Playing The Spread 2K7, Conference Championships

Peyton Manning sucks.

You may have thought that after last year's stunning 18-point comeback against the Patriots in the AFC Championship, Peyton Manning had finally shook the postseason monkey off his back and could assume a spot among the pantheon of elite quarterbacks of the past forty years.

Well, you'd be wrong.

Once again, in typically spectacular fashion, Peyton Manning and the Colts have flared out of the playoffs prematurely. Two years ago, Manning received a huge gift in the form of a goal-line fumble by the usually sure-handed Jerome Bettis, yet Manning couldn't get his team close enough to the end zone and Mike Vanderjagt shanked a field goal. This time around, San Diego's leader passer, rusher, and receiver were all either lost or hampered due to injuries throughout the game. The Colts were also the beneficiaries of some phantom penalty calls (is there any doubt any more that NFL officiating is rigged in the Colts' favor?) that took points off the board for the Chargers. Yet, the Colts still managed to let some guy named Billy Volek drive the length of the field, and when time was running short, Manning bounced the ball of Dallas Clark's hands and the game was over. (Naturally, it was Clark's fault for not catching it.)

Some Patriots fans say that if their team wins the Super Bowl without going through the Colts, it will be an empty feeling. I say that's hogwash. First of all, you don't choose your opponents. You can only win the Super Bowl by defeating the teams that the NFL puts in your way and you get the same Vince Lombardi Trophy no matter who it is. Did the 2007 World Series really feel like a consolation prize after the Indians knocked off the Yankees? Second, instead of playing the Colts, the Pats will have to play the team that beat the Colts, who, at least theoretically, are better.

I go into each NFL postseason hoping to see two things: Tom Brady hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy and Peyton Manning making his sulky face. We're halfway there.

The following picks are for entertainment purposes only and should not be the basis for any actual cash wagers.

Last Week: 1-3
Season To Date: 117-135-12
Final Best Bets: 10-9
Final The Monkey: 10-6-3

Chargers (+14) over Patriots
During the first half of the season, the Pats blew opponents out of the water, making 60-yard passes look routine while running up the score with no quarter. During the second half of the season, the Pats dissected their opponents with surgical precision, making big plays when they needed to while doing just enough to win. The former might be more fun, but the latter is more exciting. WIN

Packers (-7) over Giants
Please, Brett Favre, do everything you possibly can to allow us to experience a Manning-free Super Bowl. LOSS