Goodnight Lions, goodnight Falcons, goodnight Steelers, and goodnight Bengals

The Broncos – Steelers opening kickoff sailed through the thin air, doinked off the cross bar, and settled precisely on the 20 yard line: the perfect touchback. Perhaps the man upstairs was sending us a sign.

Last week, I picked the Giants, Saints, Steelers, and Bengals to advance. I got the NFC picks right, but the Texans defense/running game combination worked perfectly against the Bengals, and the Steelers were done in by numerous injuries and some beautiful deep balls from Tim Tebow. Perhaps this week I’ll try flipping a coin instead of choosing games, or maybe just pick home teams (all four home teams won; only the Broncos were challenged).

There are 11 playoff games total each year. Regular season True Wins and actual wins each predicted

Will Mike Smith be the Falcons coach next year?

He shouldn’t be fired, but he’s going to get hammered for making the right call and QB sneaking twice on fourth and inches today against the Giants. Aikman questioned both calls but admitted with 5 minutes left that kicking field goals wouldn’t have won the game (it would have gotten the Falcons to 8 points, excluding garbage time). Unfortunately for Smith, he might have made the wrong call by going for it on fourth down in OT against the Saints earlier this year, in over time and in his own territory. It looks like a bad track record to the untrained eye. Good luck, Mike Smith.