Who Do You Think Is Going to Win This Weekend?
By Mark Maske
Washington Post Staff Writer
Web Posted: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006; 12:50 p.m. EST
Steelers at Broncos
The Steelers went to Cincinnati and won, then went to Indianapolis and won. If they get to the Super Bowl, they will have earned it by knocking off the top three seeds in the AFC playoffs, all on the road. It is tempting to go with them here because they're probably playing better than anyone else in the league right now. They surprised the Colts last weekend by coming out in pass-first mode instead of trying to control the clock with their running game, and QB Ben Roethlisberger was sharp. He doesn't look like a guy playing with a fractured thumb, as has been suspected. The Steelers overcame a bad call at a terrible time to win on the road last weekend, while the Broncos needed the benefit of some highly questionable calls to win at home against the Patriots. Still, the Broncos were the better team during the season. They're at home. Mike Shanahan is a more proven coach at this time of the year than Bill Cowher, and now Shanahan actually has won a postseason game since John Elway retired.
Pick: Broncos
Panthers at Seahawks
The Panthers have played their best recently after an inconsistent regular season, and the Seahawks were underwhelming against the Redskins last weekend. They certainly didn't resemble the league's highest-scoring team after RB Shaun Alexander left the game with a concussion. But Alexander should be back. The Seahawks have a distinct home-field advantage. And even though the Panthers have demonstrated plenty of postseason moxie in the last three years, they're now short-handed on offense with DeShaun Foster joining fellow RB Stephen Davis on the shelf. The Seahawks have the pass rush to pressure Carolina QB Jake Delhomme into mistakes and prevent WR Steve Smith from dominating the game.
Pick: Seahawks
Last Week: 2-2
Season: 177-87
