As we witnessed last weekend, anything can happen in the playoffs. The Falcons scored only 2 points, rookie QB TJ Yates led the Texans to a victory, not to mention Tim Tebow played the best game of his already famous season in an overtime thriller. What lies ahead is still unknown, but for now lets look at this weekend's match-ups.
Saints vs 49ers: The Saints travel to San Francisco this weekend for a very interesting game. A dynamic offense will face off against one of the league's best defenses. Harbough has instilled an old fashioned system in San Francisco of running the ball and playing flawless defense which landed the 49ers the #2 seed in the NFC. On the other hand, the Saints are arguably the hottest team in the NFL, and no one is playing better than Drew Brees. The Saints have the offense but I'm going with 49ers this weekend for a few reasons. First off, the Saints seem to struggle when they don't play in doors. The long grass may hinder their speed and athleticism just enough to keep the game close, and that's exactly what the 49ers want. In a close game, the 49ers rarely lose, not to mention they have the best kicker in the game in David Akers. If the Saints have to settle for field goals they will be in trouble, that is why I'm picking San Francisco.
Giants vs. Packers: Many believe that if the Packers aren't going to repeat as Champions, they will lose at the hands of the Giants this weekend. The Giants are rolling and are peaking at the right time during the season. A lot believe they will upset the Packers, but I think that is how Green Bay would want it. With the Giants being picked by people to win, it takes the pressure off of the Packers and adds more pressure to New York. I can't go pick against the defending Super Bowl Champs. Their defense has had problems but they have been able to come up with key turnovers and stops, while their offense continually puts up points. Packers win a shoot out at Lambeau Field.
AFC match-ups
Texans vs Ravens: Texans are feeling pretty good about their first round blow-out win over the Bengals but now they travel to Baltimore where it's cold, and the Ravens rarely lose. I like the running game of Houston but I'm not sure that will be enough to get the job done. If the Ravens slow down Arian Foster, I'm not sure if TJ Yates and Andre Johnson can do it with the passing game. Ravens win this game easy with Ray Rice running and catching the ball, and their defense shutting down the Texans.
Broncos vs Patriots: My heart tells me to pick "my donkeys," but my mind tells me otherwise. The Patriots are the number one seed in the AFC for a reason and the though the Broncos beat the Steelers last week, it's hard to think that Tebow can play that well two weeks in a row. What I like about this game is that the Broncos match up well with the Patriots. Solid defense that could perhaps slow down a high powered offense led by Tom Brady, and one of the league's worst defenses allows the Broncos a chance to run the ball and put points on the board. The key to game will be turnovers. If the Broncos turnover the ball even once, you have to like the Patriots chances to win the game. My heart says Broncos, but Tom Brady is too good. But I will say this, though I'm picking the Patriots, I won't be shocked if the Broncos win the game. There is something special about this Broncos team, and like Tebow has proven time and time again, "anything can happen."
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