Re: NFL 2012/13 Postseason Thread
Divisional Rount NFL Playoffs Picks
HOU@NE - While being a native Texan really makes me want to root for the Texans today, Matt Schaub is facing the most difficult challenge of his season. New England hasn't been very good at defending the pass this season, but they have been very good at stopping scoring and the run game. New England will focus on shutting down Arian Foster (Houston's workhorse) and will constantly dare Matt Schaub to throw the ball. Schaub will drive the ball, but judging from his shaky performances in recent weeks, it's highly unlikely Houston can depend on him to match points with the highest-scoring offense in the NFL and he will likely turn the ball over in the process. Tom Brady and the Patriots offense not only leads the league in total yards, but also total points. Barring a complete catastrophe on the part of Brady, New England stands a good chance to run away with this game.
My pick: PATRIOTS
BAL@DEN - Now while Denver might just be the most complete football team in the NFL, let's not let that detract us from Baltimore's defensive capability. This is a completely different team than we have seen in recent weeks with both Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs back on the field, particularly Week 15 when Baltimore last visited Denver losing 17-34. The Ravens defense WILL do enough to put them in a poistion to win this game this time around. However, the real question will be whether Joe Flacco will drive the ball. In Week 15, he barely completed 50% of his passes against this Denver defense, once by fumbling and once by throwing a rare interception. Now while I'm definitely expecting this Ravens team to fight hard for their leader Ray Lewis in what could be his last game, I just like Denver chances at home better, especially considering they boast not only a Top 5 offense, but also a Top 5 defense. The Ravens can drive the ball, but they will need to drive it constantly to keep pace with Peyton Manning and against a ridiculous defense. This is just not a situation that favors Flacco.
My pick: BRONCOS
SEA@ATL - Make no mistake about it, Atlanta has been explosive this year. But I guarantee you they were rooting for the Redskins like crazy last Sunday because there's no way Matt Ryan wanted any part of this lightening-fast Seattle secondary. Seattle only won two games on the road during the regular season, but don't let that fool you. This is a VERY good defense and quite possibly the best secondary in the NFL right now. And if you have any doubts about what Seattle's offense can do, take a look at what they did to the 49ers defense in Week 16. They destroyed them. Russell Wilson is not your typical NFL rookie and there is a reason he's the last rookie standing in this playoff tournament. Atlanta has also been pitiful at stopping the run this season, ranked 29th in the league, and that's all Seattle does. I wouldn't be surprised if we see another highlight reel run by Lynch like we did last year. I LOVE Seattle in this game.
My pick: SEAHAWKS
GB@SF - This is unquestionably the hardest game of the weekend to call. These two teams met in Week 1 at Lambeau Field and the result was a 49ers win, but there was something very different about that game... San Francisco had a completely different quarterback. That day Alex Smith piled up a 125.6 QB Rating and the current 49ers QB Kaepernick has only played 1 game where he had a higher rating. This is also a situation Aaron Rodgers has been in before and it will be Kaepernick's first playoff appearance. Now although I asolutely LOVE this 49ers defense and fully expect them to shut down Ryan Grant and the Green Bay rushing attack again, I'm positive Rodgers will be airing it out a lot sooner this time around to avoid mounting another 4th quarter comeback.
My pick: PACKERS
