEW ORLEANS, Saturday, 4:30 pm

This one should be fun. Watching Arizona’s offence last week was a delight for any fan of the game, and New Orleans isn’t too bad at racking up points themselves. I don’t expect Kurt Warner to be as good as last week (more touchdowns than incompletions), but if the retirement talk is true, look for Kurt to have another strong game. I’m curious to see what kind of defensive intensity the Cardinals come out with, and they’ll attempt to bring pressure early at Drew Brees.

On the Saints’ side, they used the bye week to rest up, most notably Jeremy Shockey and their two starting cornerbacks, Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. The latter’s a huge get for the Saints, especially with a potent arial attack like Arizona coming into the Superdome. The loss of defensive end Charles Grant will really hurt this team, especially in the pass rush. While the Saints will be able to put up points, I just can’t shake the fact that this team hasn’t won a game since December 13.

PAUL’S PICK: Arizona

BALTIMORE @ INDIANAPOLIS, Saturday, 8:15 pm

Baltimore racked up 234 yards on the ground against New England, and now they go up against the league’s 24th ranked rush defence. That’s got to be music to the ears of Ravens fans. Last week Baltimore got monster performances from Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and the entire defence, but this week the game will hinge on Joe Flacco. He went just 4 of 10 for 34 yards and an interception last week, and those numbers will clearly need to improve. There are reports that Flacco has a hip injury, but he still needs to make better decisions in the pocket when going up a much tougher pass rush this week. Even worse for the Ravens was that left tackle Jared Gaither missed practice Thursday. If he can’t play, rookie Michael Oher will step over to the blindside. That’s not the problem. Oniel Cousins, a second year player from Texas-El Paso, would have to take over on the right side… against Dwight Freeney.

Freeney and the Colts are looked at by some as underdogs this weekend because they haven’t played a meaningful game since December 17, but this is what the Colts are built for. Anytime you have Peyton Manning and a mainly healthy team, look out. They haven’t won a playoff game since winning the Superbowl in 2006, but they also didn’t look as dominant as they did this season. Baltimore’s secondary has been riddled by injuries at the cornerback position, and Manning has a few more weapons than Tom Brady does. This one should be close, and it’ll come down to the quarterbacking.

PAUL’S PICK: Indianapolis

DALLAS @ MINNESOTA, Sunday, 1:00 pm

I don’t think anyone can consider what Dallas had last week was a game – more like a scrimmage. With the playoff monkey of their shoulders, Tony Romo & Co. head into Minnesota to tangle with Brett Favre. With the Williams Wall anchoring the middle of the Vikings defence, it’s going to be tough for Dallas to establish a running game. It could get even harder with Marion Barber missing some practice with his sore hamstring (he did return to action Thursday). I mentioned earlier in the week how impressive Felix Jones has been, and Dallas will need him to step up. Also, cue Roy Williams. I said it before, and I’ll say it again, he’s going to have a big game soon.

Minnesota has transitioned to more of a passing attack this season, but that may have to change this week. Dallas has racked up at least four sacks in four straight games, and will be dialing up pressure from different angles at Favre. The key for Minnesota will be getting Adrian Peterson going early, and hanging onto the ball. His six fumbles are a cause for concern, but with all respect to Chris Johnson, AP is the best running back in football. If he can consistently break down the Dallas D, Minnesota can win the game.

PAUL’S PICK: Dallas

NY JETS @ SAN DIEGO, Sunday, 4:40 pm

I still can’t believe the Jets are in the postseason, let alone in the divisional round. But with the number one ranked rushing game and defence, it’s hard not to give them respect. Much like last week’s game, I feel this one comes down to Mark Sanchez. He completed 80% of his passes last week, but against the Chargers’ 3-4 defence he’s sure to see a lot more blitz schemes and zone coverages. Darrelle Revis should be able to occupy Vincent Jackson well, but if the Jets want to isolate Lito Sheppard or Dwight Lowery on the 6′5″ Malcolm Floyd, have fun.

The Chargers haven’t lost a football game since October 19, and they just seem to be firing on all cylinders. Philip Rivers has an underrated receiving core in Jackson, Floyd, Legedu Naanee, and then there’s some guy named Antonio Gates as well. Add in Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlison, and they’ve got more than enough firepower to topple the Jets’ number one ranked D. But Chargers fans shouldn’t book their ticket for the next round just yet. The team ranks 20th in the NFL at stopping the run, and they now get the number one ranked rushing attack of Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene. As long as they can slow down the New York ground attack, the Chargers stand a very good chance to move on – and quite easily at that.

PAUL’S PICK: San Diego

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- I wonder if Todd Haley realizes what’s happening in Kansas City. With so many ex-Patriots around, one screw up and he’s out the door

- Jerome Bettis says Bill Cowher wants to coach the New York Giants. Have fun with that Tom Coughlin

Wow. I’m still trying to get a handle on the Green Bay/Arizona game.  Combined, the two teams racked up 1,024 yards of offence, and despite terrible play throughout the game, we saw that defence wins in the playoffs. As we start to get ready for next weekend’s games, here’s a few of my takes from the weekend that was in the NFL.

NY JETS/CINCINNATI

The Jets just keep proving me wrong. I said heading into the playoffs that they were the worst of the twelve team field. And despite their win, I still feel that way. But I’ve got to hand it to them, and especially Mark Sanchez. His stats read an unimpressive 12 of 15 for 185 yards and a touchdown, but it was what he didn’t do that defined his game. He didn’t turn the ball over, and that was the key to the Jets win. Darrelle Revis didn’t play as well as I thought he would, and he was beaten by Chad Ochocinco on a few plays (penalties included). Revis’ job won’t get any easier, he’ll get 6′5 Vincent Jackson next week.

PHILADELPHIA/DALLAS

This wasn’t even a game. Right from the opening kickoff, this was Dallas’ game. Tony Romo played mistake free football, while the Eagles turned the ball over four times. Dallas has done such a great job incorporating Felix Jones into it’s offence, he’s far too dynamic of a playmaker to be kept on the sidelines. Marion Barber will need to be used more next week to break down the Minnesota defence, but for now, top marks to Dallas. The receiving core also looked quite good, and I don’t know why, but I’m getting the feeling that Roy Williams is in line for a big game soon.

BALTIMORE/NEW ENGLAND

Another snoozer. So much for the ‘evolving’ of New England’s offence without Wes Welker. I told anyone who’d listen this week that you can not replace 123 catches out of your lineup. As for Baltimore, what a rushing attack. It’s nice to see Willis McGahee getting touches on a consistent basis, he’s a key part of the offence again. Joe Flacco, however, was simply atrocious. 4 of 10 for 34 yards and a pick? Those numbers had better improve when the Ravens meet up with Peyton Manning and the Colts.

GREEN BAY/ARIZONA

Once again, wow. I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers, having a fantastic game end on his fumble. Reports on ESPN.com claim that Kurt Warner is set to retire following the season. Based on his play earlier today, why? 29 of 33 for 379 yards and five TD’s – simply amazing. Get ready for another shootout next weekend when the Cardinals travel to the Superdome to dance with the Saints.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- Pete Carroll to Seattle… didn’t see that one coming

- Eric Mangini gets another year in Cleveland. I guess Mike Holmgren wants another top ten pick next year

With Week Nine in the NFL almost behind us, I’m left wondering yet again how teams fighting for playoff positions can come out so flat. I’m going to leave San Francisco and the New York Giants out of this (today), and focus on Baltimore, and the pathetic NFC North tandem of Chicago and Green Bay.

Last week Baltimore completely dominated Denver, handing them their first loss of the season, a 30-7 drubbing. Yesterday they traveled to Cincinnati to exact some revenge for a narrow Week Five loss to the Bengals. Yet what ensued was 60 minutes of lifeless football – with the Ravens not even mustering their score until the fourth quarter. Cincy was up 14-0 nothing before the Ravens even knew what was happening, and they were able to set it to cruise control for the rest of the game. Joe Flacco was dreadful, going 18-32 for 195 yards and two picks, and Bengals’ corners Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph had his receivers blanketed all day. Forgot the Ravens competing in the AFC North – they’ll be lucky to make the playoffs if they keep showing as little fire as they did Sunday afternoon.

When Tommie Harris missed Chicago’s Week Seven game against the Bengals, the Bears were pasted 45-10. I said it then, without Harris and Brian Urlacher in the middle of the defence, the Bears are useless. Well, just four plays into yesterday’s tilt with the Arizona Cardinals, Harris had a brain cramp and punched guard Deuce Lutui in the face – immediate ejection. Arizona went on to score on its first sixpossessions, en route to a 41-21 cake walk. Head Coach of the Bears Lovie Smith took over defensive play-calling permanently at the beginning of the season. After yesterday’s debacle, it’s amazing the Bears haven’t pulled a Daniel Snyder and stripped him of the responsibility. Jay Cutler and the offence tried, but they just couldn’t keep up. The Bears are a complete mess right now, and sit three games back of Minnesota in the NFC North. And just think Bears fans, the team doesn’t own its top two draft picks in 2010.

And then there’s Green Bay. I don’t care how composed Josh Freeman looked/played in his debut – you do not lose to the 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No team in the NFL should have lost to this years’ Bucs, they’re simply terrible. But Green Bay, attempting to keep pace in the NFC North, allows a rookie quarterback to toss three touchdowns and lead his team to victory, even after they’d taken a 7-0 lead under three minutes into the game. Let’s just hope the Packers didn’t make people in Tampa all superstitious - or else we may be in for more of the creamsicle jerseys.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- how can people consider New Orleans a better team than Indianapolis? New Orleans was down 24 points at half to Miami two weeks ago, and down 14-0 in the first quarter to Carolina yesterday. If they even try that in the playoffs, they’re going to get bounced by a team that knows how to finish

- I know Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger have both won the Superbowl, and they’re both good-to-great players, but Philip Rivers is the best quarterback from the 2004 draft class. Week in, week out he’s simply outstanding, and watching his game-winning, last-minute drive against the Giants was a thing of beauty