NFL Divisional Round Picks

An unimpressive 2-2 for me last weekend, but I got the Jets game right and as a fan, isn't that all that really matters? I'm shocked by the Eagles not showing up, and the officials combined with the Green Bay defense blew my show at a 3-1 week. That being said last week's game ball goes to Ray Rice, who stomped on the Patriots from the get-go and set the tone for an impressive Ravens win. Here we go for this week, the Divisional round of the the playoffs.

Saturday Jan. 16: Cardinals (+7) @ Saints: All season long I heard about this new and improved Cardinal defense, I just don't see it and neither did the Packers last weekend. The Saints struggled down the stretch, but you have to figure they're healthy, hungry and the team is outstanding in that building. Whatever the over is in this game, pick it, it will be a shootout to end all shootouts, especially with Boldin back in there for Arizona. Still, it took an equally bad job by the Green Bay defense and then a bad call on the fumble that should have been a face mask penalty for the Cardinals to win last week. The Saints will get it done this week and Drew Brees goes to his second NFC Title Game next week. Is this the end for Kurt Warner?

My pick: Saints 45, Cardinals 37

Saturday Jan. 16: Ravens (+7) @ Colts: The New Baltimore travels to face the Old Baltimore in what figures to be one of the best games of the weekend. The Ravens are fresh off trouncing Tom Brady and the Patriots and the Colts are looking to prove that resting their players down the stretch was the right thing to do. The Ravens will get some pressure on Peyton manning, but the question is will that be enough to force some turnovers. I'm not a believer that this Colts team is as good as some of the ones they've had in the past, and I think the Ravens are running the ball as well as any team not wearing green jerseys. If Joe Flacco controls the ball, the Ravens come away with the upset. It might not be because the Colts stopped playing down the stretch, but the Patriots didn't rest guys, Wes Welker got hurt and the team lost, if the Colts lose, the debate will rage on.

My pick: Ravens 24, Colts 21

Sunday Jan. 17: Jets (+8) @ Chargers: The Chargers could be the best team in the AFC. They could have the most talent. They could be the hottest and they've got 11 straight wins. Unfortunately for them, the Jets are the worst possible matchup for them. The Jets will be able to move the ball on the ground and Sanchez will play well if they do so. The matchup to watch for is Kerry Rhodes against Antonio Gates. If Gates runs wild, the Chargers will score in a hurry. The Jets don't give up a lot of big plays, which is the Chargers forte. All the talk is about Darrelle Revis and the Jets defense, and rightfully so, but I think the Jets put up some points this Sunday and yes, the underdog story of the year, Giants Stadium's final game is an AFC Title Game, can you believe it?

My pick: Jets 34, Chargers 24

Sunday Jan. 17: Cowboys (+3) @ Vikings: Minnesota loves playing in their building and they are built for it. The by week probably helps them more than any other team, and they could be the most balanced team in football. That being said, Dallas is red hot right now and this is a team that's playing well on both sides of the ball. Getting pressure on Favre is key for Dallas and we know Favre can be a little wild in these playoff games. This is going to be a close one, and may come down to the last possession. I hate to say this to the Giant fans in my life, but so long as Tony Romo doesn't drop the snap on the last possession field goal, the Cowboys win.

My pick: Cowboys 27, Vikings 24

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