NFL Picks: Divisional Playoffs

Saturday, January 10 Ravens 3:35 PM Patriots

Baltimore has eliminated the Patriots in Foxborough twice in the last four years, so this is not unfamiliar territory for them. While I think Baltimore's ferocious pass rush of Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil frustrate the Patriots' offense early, I think Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of a weak Baltimore secondary. Once Ravens fall behind, Joe Flacco won't be able to bring them back, primarily because of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner shutting down the Ravens' Torrey Smith and Steve Smith.

Panthers 7:15 PM Seahawks

Carolina stifled Ryan Lindley and the injury-riddled Arizona offense last weekend but they are in for a much stronger test this week in trying to slow down the top rushing team in the league with Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. On the other side of the ball, I think Cam Newton and the Panthers struggle mightily to score against the top defense in the league, and the defending champs roll by double digits.

Sunday, January 11

Cowboys 12:05 PM Packers

The Cowboys got by the Lions (with a lot of help from the refs) to set up this marquee match-up on the frozen tundra (Ice Bowl II?) at Lambeau Field. I think it will be a shootout between the two teams, as Dallas should have success running the ball with DeMarco Murray against a mediocre Green Bay run defense, while the Packers should have success throwing the ball with Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson against a Dallas defense which has given up a lot of big plays. In the end, despite my hatred of Jerry Jones, I think Dallas moves on behind a big day from Murray, who will keep the ball away from Rodgers and the Packers, whose passing game may be affected by the frigid weather conditions in Wisconsin.

Colts		3:40 PM
Broncos

Peyton Manning faces his old team in the playoffs for the first time, in a match-up of QB's that threw that most touchdowns in the league this season. I think Denver's much improved defense (3rd best in the league) forces the turnover-prone Andrew Luck into a couple mistakes and the Colts' defense can't duplicate the success it had against the depleted Bengals last week, as the Broncos advance.

Last week: 2-2
Season record: 173-82-1