Return of the Predictions

  It’s been awhile since we’ve done predictions here at Outside the Arc, so let’s start the new year with some NFL Wild Card picks.

• New Orleans at Seattle   Well, I really hate to pick against my Seahawks … so I won’t.  The Saints have lost another running back and they will be hurting without Pierre Thomas.  Sure Reggie Bush will likely score his first rushing TD of the season, but it won’t be enough.  The NFC West champs, complete with the return of Matt Hasselbeck, will play inspired ball in front of the home crowd. > ‘Hawks 26, Saints 24

• N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis   Is there anything that can make Rex Ryan shutup?  I’d say Kryptonite, but he’s no Superman.  Peyton Manning, on the other hand…

Manning’s skill and ability to control a game + Jets’ secondary issues = another Colts victory over Rex Ryan. >  Indy 38, N.Y. 21

• Baltimore at Kansas City   Baltimore doesn’t seem to garner the same attention that Indianapolis and New England do.  Manning and Tom Brady have something to do with that, as well.  But the Ravens are steady on offense and solid on defense.

  Kansas City has surprised many people this season. They won’t surprise Baltimore, even in Arrowhead. > Ravens 20, Chiefs 13

• Green Bay at Philadelphia   Seriously, does anyone really believe the rumors that Michael Vick is going to be benched for this playoff game?  Barring a traumatic injury or being sacked 8-9 time in the first half, this just isn’t going to happen.

  The way the games have fallen, the league (and networks) have given us as the final game of the weekend what will likely be a shootout.  Vick and Aaron Rodgers both have led their teams well this season and both offenses can score.  The Eagles will score just a little bit more at home and avenge their early season loss to the Packers. > Philly 41, G.B. 38

Largest Viewing Audience Ever To Watch "The Who"

#5 > New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17 Feb. 7

Super Bowl XLIV was the most watched program in television history. (Yes, something finally surpassed the series finale of M*A*S*H back in 1983.) And it really was a game worth watching.

At this point, the Department of Full Disclosure here at Outside The Arc mandates that we let you know that we were cheering for Indy at our house. My wife and I have been Peyton Manning fans since his days at the University of Tennessee and would like to have seen him get his second ring. But Drew Brees is a pretty good guy himself and he led his team admirably throughout the game.

When the Colts got out to a 10-0 lead, it looked like this could be another Super Bowl blowout. Then the Indianapolis offense went silent and two Saints’ field goals kept the game close with a 10-6 halftime score.

Surely the Colts could get things going when they would receive the ball to start the second half, but that kickoff proved to be the turning point in the game. Coach Sean Payton’s decision to attempt an onside kick was gutsy and ultimately successful. And the Saints capitalized on this big play with a six play touchdown drive that gave New Orleans its first lead.

Indianapolis regained the lead on the next possession and held on to it, going into the fourth quarter up 17-16. The Saints went back on top for good on Brees’ second TD pass, capped off with an amazing catch by Lance Moore to complete the two-point conversion. A 74-yard interception return for a touchdown by Larry Porter sealed the deal for the Saints, who captured the first Super Bowl victory in team history.