NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

Posted on | January 15, 2010 | No Comments

Last weekend was something else. A lot of good games, blow outs and some back and forth struggles. I took an admitted guess that the Ravens would come out on top of the Patriots, but I really didn’t expect the Tom Brady and the patriots to simply fall apart there. I didn’t see the J-E-T-S pulling out that victory they still seem a little green (pun intended).

The weekends games start tomorrow and I’m feeling super anxious and excited to see how they all play out. So 8 teams, left and looking across the board I don’t think many people had both AFC Wild Card and Both NFL Divisional teams winning their games. Road victories are touch, and I think all the road teams have their handsful this weekend.

The Match Ups

#4 Phoenix Cardinals vs. #1 New Orleans Saints
The Cardinals sure know how to put up points, but so do the New Orleans Saints. Both teams are historically relatively new to the playoffs. That given I expect to see another high scoring affair, but the difference in the game will be a mistake, and most likely that will be a turn over giving the other team a short field. I’m liking the Cardinals in this game. Can’t put a finger on it… just a hunch.

#1 Indianapolis vs. #6 Baltimore Ravens
The Colts were the hottest team in the NFL for quite a time, with their perfect record, but they finished the season with 2 losses and a bye. They really haven’t played a game for 3 weeks and because of their #1 ranking they didn’t need to. The Ravens come in hot off a strong defensive win in New England. But when these two teams met in Baltimore earlier in the season, Peyton Manning was able to deliver a game winning drive. Ravens are going to have a difficult time keeping up with the Colts at the RCA Dome. Colts win and host the AFC Championship.

#3 Dallas Cowboys vs. #2 Minnesota Vikings
The Cowboys wiped out the Eagles last weekend in Dallas this time. I was quite surprised, but this week the Cowboys won’t have their go-go dancers, err… cheerleaders rooting them on from their stripper poles. Farve is experienced in the playoff and knows how to handle pressure. I can’t say the same for Tony Romo getting his first playoff win last week. Adrian Peterson might be the key to this game. A healthy dose of AP will keep the Dallas Offense off the field and give Minnesota the advantage. Vikings Win.

#2 San Diego Chargers vs. #5 New York Jets
When I first saw the Jets made the playoffs, I thought of the Jets Chargers Wild Card playoff a few years back where a missed field goal cost the Chargers a win. Seeing the Jets come back into San Diego, my mind goes back to that game again, but these are two very different teams. So everyone’s talking about the #1 defense going against the #4 pass happy chargers offense. Somethings got to give, and I believe its going to be the Jets D. Despite their outstanding secondary, I don’t think they have enough personnel to cover all the Charger receivers. I see Norv, putting Gates in motion to the outside, to expose blitz packages, and think Floyd is going to have a field day. Chargers win and head to Indy.

Another week another set of predictions. Championship games next weekend and then the SuperBowl two weeks later.