The playoffs are in full swing, entering their second week. With virtually all fantasy leagues now in the offseason, it’s time to focus on musical fantasy rather than our fantasy rosters. Here’s a look at this week’s games, with some musical interludes provided by those with better ears and voices than myself.

Music to our ears

 

Sure, they were ousted last week in New England, but Eric Mangini certainly made an impact in his first season with the Jets. But that’s not all. He also left an imprint on the radio community, providing the inspiration for this jingle by Joey Salvia of The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio 1050 AM.

The Bears could be in trouble on Sunday, ’cause guess what Matt Hasselbeck is bringing back (thanks deadspin.com).

Bill Belichick may be the guru and Marty Schottenheimer the stooge, but it looks like the Pats are in trouble, at least according to this ditty.

Tune-carrying Eagles fans seem to think Philly can conquer New Orleans. (thanks 700Level).

 

ON TO THE GAMES

 

Colts at Ravens – The Colts certainly looked impressive last week. Their suspect run defense bottled Larry Johnson. The Chiefs went much of the game without a first down the entire first half. They won with ease, 23-8. Now they face the Ravens, whose rushing attack isn’t nearly as strong, and whose passing game is not among the elite.

Now, back to reality. Consider: The run defense looked great because Trent Green and the Chiefs simply couldn’t mount any sort of passing attack, so the Colts were able to keep eight or nine men in the box. That won’t happen this week. A healthy Steve McNair is more dangerous than a rusty Trent Green. The Chiefs also have no downfield targets (no coach has ever uttered the words, “we have to double-team Eddie Kennison“). The Ravens don’t have marquee names, but Derrick Mason is a solid possession receiver and Mark Clayton can stretch the field.

Consider: Peyton Manning will be forced to play a much better game this week (he had three INTs last week) vs. a much better defense. Peyton has struggled often in the playoffs, especially outdoors.

Consider: This game will be outdoors.

Consider: Many in Baltimore still harbor bitter memories of the Colts departure in 1984.

Consider: Peyton Manning’s record in the playoffs: 4-0 vs. Denver and Kansas City; 0-6 vs. everybody else.

Pick: Ravens, 24, Colts 10.

Eagles at Saints – It’s too easy to take the over here. Saints can score, Eagles gamble a lot on the blitz. Saints defense, while stastically sound, it still unintimidating. Eagles can score. Too many elements lining up, which means the under (48.5) is a lock.

Playoff experience is often over-rated. But in this case, it might mean something. The Saints have ridden an emotional wave all season. Now that they have accomplished something no one thought possible, a let-down is not unlikely (well, maybe not a “let-down,” but the FT doesn’t expect they will be able to meet the Eagle playoff-ready state of mind).

Pick: Eagles 27, Saints 17

Seahawks at Bears – The dog game of the week (and we’re not supposed to have those this tme of the season). The Bears, with the worst-ever QB of a 13-3 team. The Seahawks – who won the NFC last year by default, not by domination – and who have been sluggish and sloppy all of this season.

The Bears defense has not looked great near the end of the season. The offense, well, let’s just say the Bears best chance is if their offense never has to touch the field.

Alas, eventually Rex Grossman will have to take a snap. But the Hawks secondary is too beat up to take advantage.

Plus, the Seahawks can’t win, if for no other reason, the football gods can’t be creul enough to continue to force us to stare at those nasty uniforms, which could be the worst in the NFL. OK, besides the Bears’ orange outfits.

Of course, if you’re a uniform connoisseur, then you must check out Paul Lukas’ ESPN Page 2 column, UniWatch and his UniWatch blog. And hey Paul, thanks for the multiple scattered links idea!

Pick: Bears 17, Seahawks 10

Patriots at Chargers – OK, so Bill Belichick is a genius. And OK, Marty Schottenheimer is pitiful come playoff time. (thanks Weird Al).

But San Diego still has LT. No, not that LT, who I might remind you went to the University of North Carolina. I’m talking about the new LT. LaDainian Tomlinson hasn’t fared poorly in his last two games vs. Belichick’s Pats (217 yards, 2 TDs in 2002; 134, 2 TDs in 2005).

Sure, now the Chargers have a QB, Philip Rivers who hasn’t played a big game since his college days. But Rivers won the MVP in every bowl he played in and he’s managed the offense just fine. Plus, take into consideration, San Diego really hasn’t played so-called “Marty Ball” since their early-season loss to the Ravens, averaging 31.7 points per contest while going 12-1 since that visit to Baltimore.

That’s not to discount the resident genius, his clutch QB, Tom Brady and the rest of the cast. But it’s not as if the Chargers have a lackluster defense. In fact, they have a young linebacker who is a god among men in Shawne Merriman. And the FT thinks Merriman will be all juiced pumped up for this contest. Yes, we’re aware Merriman was suspended for violating the league’s drug policy. But we don’t know that he was doing steroids. He could have been suspeneded for other reasons. (thanks audiocomedy).

Finally tally, Schottenheimer doesn’t look so shotty.

Pick: Chargers 31, Patirots 24

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