NFL Picks: Divisional Playoffs

01/11

Saints		3:35 PM
Seahawks

New Orleans won their first road playoff game in team history last week in Philly, riding a surprisingly effective rushing attack and strong rush defense to victory. In order to win again this week in Seattle, where they were embarrassed on Monday night in Week 13, they'll have to duplicate that rushing success to take pressure off QB Drew Brees going against the Seahawks' #1 pass defense. Game might actually be lower scoring than expected, with Rob Ryan's defense playing well and Seattle's offense in a month-long slump, but can't pick against the 12th Man and the 'Hawks D.

Colts		7:15 PM
Patriots

Indy is definitely riding high after last weekend's epic 28-point comeback against KC. Key in this game will be whether the Colts can run the ball, control the clock, and get pressure on Tom Brady. I think they can, and although it probably isn't wise to pick against Belichick and Brady in Foxboro, I'll go with the hot team.

01/12

49ers		12:05 PM
Panthers

Game of the week is in Charlotte this week, between two teams that are built on dominant defenss, a great running games, and young athletic quarterbacks. Carolina won the first meeting in the Bay Area, and I can't pick against Greg Hardy, Luke Keuchly, and the Panthers DST (my fantasy DST) at home.

Chargers		3:40 PM
Broncos

AFC West showdown with red-hot Chargers looking to continue to their storybook run at Mile Hile Stadium. If San Diego can control time of possession by running the ball with effectively with Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead, they have a chance. But I think Peyton Manning will make plays in the passing game that Andy Dalton wasn't able to make last week.

Last week: 2-2
Season record: 166-93