Divisional Playoff Predictions

Looks like I’m finally getting better at this.  From going 1-3 in the 2012 wild-card NFL playoffs, to getting all 4 correct last week, it now appears that I might know something about the game of football.  Either that or the picks were really easy.  Regardless, this is my favorite week of the NFL season.  More often than not, it’s the eight teams most deserving of playing for the super bowl.  I am still shocked that the New York Giants are no longer with us this season, but outside of that, I believe we will see the best the NFL has to offer.

GM 1: Baltimore vs. Denver.  

It’s amazing how much of a difference one year makes.  Last year we thought that the Denver Broncos were riding the Tim Tebow wave, and it was his magic that pushed the Denver Broncos into the divisional round of the playoffs.  Now we know better.  This is one of the most balanced teams in football, and they enter the playoffs without being vulnerable at any position, including special teams.  They can beat you with the lead, or playing from behind.  It’s a tough predicament for the Baltimore Ravens.  Based on talent levels this game should be close.  The Ravens have plenty of talent, and can beat any team in the NFL on their day.  If Joe Flacco can keep up with the Broncos (because I believe the Broncos will control the clock today), they have a chance.  It’s small, but a chance none the less.

Broncos by 3

GM 2: Green Bay vs. San Francisco.

The two NFC games are brutal to pick.  The 49ers come into the game being the only team that beat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau this year.  Green Bay was at full strength, and they were played off the field.  However, the 49ers have been the least predictable team in the NFL since then.  They’ve blown out teams, they’ve been blown out, they won at Foxboro, they tied the Rams.  They should win this game.  They have a pass rush that can get to Aaron Rodgers.  Their pass defense is among the league’s best.  They can control the clock by running with Gore.  Green Bay will need to get into 5 WR formations frequently.  If they can score TD’s instead of field goals, they can easily go into San Francisco and win.  I don’t think it will be easily, but they should get the job done.

Packers by 7

GM 3: Seattle vs. Atlanta

Whoo whee!  This is going to be a doozy.  The NFL’s first half leaders against the second half leaders.  A huge back story with the Atlanta Falcons.  They have been at this point a number of times since they drafted Matt Ryan.  Yet, he has yet to get them past the divisional round.  Even Michael Vick led the Falcons to the NFC Championship game once.  They traded a valuable number of draft choices to bring in Julio Jones, to create even more mismatches.  Then, they draw the Seattle Seahawks, the one team in the league that matches up with Atlanta perfectly.  A soft run defense which is Atlanta's only deficiency, you say?  Seattle will pound them with Marshawn Lynch.  Two fantastic wide receivers?  Best secondary in the NFL.  Great home field advantage down in Atlanta?  Seattle has won at Chicago, at Washington and beat Buffalo by four TD’s on the road since November.  All signs point toward Seattle, so I think I will roll with an upset.

Falcons by 3

GM 4:  Houston vs. New England

It looks to be a gimme game.  The New England Patriots are probably the most difficult match up in football right now, with the running game clicking, the defense creating turnovers, and Tom Brady continuing to be... well... Tom Brady.  The problem for me is, they only beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by 7 just a couple of weekends ago.  That could signify a couple of things.  First, they didn’t really care as they probably knew the most conservative of game plans would get a win.  Second, there are some dents in the armor, and they will be beaten soon.  Third, some Jaguars were playing for their futures in the league.  I think it’s a little bit of all three, but they are going to be really hard to beat.  Lucky for Houston, they have exactly what the doctor ordered.  They can keep Tom Brady off the field with a healthy dose of Arian Foster and Ben Tate.  They also have good news in that every single contributing player will be healthy and ready to go. Their defense played very against the Bengals last week, and kept Dalton from making throws downfield.  Will that be enough?  I think they need a little more.

Patriots by 13