After splitting last week’s picks, yours truly is sitting pretty with a 6-2 for the extra season.  With 3 games to go I’m guaranteed to be above .500 which burns the blood of my brothers, close friends and my girlfriend Betty.  Actually, they don’t care one bit because they’re not among my loyal nine readers.  But I digress.   This weekend’s games are usually over-analyzed x1,000, but let’s take a look at 5 factors possibly hidden beneath the surface that could drastically affect the outcome of these games.

1. Watch out for big plays from Special Teams (especially in GB).  With the freezing cold weather and so much focus on the offenses and how’ll they will execute in the cold — don’t sleep on the kicking/punting and return games.  Could be a fast track and a difficult ball to handle leading to turnovers and possible touchdowns.
2. The Rivers factor.  Seems like Philip Rivers is becoming Public Enemy #2 in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game (he has yet to take Belicheck’s throne as #1).  Rivers is renowned for his antics on the field and sidelines.  Don’t expect NE to show much mercy to Mr. Rivers.
3. The Green Bay receivers.  They could have the most talented receiving core in the NFL (maybe second to New England) and the Giants secondary better be very careful of giving up the big play.  You have to figure Favre will connect for a few big pops, but the Giants HAVE to keep them out of the end zone.
4. Bob Kraft’s double chin.  Suddenly becoming the most unintentionally funny camera shot as he’s usually babbling incoherently or stretching that turkey neck backwards to catch a replay in the owners box.  (Had to take a cheap shot here)
5. The weather.  Maybe, just maybe, the weather will be absolutely fine.  Maybe everyone is completely overdoing it and over-preparing for games that will be completely suited for football.  Maybe.

Bender’s Picks:  Green Bay won’t cover but will win, 23-20.  New England romps and covers the 14 points by whipping SD, 38-17.