I liked Armstead in the draft process, I really did. He was easily the best player regardless of position during Shrine Game week last year, and he was demonstrably better than Lane Johnson (the fourth overall pick) during his time at Senior Bowl week. But this is trial by fire with dire implications; if the Saints lose they’ll likely wind up as the fifth seed, which means a Wild Card trip to either Philadelphia, Chicago or Green Bay. They’re not winning any of those games. That’s a lot to put on a rookie making his debut.
Panthers 30, Saints 25
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-10.5): I was talking to a buddy of mine the other day (hi Rico!) and he’s a conspiracy theorist as well as a 49ers die-hard. His contention is that the Seahawks will lay down to let the Cardinals win, which sets up a Week 17 game in Arizona between the Cardinals and 49ers for the final NFC Wild Card spot. Yes, he actually believes Pete Carroll loathes Jim Harbaugh that much.
I think Rico is crazy, but there’s just enough method to his madness that I cannot rule out the possibility of the Cardinals dialing up the improbably upset. I wouldn’t wager even one Uzbek som, which is worth less than a penny, on his inkling, but it does intrigue me. Carroll is absolutely that petty.
Gotta bring this up from Iceness' column on main page. First off, if the Saints lose today and the Niners win their last two games, SF will be the 5th seed, not NO.
2nd, even if Arizona wins today, all the Niners have to do is win against Atlanta on Monday night and they are in the playoffs. So even if Seattle lays down, which would be stupid to do because again, if the Niners win out and Seattle loses both games, then the Niners would actually be the NFC West Champs.
