New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks
The Saints had a very impressive win over the Eagles last week. One thing that surprised me about that game is that for some reason no one really gave them a chance to win. I don't get why not, because as long as they have the Drew Brees and Sean Payton connection, the Saints are capable of beating any team in the league. They're CAPABLE, that doesn't mean they will. They did a good job of bottling up McCoy last week, but this week is a different ball game and I think they'll have a hard time doing the same against Lynch. While McCoy is more of a finesse speed back, Lynch is a power back and I think that the combination of this and the crowd noise will make it very difficult for the Saints on both sides of the ball. I think the Seahawks will jump out to an early lead and Brees will throw a pair of picks trying to get back in it. In the end Seattle leaves going to the NFC Championship.
Seahawks 27 - 20
San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers
This is one of the most interesting match-ups of the week. Of all the things I could say about this match-up, one thing is for sure: The Panthers would have much rather liked to see the Packers coming to town than the 49ers. The 49ers stack up very well against the Panthers, and now that they have Crabtree back, that pushes them into the favorite category. I think the Panthers have the better defense, but they're lack of offensive weapons will show in this game. Frank Gore won't do much, but he will run just enough to help get Crabtree and Davis open down the field on some play action fakes. Throw all of the regular season struggles for Colin Kaepernick out the window, because in the playoffs, he's a different player. I think Kaepernick and the 49ers put an end to the Panthers impressive season.
49ers 21 - 17
Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots
Of all the games in the Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, this is the toughest one to call. Mainly because not only could it go either way, but either team could potentially blow out the other team. History has told me not to bet against Tom Brady at home, but recent history has told me to not bet against Andrew Luck at all. Eh, I'll just flip a coin and decide who to go with... there, it was heads... dang, I forgot to assign heads to something. Haha more seriously though, I think this is going to come down to Indy's running game. If the Colts can establish a good running game in the first half, much like the Chargers last week, they should be able to come away with the win. If Donald Brown and Trent Richardson get bottled up on every attempt though, the Patriots will cruise past them.
Colts 31 - 27
San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos
This game will be closer than a lot of people (outside of San Diego) are thinking. The Chargers were the only team to beat Denver at home this season and they almost beat them in San Diego too. The Chargers have been playing with a sense of urgency that teams haven't been able to match up against... until now. Philip Rivers is historically an outstanding January quarterback while Peyton Manning has been the opposite to this point. This is essentially a career game for Peyton Manning. He NEEDS to win this game. Expect a heavy dose of Ryan Matthews from the Chargers and expect a lot of 7 men in the box from the Broncos. Denver is going to make the Chargers beat them through the air. Philip Rivers can do it, but in the end, its Denver who has the ball last and they seal a trip to the AFC Championship game with a last second field goal.
Broncos 30 - 28
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