Completely agree with Mel Kiper

[aj_law]

Steelers win 23-6.

We just disagree on why he's pickin' 'em.

[jonzr]

The Plastic Haired One didn't go all homer?  Oh, did he say the Ravens would win but they're too injured or something like that?

[Big Virgil]

I would disagree with him just because he is a stupid fuck.

[Preacherman0]

I think Mel is getting THE FEAR now.  He was almost humble, leaning towards apologetic about the Ravens this morning.  If you're being the typical homer, then you're in for it Mon. morning if it doesn't go your way.  Eat some humble pie now, and you can work whichever side is convenient on Monday.

[aj_law]

No.

He basically "picked" Pittsburgh as sort of a jinx pick.

He still believes that Baltimore is a team of destiny, overcoming the pre-season predictions, going on the road, injuries, everything...blah, blah, blah.  Pretty sure he also said that he "took" Tennessee last week too.  So, he figured that he'd do the same thing this week and make everyone back in Baltimore happy.

Delusional fucks.  Every last one of 'em.

[Spen]

I call it like I see it, always have. And I don't like the Ravens chances too much. Especially after that hard hitting game last week against the Titans and the relative easy game the Steelers. If Suggs and Rolle cannot play, that really hurts. Even healthy I think the Steelers are slightly better, but not by much.

Heck I thought the Ravens would be 4-12 with a rookie head coach and rookie QB. Then if I would have been asked how I thought they would have done without Gregg all season and without Mcallister, I may have even toned down those expectations. So whatever way this game ends, I still really enjoyed this season.

I was also absolutely convinced the Cowboys would be the Ravens in week 16, so I haven't abandoned all hope.

I honestly think this is the weakest pool of championship teams I can ever remember. I don't think any of them are truly great.

[Finnegans Wake]

So, Comedian, you don't think Suggs is just pretending to be hurt?  Seems to be the whisper.  Not like that would change the Steelers' approach, tho'.

I've been saying for some time that I think the best defenses would win out in the playoffs this year, perhaps moreso than other years.  I had the Steelers, Ravens, Titans, Eagles, and Vikings were the best in that regard, pretty much for the second half of the season.  I get what you're saying about a weak playoff field, but I see it as a case where the defenses are so completely dominant this year, that they overcompensate for poor offenses.  The best of the bunch may be that Eagles offense, and objectively, I think even they are middle of the road.

Still, the Steelers and Ravens are both 13-win teams right now, because their defenses are simply playing great, great ball.  Call me old fashioned, but I tend to like that. 

BTW, not because he's a Ravens homer, but Kiper is increasingly irrelevant.  His relevance used to be as punchline, and now he's more of a headache.

[Puma170]

BTW, not because he's a Ravens homer, but Kiper is increasingly irrelevant.  His relevance used to be as punchline, and now he's more of a headache.

Well said...

PUMA

[jonzr]

I honestly think this is the weakest pool of championship teams I can ever remember. I don't think any of them are truly great.

Who's missing that should be there?  Patsies?  They probably make the playoffs if Beardy doesn't go down.  If.  No guarantees they advance in the playoffs though.  But other than them, what other AFC team is missing?

As for the NFC side, who's missing there?  And please don't say the Cowboys.  That hype-machine finished right where they should have.  Atlanta and AZ were surprises but they earned their playoff spots as did the Eagles.  Anyone really miss Chicago?

Unless you saying that we're really witnessing some parity here then I don't know what you mean.  And wte of the Patsies early-decade run we've been witnessing it for some time.

[Spen]

So, Comedian, you don't think Suggs is just pretending to be hurt?  Seems to be the whisper.  Not like that would change the Steelers' approach, tho'.

I havent heard that. He was a good portion of the second half last week, wasnt he? If so I doubt is a fake.

I wouldnt be amazed if he is downplaying his chances of playing and really plans to, but I do think he is hurt and wont be near 100%. I heard he may have to wear a shoulder brace.

I too think the Eagles may be the best offense left but if the Cardinals can get Boldin back they may be able to put up some points.

Jonzr, I dont think anyone is missing that should be in the championship games. I just dont think any of the four teams left are that great. Not that they have to be, they are the best teams this season so thats all that matters.