AFL Playoffs - Round 3

This week’s AFL Playoff Picks are sponsored by Madonna’s new cd, “ Like An A-Rod Prayer.“

It was nuttiness in last week’s AFL Playoffs. There were a couple of fights and a last second ruling that did not change the outcome of one game. Last week was a little better for me but not by much, 2-2 brought me to 90-51 for the season. The home team did a little better than last time but there’s always room for improvement.

Here’s are this week’s picks

Number 4 seed Cleveland at Number 1 seed Philadelphia, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN) - Cleveland needed luck to get past the Georgia Force last Monday night at Gwinnett Centre. Cleveland recovered three Force fumbles and an onside kick late in the contest to seal their fate. Georgia could have won the contest were it not for several stupid pass interference penalties in the contest. The Force was flagged for 106 yards in penalties and that number alone will not get you a win. Philadelphia needed some luck of its own at home last week against New York, gaining favor from the zebras in the last seconds on their contest when there was a play late in the game that could have turned into chaos for the Soul.

The officials ruled, after viewing replay, that the referee was correct in upholding the ruling on the field because he found that instant replay was inconclusive; (ii) that timing was handled properly; (iii) that the Soul should have attempted a conversion following its touchdown. So much for controversy. The AFL implemented new procedures for game administration for all remaining playoff games will be implemented immediately.

Cleveland and Philadelphia split the two meetings this season, each winning at their home fields. Philly has to do a better job of coming off the deck at the intermission, trailing New York by two at the half. Granted, they did win and are favored to win this contest but they have to step it up if they want to go to New Orleans next week. I imagine that Georgia fans will be cheering for Philly to beat Cleveland. They’ll get their wish this week. The Soul moves on to the Big Easy in what may very well be an offensive battle.

Number 6 seed Grand Rapids at Number 2 seed San Jose, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) - Grand Rapids came into the Windy City and all but manhandled Chicago last week at Allstate Arena. Grand Rapids overcame a quick Chicago start and took down James MacPherson Grand Rapids led his team with a 33-39 for 326 yards and 6 touchdowns to take a 58-41 win on the road. That contest saw its share of chippiness as there were more fights than Wrestlemania. Jason Shelley of the Rampage and an unnamed Chicago player were eventually tossed from the contest for a skirmish.

San Jose has to play smarter football this weekend. The SaberCats were flagged nine times for 68 yards against Colorado, uncharacteristic for a number two seed.

The two did not meet in the regular season, which could mean that this could be one of those games that’s sort of like a championship boxing match. Punching and counterpunching will be the order of the day for both teams but in the end, someone’s going on to the Big Easy next weekend and someone’s going home. I’m taking San Jose to move on to the Big Easy in a meeting with Philly.