by Gerald Udowiczenko

Well we've done it! Yippee! It's only taken us seven attempts to finally win a play-off game (Yippee!) and after that performance from our Defence, I reckon we could go all the way (Yippee!). But first I've got to get past the Browns and the winner of the Broncos - Bills game, which won't be an easy task. But when it comes to the post season, anything can happen.

D'OH! Time - I've only just realised that Monday is a Bank Holiday, which will mean the newsletter will need to get in the post on Friday (four days away). So apologies to anyone that has sent something and I haven't included it. As always many thanks to Graham, Brucey & Pat for their contribution this week. This is now the fourth week in a row we've had a four page newsletter.

Divisional Games

NE (12-3-1 - 1-0, W4) @ CL (12-4-1, W10)
Gerald : No Comment.
Graham : Having broken the jinx the season's already a success for Gerald. Anything else is a bonus, which makes the Pats dangerous. But despite that you just wouldn't bet against the Browns right now. CL 10.

DB (11-5, L2) @ BB (13-3, L1)
Gerald : Tough one to call, as both teams looked unstoppable with only a few weeks to go, but then the nerves seemed to have hit. Fortunately, it didn't cost either team their Divisional Title, but it's not the best way to go into the play offs. The last time they met, the Broncos came out on top, can't see that happening again, especially as the Bills want to write their name in the record books, as the first Three-Peat team in AB History. Bills by 10.
Graham : Seems a long time ago that the Broncos beat the Bills but it was only a few weeks. Denver have looked terrible since, while the Bills themselves have been erratic lately. But its playoff time so you gotta back the Champs. BB 10.

PE (14-2 - 1-0, W1) @ SR (16-0, W16)
Gerald : Will the extra game help or hinder the Eagles? Tough one to call. But the Eagles might just be the team to stop the Rams getting to their 6th straight Superbowl? But it will be close whoever wins. But I think it's looking like one step closer to a perfect season. Rams by 3.
Graham : No comment.

CB (9-6-1, W4) @ WR (14-2, W1)
Gerald : Well we did it last week and broke the Jinx, so can the Skins? If their 'D' performs as we know they can, then it's a forgone conclusion. But the Bears are not an easy opponent and could surprise us. But I think this is the year of the jinxed. Skins by 10.
Graham : Another jinx should go this week. The Bears have had a great campaign but that Redskin D will probably chew them up given their current form. WR 14.

Silver Bowl

TT (8-7-1 - 0-1, L2) @ MV (9-7 - 0-1, L1)
Gerald : Both teams came up sort last week and will want a good run in the Con Bowl. I think the Vikes just have the edge by 3. Graham : Both competed well in wildcard week. I fancy the Vikes more open offence to take this one. MV 6.

SS (7-9 - 1-0, W2) @ SF (7-8-1 - 1-0, W1)
Gerald : Well the 49ers broke their losing streak last week and will be looking to do something in the Con Bowl. Unfortunately they're up against a Hawks team that must be on fire after last weeks performance. Hawks by 3. Graham : Hawks D will be facing a rather different offensive approach this week and might find last week's heroics hard to repeat. SF 3.

AF (5-11 - 1-0, W1) @ DL (6-10 - 1-0, W1)
Gerald : I've a funny feeling that this will be a low scoring game. So all chances will need to be taken, by the kickers. Falcs by 3
Graham : Lions came (rather belatedly) to life last week. This could be a good game but I think that with homefield they'll just edge it. DL 6.

DC (4-12 - 1-0, W2) @ CI (5-11 - 1-0, W3)
Gerald :.The Bengals have looked inspired under coach Gregory and this week should see them notch up win No. 4. Bengals by 10.
Graham : Bengals look like they can't lose right now. That streak should continue. CI 10.

Bronze Bowl

AC (1-15, L13) @ TB (3-13, L1)
Gerald : The Cards never seem to have much luck during the regular season, but sometimes surprise us in the Con Bowls. So I'll go with an upset. Cards by 3.
Graham : Both have had seasons to forget. Buccs have better chance of a little ConBowl redemption. TB 6.

OR (4-12 - 0-1, L3) @ NY (4-12 - 0-1, L4)
Gerald : The Raiders haven't quite found a wining formula yet and I don't think they'll find it this week. Especially against a Jets team, that failed to delivery during the regular season, but shouldn't have. Jets by 10.
Graham : It's been the case for a while now but the Jets really need a defence of some sort. That said their offence should be strong enough to win here. NJ 7.

NS (6-10 - 0-1, L1) @ KC (6-10 - 0-1, L1)
Gerald : I agree with Graham, the Chiefs have good and bad weeks but rarely consecutively. So after last week. Chiefs by 14.
Graham : Chiefs show flashes of brilliance, but not often for two weeks running. They were terrible last week so are due for a good show this time up. KC 7.

MD (7-9 - 0-1, L1) @ PS (7-8-1 - 0-1, L7)
Gerald : So with a new direction, the Steelers could have a good run in the Con Bowl. But I think they're going to suffer against a Dolphins team that badly under performed last week and will want to make amends. Fish by 17.
Graham : Fish can only get better after last week. Steelers have been bad for a fair while now so it's hard to see them turning it around. MD 10.

by Graham Canwell (Week 17)

Gerald to Graham : Apologies for being a bit late, but there wasn't enough room in last weeks issue. Anyway congratulation on going 16-0. I just hope you don't have prefect season. Nothing personal but both you & the Bills have been at the last three and its a little boring, so don't make it four, make way for some new blood.

Gerald to Richard : Again nothing personal, though it would be something to have a team go 16-0 in the regular season and have a coach three-peat. But saying that, you've been their enough, so leave some room on the trophy for some new names?

Graham to Gerald : Well done on breaking the jinx !!!!! I suspect this week we'll find out if you ARE the Ravens!

Graham to Paul S : Your turn this week!

Graham to All : Yes, a new QB at last. The little known Kurt Warner who (unless Chris Miller decides to spend his final campaign "mucking around") has the unenviable task of being able to guide the Rams in only one direction!!

Graham to Jon : Ah, it's a proper season again. Haven't we been here before somewhere? (needless to say, I hope history repeats itself!!!)

Pat to Julian : You are my choice for an opponent at any time. I'll tie you up in knots (Sounds kinky? Ed).

Pat to Steve Daniels : Good win. I simply wasn't up to the task.

Pat to All : Remember the winner of the Bronze Bowl can sometimes become overall TOP DOG the following year. Sometimes!

Gerald to Pat : Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humour.

Pat to Gerald : I'm back in control of the Black and Gold, if only for a short time - or maybe longer, if I can get together a cohesive plan, and the draft I need!

Gerald to All : We ARE the Ravens! We ARE the Ravens! We ARE the Ravens!

Gerald to Julian : See above.

Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics

As you can see here are the All Time Coaching Records. I've put coaches & teams in order of their regular season record (%). A few interesting things to note - Graham is only three games and Jon only one game away from getting their 100th wins and Paul Meskill got his 100th win this season, well done Paul. (Note : This includes games predating week 4, 1995, which preceeds records held on the NFLAB website)

Well that's it for another issue. Remember if you want your say, or have any suggestions on how to improve the newsletter, write in and let me. The newsletter is there for everyone, so don't be affair to tell me what you think. And one final though before I sign off - Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.