Saturday, January 14, 2012

NFL Divisional Round Predictions

As promised, here are my predictions for the NFL Divisional playoffs. I'll get it started with the AFC.


Patriots-Broncos: Following a thrilling overtime win in Pittsburgh last week, the Tim Tebow train will come to a screeching halt in Foxboro. The Patriots offense, led by Tom Brady is simply too much for the Broncos, despite an above-average defense. Denver will keep it interesting for about a half, before the Patriots offense starts to impose their will.  The much-maligned Patriots defense that has been under fire all season will come up with a few turnovers, just like the first meeting which New England won 41-23. If the Broncos hope to keep this close and potentially pull off the upset, Tebow may need to be even better than he was last week when he threw for 316 yards against the Steelers. It won't happen.
Pick: Patriots 35-17

Ravens-Texans: Can T.J. Yates continue the magic for another week? After a surprising 31-10 win over the Bengals last week, Yates and the Texans continue to prove critics wrong. However, facing Ray Lewis and company will prove to be a test at a whole other level. This is the game Joe Flacco finally plays like he is capable of playing in the playoffs. His nemesis, the Steelers are no longer alive.  Flacco will lead 2 long scoring drives and a long TD by Ray Rice will put the game out of reach for the Texans offense, who can't keep up. Look for a bit of a blowout in this one. The Ravens will be making plans for their trip to Foxboro by early in the 4th quarter. 
Pick: Ravens 24-7

Saints-49ers: Can Drew Brees and company continue to produce yards and points at an alarming rate? Not so much, the 49ers have played like the best defense in the league all season and will show that this week. Alex Smith will stick with what has been working, quick, short throws on timing routes. Brees will have a hard time moving up and down the field on a defense, led by Pat Willis in the middle and a unit that features playmakers at each level. I'm going with the 49ers in this one, but it will be close throughout. David Akers kicks a last-second field goal for a San Francisco win and send them to their first NFC Championship game since Steve Young called the Bay Area home in the mid 90s.
Pick: 49ers 24-21

Packers-Giants: The Giants have the ability on a peaking defense to slow down Aaron Rodgers and the Pack Attack. What will prove crucial to hopes of an upset is the ability of the defensive line to get some pressure on Rodgers, after recording just 2 sacks in the 1st meeting. The biggest question for Green Bay revolves around whether or not the defense returns to its playoff form of last season or struggles like it did at the end of this season. As Greg Jennings referred to on Twitter, the Packers haven't forgotten about the 2007 NFC title game. It won't matter, the Giants are playing their best football of the season and the defense will do just enough to disrupt Rodgers' timing and force a few turnovers. This will set up Eli Manning and the offense with a short field that will lead to scoring drives. I like the upset in this one. 
Pick: Giants 31-28

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