More Playoffs

It’s time for the divisional playoffs and let’s get right to it. (Oh, and since all four teams I picked last week to make the conference championships are still alive, I’ll have to stay true to my word and take them again this week.)

Indianapolis at Baltimore – In a battle of old Baltimore against new Baltimore, the Ravens bring in a tremendous defense while the Colts counter with a tremendous offense. The Colts had the third ranked offense during the regular season, while the Ravens had the top defense. What does that exactly mean? Well in this one particular case, I think it means the Ravens ability to swarm a quarterback and rush him into mistakes is going to make a big difference. Baltimore had 60 sacks and 28 interceptions this season. The Ravens had a +15 turnover ratio – the best in the league. Pressuring Peyton Manning is the only way you are going to beat him and that is what the Ravens excel at, so mark this down as a 24-17 victory for Baltimore 2.0.

Philadelphia at New Orleans – I don’t think there will be a team and city more excited and more ready and pumped up for a playoff game in any sport anywhere in the world in 2007 than the Saints and their fans will be Saturday night. I’m serious. The Saints have the most potent offense in the NFC. They have a diverse attack with two tremendous running backs (Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush), a pro-bowl quarterback (Drew Brees), receivers who can stretch the field (Joe Horn, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson) and backs who can catch the ball in the flats (Bush and McAllister again). Philadelphia’s passing defense also takes a tremendous hit with Lito Sheppard out with a dislocated elbow. That will open up the passing game for New Orleans. The Eagles offense has been solid and should put up some points. Jeff Garcia has been able to create outside the pocket and the Saints must contain him to slow down the Eagles offense. That said, this will be a high-scoring game, but with the emotion surrounding this game and the home-field advantage, the Saints win a close one, 35-31.

Seattle at Chicago – Two offenses that aren’t playing particularly well square off in this one. Certainly the Seahawks have better offensive weapons than the Bears, but the Bears have a great defense and explosive special teams that will put them over the top in this low-scoring affair. The Seahawks secondary is banged up, but they should still be able to contain the Bears passing game. Shaun Alexander picks up close to 100 yards, but it still isn’t enough as the Bears win 17-13.

New England at San Diego – One coach is great in the playoffs, the other not so much. One quarterback is 11-1 in the playoffs, the other has never made a start. That makes this decision easy, right? Not so much. The Patriots are the glamour team of the playoffs (have been for a few years now – everyone expects them to win because that is what they seem to do at this time of year). Tom Brady is as good as ever, but his receiving options are not quite what they once were (plus tight end Ben Watson is questionable, so he’ll be playing at less than 100 percent at best). LaDanian Tomlinson is the best running back in the NFL. He is the MVP for a reason. The Chargers will rely on him as Philip Rivers makes his playoff debut. And, Tomlinson will have a huge game (125 yards and three touchdowns is probably about right). New England’s fifth-ranked rush defense will be put to the test this week and might not break, but it certainly might bend a lot. Look for the Chargers to win this one, 27-21.

Photo Sources: cbc.ca, nfl.com