Including the 1997-2007 seasons in The Post, Cat’s 13-year record in print stands at 354-295 (54.5 percent) against the spread.
THE PICK
CARDINALS (+6 1/2) over Steelers (Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa): Pittsburgh has been tempered by the league’s toughest schedule, and the Steelers routinely get more out of their personnel than anybody. Also must ruefully note it’s tough to win outright as an underdog four times running in this cat’s league.
But Kurt Warner again finds himself at the helm of a precision passing offense similar to the one he rode with the Rams (another climate-controlled outfit). Eligible for free agency after this season (barring his being tagged as a franchise player, which would cost the Cardinals $14.6 million for ’09), Warner is likely playing for his final contract.
He never has lost a playoff game by more than a field goal, so you’ve got to like Warner’s chances to keep his team in this game, given the Cards’ rejuvenated running game and the presence of the all-universe Larry Fitzgerald. Must respect ex-Steeler assistant coach Ken Whisenhunt’s Cards (+6 1/2), for one unit.
CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK:1-0 (plus one unit). AFC title game went by the book, as Ravens hung tough until young Joe Flacco threw fatal pick in desperation time (Steelers, plus one unit).
SEASON: 20-25-1 (minus five units).
Contact Cat about his comprehensive advisory service at P.O. Box 739, Hightstown, N.J. 08520.