As the playoffs inch closer, it’s time to break down the recent play of some playoff contenders to figure out how they shape up come playoff time. If this were early in the season, some of these concerns would be put to the back burner and assumed that these teams would straighten them out come playoff time. But with the playoffs only two weeks away, some fans are rightly concerned about their team’s recent play. So let’s address some of those concerns in the forum of Fact or Fiction:

The Cowboys should be worried after their home loss to the Eagles and Tony Romo’s terrible play.
Fiction. The Cowboys are in great shape for the playoff stretch run. If they win out, they’ll have home field advantage in the NFC. They’ve already shown they can defeat what appears the only other Super Bowl contender in the NFC. Their defense is playing as good as it has all year. The game against the Eagles was an aberration. All teams have letdowns over the course of the season. For the Eagles, beating the Cowboys in Big D made their season. The Cowboys will be determined come January. Tony Romo had arguably his worst game as a pro and they still only lost by four. Romo will be fine and bounce back. And I don’t want to hear anything about Jessica Simpson’s presence affecting his performance. The fact that they would even bring this up on ESPN just shows how the focus on the network has moved from quality sports reporting to providing tabloid-like gossip and speculation.

The Patriots should be worried about facing teams in poor January weather.
Fact. I’ll be the first to admit that I thought they could keep up their prolific offense no matter the conditions. Well it appears I was wrong. Weather looks to be the great equalizer at the quarterback position. Brady simply isn’t as accurate and its much more difficult to throw the deep ball in poor weather. And since what makes the Patriots go is their offense, we could be in for some much more competitive playoff games than expected. If the Jets could keep it close, I don’t doubt that most teams can do the same. On a dry field in clear conditions, I think the Pats are at least two touchdowns better than the next best team. In poor weather though, the gap shrinks considerably.

The Jaguars have the best shot of defeating the Patriots this season.
Fact. After what I saw from the Jags in Pittsburgh on Sunday, I’m convinced they can knock off the Pats. They went into Pittsburgh, where the Steelers haven’t lost all year, in poor weather, and beat the Steelers at their own game. The Jags were able to control the clock with their potent running game and David Garrard managed the game and made a few big plays when it mattered. Being a warm weather team, I thought they would struggle with the elements. Instead, they are built for any type of football game and in fact I think poor weather aids them in their quest to beat the Pats. If the Jags run into the Pats in a sloppy game in Foxboro, I would make them a less than 2 to 1 underdog.

On to the picks… (Home team in CAPS)

Steelers over RAMS
Here’s the problem with the Steelers: Big Ben isn’t good enough to win games when he has to throw. And that hurts them during a year like this when their defense isn’t quite as good. On paper, the Pittsburgh looks like it should be a Super Bowl quality team. It has the number one ranked scoring defense. It has the NFL’s top rusher. It has two quality receivers and a vastly underrated tight end. Their offensive line is considered one of the best. It all comes back to Big Ben. He takes way too many sacks, which kills a lot of drives. He turns the ball over too much. He isn’t accurate deep. And I don’t trust him when the game is on the line like I do Peyton, Brady, Romo, and Favre. Maybe he’ll develop as he matures, but for this year I don’t see the Steelers as a legitimate threat.

Cowboys over PANTHERS
Last week’s lost wasn’t that unexpected. The Cowboys didn’t have anything to play for and the Eagles caught them napping. Now the Cowboys need to win to secure home field. I expect to see a much different attitude from the team on Saturday, and for Tony Romo to bounce back nicely.

Packers over BEARS
Ryan Grant struggled running it last week against the Rams. He need to have a big game here for me to think that the Pack have any chance at defeating the Cowboys come playoff time.

Giants over BILLS
If the G-men don’t win this game, they could be headed for their second straight second half collapse. I think they got what it takes, as their pass rush will be too much for inexperienced Trent Edwards to handle.

COLTS over Texans
Marvin Harrison might be back this week. Personally, I’d rest him. Him and Peyton don’t need the extra time to get reacquainted. I’m confident they could complete 13 yard out patterns in their sleep.

Browns over BENGALS
Going into the season, who would’ve picked the Browns to be the playoff team out of Ohio?

Redskins over VIKINGS
I think this might be a letdown game for Minnesota, coming off a big win Monday night. The Redskins defense has been playing great recently and Tavaris Jackson looks absolutely pathetic. I think the Skins bottle up the running game and force to Jackson to beat them. It doesn’t work.

Eagles over SAINTS
The Saints playoff hopes end here. Many fantasy players now have their antagonist: Brian Westbrook.

PATRIOTS over Dolphins
I only wish Miami would’ve gone winless. THAT would’ve been something to see. This undefeated business…not so much.

Chiefs over LIONS
The Lions are free falling and I’m not going to be the one to pick them to stop it. They look like the same lousy team they’ve been the past 10 years. Jared Allen will be in Kitna’s face all day.

JAGUARS over Oakland
Explain to me how you can have a Pro Bowl without a single Jaguar player?

CARDINALS over Falcons
In the battle of the insurance salesman versus the grocery store clerk, take the one with the MVP.

TITANS over Jets
Come on Vince, still time to get them into the playoffs. Don’t let me down now.

SEAHAWKS over Ravens
The Ravens have quit on their coach and there is no way Billick should be back as coach next season. Yes, I know they went to the playoffs last year but don’t be fooled. Their offense hasn’t done anything since Billick has been there and if he’s unwilling to change it or bring in new blood he should be relieved of his job.

BUCS over Niners
Has any coach gone from overrated to underrated faster than John Gruden?

CHARGERS over Broncos
Boy, those Bolts sure can beat up on bad teams. Whenever you think about them contending for a Super Bowl title, just say these two words: Norv. Turner.

Last Week: 11-5
Season: 146-79