Saturday’s games
1) New Orleans Saints (14-3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
This game will not only be the 1st game of the Divisional round, but will be the only game that does not feature a rematch of teams that faced off during the regular season. The 49ers and Saints did play in the preseason but not much can be taken from that game as the starters played a few series and both teams are drastically different now. I find it surprising that the 49ers are underdogs as the home team and higher seed. I actually think this is going to benefit them as they have played the underdog role all year long. The Saints are streaking right now and are one of the best offensive units in the entire league. That being said, they are going up against the best run defense and a top 3 scoring defense this weekend in their house. The 49ers are going to get Frank Gore the ball and keep Drew Brees on the bench for as long as possible. The Saints will score their points, but the 49ers will get some key stops on 3rd down that teams have failed to do against the Saints all year long. 41% conversion rate on 3rd down and 10 or farther is insane, but I don’t see this defense allowing it. Tight game the whole way through and will definitely be the best game of the weekend.
WINNER = San Francisco 49ers 27-24
2) Denver Broncos (9-8) vs. New England Patriots (13-3)
This game will also be a rematch of a December 18th matchup where the Patriots handled the Broncos 41-23. In that game the Broncos moved the ball well throughout the game, but the Patriots took over in the 2nd half. The difference here is that Belichick will have his defense prepared for Tim Tebow unlike the Steelers who just dared him to throw the ball. The Patriots will play zone coverage and disguise what they are trying to do instead of just manning up and stacking 8-9 men in the box. I like Denver’s defense and their ability to get after the passer, but I feel like the Patriots just have too many weapons at their disposal. Dumervil and Miller will have to be in the face of Tom Brady all day if they wish to have a chance of stopping this high octane offense. Denver no longer has the comfort and support they had in Denver last weekend and I think that will play a huge role in this game. Tebow will have a great game but the Broncos will not be able to slow down Brady and the bunch enough to allow one more Tebow Time. WINNER = New England Patriots 34-24
Sunday’s games
1) Houston Texans (11-6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
This game is also a rematch of teams that met in Week 6 in which the Ravens controlled the entire game and won 29-14. The saying that defense wins championships will be on display when these two teams meet on Sunday morning. The Ravens defense has been a mainstay for many years now and the Texans have emerged under the teaching of 1st year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. All year long the Texans have been decimated by injuries from all different positions, but most importantly QB. T.J Yates got the job done in Houston last weekend, but he won’t have the comfort from his home stadium and crowd this weekend. If the Texans want any chance of winning this game, Arian Foster will have to have a huge day against this stout Ravens run defense. Knowing this, I look for the Ravens to gear up against the run and dare T.J Yates to beat them in the air with the Ball Hawkin’ Ed Reed in the secondary. The Texans defense will be doing much of the same as they will try to slow down Ray Rice and leave the game in the hands of Joe Flacco. In the end, I think the Ravens experience, knowledge and home field advantage will be the difference in this game. WINNER = Baltimore Ravens 23-17
2) New York Giants (10-7) vs. Green Bay Packers (15-1)
This game represents the ultimate rematch of a game played in Week 13 where the Giants seemed to have the upset in place against the still undefeated Packers until Aaron Rodgers put his foot forward. He drove his team down the field in what seemed like no time and they kicked the GW FG to preserve their undefeated record another week 38-35. Both of these teams are hitting their strides on offense, while the same may not be able to be said about the defenses. The Packers defense has been shaky all year long giving up the most yards per game in the entire NFL. The one thing they have done is taken ball away through interceptions in clutch moments. The Giants defense is showing flashes of the defense they had in 2007 when they made their Super Bowl run with their ability to get after the QB with 3-4 man rushes. This will be key because it isn’t enough to just pressure Rodgers, you have to bring him down and not allow him to extend plays because that is when he is at his best. We know the Packers are going to score, so can ELIte Eli and the Giants keep up with them? I believe Eli will have a great game and keep the Giants close matching Aaron stride for stride. But I see this game being won on another final drive by Aaron Rodgers all the way down the field for a TD. The Giants secondary has had its issues this year and I am sure Rodgers is well aware of what he needs to do to get his team one step closer to a repeat run.
WINNER = Green Bay Packers 34-31
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