Divisional Round Picks!!!

Many people describe the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs as the “Best weekend of football.” I tend to agree with that statement because in this round all the top teams come into play. This round has proven in the past few years to be very tricky for the top teams. At least one team with a bye has lost in this round every year going back to 2005. Last year, Denver was the #1 seed and went down at home to Baltimore, so Broncos fans have had this happen in recent history. I think this year the possibilities of an upset are just as strong. All four road teams this week feature top-flight or dangerous QBs. Drew Brees for New Orleans has already won a Super Bowl. Philip Rivers is one of the top QBs in the league for San Diego. Andrew Luck is an emerging superstar for Indy, and Colin Kaepernick has already led the Niners to a Super Bowl just last year. All four road teams are dangerous as a result, and it would shock no one to see a few of the top four seeds get picked off this weekend. Here we go with the picks for Divisional Weekend…..

Last Week’s Record: 2-0-2

Overall Playoff Record: 2-0-2

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

(6) New Orleans at (1) Seattle:

A Case for the Saints: New Orleans finally got their first playoff win in franchise history last week at Philly. Now, they can put that talk to bed and loose on the road once again this week. The Saints got killed in Seattle on that Monday night just over a month ago. I think that actually helps the Saints and makes them more dangerous in this game. Do you really want to give any more motivation to Sean Payton and Drew Brees? Both of them are dangerous when they are backed into a corner. The Saints were so thoroughly embarrassed by that loss that I totally see them going all-in this week and giving Seattle a fight to the end. The Saints are huge underdogs , but with Brees and Payton, I like their chances.

A Case for the Seahawks: Seattle is simply the better team. In fact, Seattle has been the best team in the NFL since Week 1. They are the most complete team, and they are the only team that still has a true homefield advantage. The fact that the Seahawks lost a home game this season is actually a good thing heading into this game. If they jump on the Saints early, then watch out because this game could get turn into a route. You have a feeling that the Seahawks will come out very excited and prepared to put up a big effort on Saturday.

Prediction: New Orleans (+8) over SEATTLE: The fact that this game was such a blowout in the regular season makes me like the Saints chances even more. I think the Saints are dangerous in this spot as a huge underdog. I think they will take this game deep into the 4^th quarter and have a chance. Maybe Seattle pulls it out late, but this will be one heck of a game either way.

Final Score: Seahawks-29 Saints-26

(4) Indianapolis at (2) New England

A Case for the Colts: Why not ride the arm of Andrew Luck at this point? Last week in the comeback win over the Chiefs, he officially made the leap to the “Next One.” We all knew it was coming, but last week was the time he put a stamp on it. Luck’s run could resemble Ben Roethlisberger’s run in 2005. As a second year QB, Big Ben ripped off three straight road wins to get to the Super Bowl. I could sense the same thing happening here with Luck. Let’s be honest, do you think the Patriots really want to see Luck with the ball in a one possession game. Maybe it is kind of a passing of the torch type game where Luck outduels Brady. I wouldn’t put it past him.

A Case for the Patriots: As inconsistent the Pats secondary has been all year long, you have to figure that they will find a way to stop T.Y. Hilton and force Luck to find someone else to beat them. If that is the case, then the Pats chances of winning this game increase dramatically. The Pats are the better team, and they are at home in their familiar Saturday night playoff spot. You have to like your chances with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in this situation. Plus, if the Pats jump on the Colts early, they are not going to give up a big lead like Kansas City did. That is just not happening to New England.

Prediction: Indy (+8) over NEW ENGLAND: The Pats will win this game, but it will be closer than people expect. Plus, you always have the possibility for a late, backdoor cover by Luck, so that has to go into your thinking. This game will be pretty competitive throughout, but expect the Pats to win and reach their third straight AFC Championship Game.

Final Score: Patriots-31 Colts-24

(5) San Francisco at (2) Carolina

A Case for the 49ers: Do anyone want to see this team coming into their building? I didn’t think so. The Niners did lose to the Panthers back on December 1^st, but they were without Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. Overall, the Niners are the superior team, and it wouldn’t shock anyone to see them go on the road and domintate the Panthers. The Niners are battle tested, and playoff experience is a huge factor considering the Panthers haven’t been to the playoffs since 2008, and Cam Newton is making his first ever playoff start.

A Case for the Panthers: They are at home and they have really good defense. That should be able to help you in any playoff atmosphere. Plus, is this Cam Newton’s moment? He resurrected himself this season, and maybe this is his time in his first ever playoff appearance. If the game is close late, then you know Cam can find a way to win the game. Although they are at home, the Panthers have less pressure on them than the Niners. Carolina can play fast and loose and take chances like they have all year.

Prediction: San Francisco (PICK) over CAROLINA: This has the makings of a classic, slugfest. Two physical teams with really good defenses going after each other. I know Carolina won the first matchup in San Francisco, I think the 49ers get the best of them here in the rematch. I just think that the Niners are the better team, and I think that we are destined for a SF-Seattle NFC Championship Game.

Final Score: 49ers-27 Panthers-13