Saturday Games:
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers
The 49er defense has been good all season, and the team has been under-the-radar in terms of analysts’ predictions and previews. However, there is something to be said for the division that the 49ers won and the teams that the team needed to beat this season. The Saints enter this game after beating the Lions at home last weekend in decisive fashion.
Bob- The Saints just have too good of an offense, and although the 49ers defense will be solid, Drew Brees will be able to win it for the Saints and advance the team to the NFC Championship.
Chris- The Saints are a team I am seriously considering as a Super Bowl winner, and Drew Brees will show why he set the single season NFL passing record with a win on the road today.
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
The Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in historic fashion last week, on an 80 yard touchdown pass on the first snap of overtime. Now, Tebow looks to continue his magical run with a victory over a team that beat the Broncos 41-23 earlier in the season.
Bob- Denver’s run will end today. The Broncos have been a fun story, but the Patriots are a difficult team to beat at home in the playoffs. Although the Jets were able to frustrate Brady last year in the Divisional Round, the Pats will be ready to play and will defeat the Broncos handily.
Chris- The Patriots will win because Tom Brady will be able to pick apart the Denver defense. The Patriots also have significant playoff experience, something the Broncos truly lack.
Sunday Games:
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
Houston was dominant last weekend against Cincinnati at home, and the Wade Phillips’ led defense was flawless. Baltimore welcomes this Houston team to M&T Bank Stadium, a place where the Ravens rarely lose. These teams are very similar, as there are dominant running backs on both sides, top defenses, and questions about the quarterbacks. Whichever elements differentiate themselves on Sunday will determine the winner of this playoff matchup.
Bob- I am torn on this pick, as I picked Baltimore to go to the Super Bowl, but in some ways have a gut feeling about Houston this weekend. However, it will be TJ Yates’ first road playoff game, and Joe Flacco has a chip on his shoulder against all the critics that have spurned him this week. Baltimore will win a tight contest, and one that could even go to overtime.
Chris- Baltimore will be able to beat the Texans at home. Joe Flacco will be able to do just enough to beat the improved Houston defense.
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
The Giants are one of the hottest teams in all of football, and a team whose defensive line is leading the playoff run. In addition, Eli Manning is playing up to his 2008 form, and his wide receivers have become reliable weapons. Green Bay finished the regular season 15-1 with home field advantage throughout the playoffs behind the historical season of Aaron Rodgers.
Bob- I am also extremely torn on this game. I also picked the Packers to go to and win the Super Bowl before the season, but I also have a gut feeling about the New York Giants. The Giants are the hottest team in football, and the defensive line has been able to get pressure on anybody and everybody recently. When the Packers have struggled, Aaron Rodgers has had constant pressure, such as during the Kansas City game. With poor weather, it could be a perfect combination to slow down Aaron Rodgers. However, the forecast for Green Bay, WI on Sunday afternoon is 31 degrees and sunny, with very light winds. Aaron Rodgers will stop the Giants’ momentum and will advance the Packers to the NFC Championship Game in a close win over the Giants.
Chris- The Packers will be able to control the Giants running game, and Aaron Rodgers will do enough at home to advance the Packers to the NFC Championship Game.
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