The hedgie needed to clear his head from the past couple weeks and go to a remote island to get back on track. This formula has worked in the past and hedgie expects it work again. It is impossible however to not feel the nearby pain and suffering in the neighboring country of Haiti. There are many heavy hearts today and aproximately 24 NFL players have ties to Haiti including Colts WR Pierre Garcon, Saints RB Pierre Thomas, Saints LB Johnathan Vilma, Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie, and Cardinals CB Dominique Rogers-Cromartie who will all be playing this weekend. The best way to contribute to the cause by simply text messegng "HAITI' to 90999. A $10 donating will go the Red Cross and a charge will appear on your cell phone bill. Another reputable organization to donate to is Wyclef Jean's Yele.org.
On to pigskin - the hedgie sees alot of inflated TOTALS based on last weeks scores.
In the Saints/Cards game 57.5 is the highest posted Total in the last 20 years for a playoff game. Yes, both offenses are prolific but the hedgie expects to see some defensive adjustments with some bend-don't-break schemes. Pierre Thomas is back for the Saints and he provides the Saints offense with a tougher run oriented mindset which will help chew some clock. Looking back all season if you used 57 as the Total the Cards would have been 2 Over and 15 Under while the Saints 6 Over and 10 Under. The cards defensive unit called a players only defense meeting to focus on better 'Tackling' and fundamentals. With better tackling comes more clock time. Hedgie sees this game with the Saints getting a lead and pounding Thomas to wear down a tired Cards defense in the 4th quarter....
UNDER 57.5 4 stars
The Hedgie loves RAY RAY. Last week he was so prepared he was stealing Tom Bradys play calls and the defense knew exactly where the ball was going. If not for the imposters on the Patriots defense last weeks game would have stayed Under the posted 43.5 As soon as that game was over Ray Ray was studying the Colts on the plane ride home. The Colts and Ravens know each other very well. For the Ravens to win they will need to rely on their run game and Peyton will be forced to dink and dunk in the passing game to earn his points.
UNDER 44 2 stars