On The Mark

The Oklahoma City/Dallas series was a fun one to watch for someone who is a fan of both teams.  And though I personally cheered for the Thunder during the past week, it should be noted that OTA made its official prediction just before Game One.
I'm going to go put my Mavs jersey back on and get ready for the NBA Finals now...

Do I Really Want To Make This Prediction?

I have been a fan of the Dallas Mavericks since the '80s.  But I always said that if Oklahoma ever got a major professional team I would cheer for it.
Now I have the dream matchup in the conference finals I have looked forward to.
So before the tip, and though I will be cheering for the Thunder, I'm going to say...          Mavs in 5.

.......

Tabulating the Score

  The OTA Predictions started off 2011 with a 2-2 NFL Wildcard Weekend record.  I wasn’t terribly surprised by the Packers/Eagles outcome, but the Colts’ loss caused frustration in the house because Mrs. OTA is a big Peyton Manning fan.

  I will say, however, that I am glad to have been time-stamped and date-stamped on record as having picked the Seahawks’ win.  There is no revisionist history here.

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