What's this? Someone not Cory blogging at hexkrak.com?!? That's right I figured I could add my two cents in here in the area of sports since I spend way too much time paying attention to them anyway. I've known Cory since I was ten years old and he can talk intelligently about anything, but professional sports simply don't interest him. I think him giving me the ability to post on his blog was simply a way of him saying "Here is a quarter call someone who cares". SO! With that in mind I decided I would rant on his blog to both of his regular readers, and hope it doesn't ward either of you away.

It's the evening before the start of the NFL Playoffs and three of the four matchups are matchups we saw last week: Philadelphia vs. Dallas; New York vs. Cincinnati; Green Bay vs. Arizona. The last matchup being Baltimore vs. New England, who also played each other this year but much earlier in the year. So, in the usual fashion I figure I'll breakdown each game and give you my picks. Feel free to mock me if you believe I am wrong in the comments section, yes I mean you Cowboys fans.

Philadelphia vs. Dallas

The Cowboys passing attack was effective during last month, enough to get the Cowboys into the playoffs, which most people doubted would happen. However, the thing that I took from this game was the balance between the run and the pass; 34 passing plays and 32 rushes. They are spreading the ball around and getting quick first down yardage, and not shooting for the big plays like they were early in the year. The Cowboys defense has been tough late in the season, last week they stifled the Eagles running game, and turned them into a one dimensional team forcing them to pass.

The Eagles have an 11-5 recording despite last week's loss, showing just how elite they are. I expect them to come out early, and establishing the running game with LeSean McCoy helping to keep this game close. The Eagles defense has at times played to their opponent's talent, and last week they played below their opponent's level of talent and I expect there to be an emphasis on not becoming complacent, and not being satisfied. Say what you will about the eagles, come January if they are in the playoffs they can be dangerous. The Eagles have been a consistent presence in the playoff the last decade whereas the Cowboys last playoff win was before Bill Clinton's second inaugural, December 28th, 1996. The Eagles however have played in five of the last nine NFC Championship Games, winning only once but showing that they have a tough enough team to get there every January.

My Pick: Eagles

New York vs. Cincinnati

The Jets season has been broken into 3 different pieces for me. First, their defense is as good as it gets, Rex Ryan is a genius when it comes to preparing for teams, and with Darrelle Revis being able to single cover top receivers it opens up his playbook a little more. All year long this defense has been the top defense in the league, and that cannot be disputed(Flame away Bengal fans). The 3 pieces of their season are in regards to their offense: First, they were easing Matt Sanchez into his role making sure they run as often as possible, and minimize Sanchez's mistakes. Second, they let Sanchez loose for several games, and while he didn't have too many interceptions or fumbles he wasn't playing effectively and the Jet's Record shows it. Third, they got back to the running game and realized they needed to run the ball to win, and they did.

The Bengals have had a horrific season off the field. The death of their coordinator's wife, the death of their wide receiver Chris Henry, all while putting together their second playoff run in recent memory. Make no mistake this is now a running team, if Carson Palmer is throwing the ball forty or more times, it means the Jet's will likely capitalize on their mistakes. If Cedric Benson, and Larry Johnson can establish an effective running game early this game will be a good one.

My Pick: Jets

Green Bay vs. Arizona

The Packers have owned the Cardinals this year, in the pre-season and last week.  If not for Brett Favre's redemption tour this year the Packers would likely be the team to beat in the NFC right now. Aaron Rodgers is playing incredibly well and has been showing why the Packers decided to go with him as their franchise quarterback, and showing the 49ers they made a mistake not selecting him back in 2005. Ryan Grant has shown flashes of being a top running back, and that needs to continue if they are going to win this game, they need to keep the ball away from Kurt Warner and the Cardinal offense.

The Cardinals defense has gotten tougher this year, 4 Defensive players making the pro-bowl while only 1 offensive player made the cut. The Cards offense is still the their strength, the difference is they don't have to rely on only it anymore. Their defense is tough, and has a lot of playmakers, and I believe they will make some plays on defense. The Warner to Fitzgerald connection has been unstoppable at times, and for all the talk Fitz is likely to get I believe the key offensive weapons will be Anquan Boldin and Chris "Beanie" Wells.

My Pick: Cardinals

Baltimore vs. New England

The Ravens are now an offensive team, taking the change thanks to two additions in the last 2 years; Ray Rice, and Joe Flacco. Ray Rice is a game changer, especially if he can get an opening between the tackles. Rice is an undersized back with the patience to wait for a hole to open and the speed to accelerate through it before it closes. Joe Flacco has one solid receiver in Derrick Mason but still puts up some good numbers, when they need to run the ball. Todd Heap is a great Red Zone receiver and a top tight end in the league, I would look for him to make some plays.

The Patriots are always a force to be reckoned with in the postseason, and Tom Brady can explode at any time like he did against the Titans earlier this year lighting them up for 5 touchdown in 1 quarter. Randy Moss is of course a threat, but now the Patriots don't have Mr. Consistent in Wes Welker as he has been placed on the Injured Reserve List as of the 6th. That alone I think will make a huge difference in this game as the Patriot defense is young and inexperienced.

My Pick: Ravens

I'll try to log in and before next weeks games, unless I am so embarass by an 0-4 record on picks this week. Or the Flames from both of you have hurt my feelings :p

-Skeet