ScottMcLeod.com

Work is going well and I'm enjoying both the job and living in Burlington. I'm in a nice area living with a nice couple, but damn if Burlington isn't the most gridlocked city I've had to experience. The sheer number of commuters driving to or from Toronto causes Highway 403 to grind to a halt each morning and evening. But aside from that pain in the ass I can't complain.

I've been following the NFL quite a bit lately, and, yes, much of that is giving into the hype. But I find that the product is exciting even once removed from all the pregame (over-) analysis.

I like Indianapolis to win it all. New England has a couple key injuries in their defense, the Eagles are worse off than the last three years with T.O. out (since I'd wager losing him is worse than never having him), and San Diego is too inexperienced. Of the true contenders, that leaves only Pittsburgh.

I don't think Big Ben's run can continue through the playoffs. He's had one hell of a run, but I think it ends next week. Indianapolis has a QB coming off arguably the greatest regular season of all time, three great receivers, and a strong running game. If their offence continues to put up the sick numbers they have been all season, they should plow through Denver like last year's wild card and make it through the next two rounds. Basically, if Manning doesn't get injured they'll be fine. Philly seems like the most likely contender they'd face in the Superbowl, since they're the only contender from the mess that is the NFC.

But without Owens it's hard to predict.