Pete Carroll leaving USC plus NFL picks

Pete Carroll leaving USC for Seattle

I am shocked. USC seemed like a perfect lifetime gig for Pete. IMHO, this can only mean the allegations of NCAA violations regarding Reggie Bush and Joe McKnight are very real, perhaps only the tip of the iceberg, and likely bring sanctions to cripple the program shortly.

I saw Pete firsthand during his last NFL head coaching stint with the Patriots. Yes, people change (Belichick is a perfect example. CLE != NWE) but Pete still seems to be too laid and too nice to deal with millionaires as opposed to college kids. This is not going to end well.

New York Jets over CINCINNATI (home team in CAPS)

Rex Ryan was correct when he said his team should be a favorite in the playoffs. They run and play defense better than any other team. Repeat after me - Offense wins fans. Defense wins championships. Unfortunately, Mark Sanchez needs some more maturity to make a serious push for the SB, but I still like them to win in the first round against a Bengals team that mailed it in last week and sent a bad message to its players.

NEW ENGLAND over Baltimore

This was once Rex Ryan`s defense so they have the same pluses as the Jets. Ray Rice + McGahee and insane defensive play makers like Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Suggs, etc. But Flacco has been very shaky and New England does not lose at home in the playoffs.

DALLAS over Philadelphia

I can not believe I am saying this but I like Tony Romo to win this game - a playoff game. Since the Saints game he has been tremendous and this is the year he finally turns the corner. Wade Phillips still scares the hell of me - but not as much as McNabb + Reid.

Green Bay at ARIZONA

Never bet against Kurt Warner when he has a decent target and Larry Fitzgerald is more than decent. Plus every time you bet against Kurt Warner, God kills a kitten.