Divisional Round Predictions
The Divisional round raises the stakes as the first-round bye teams get into the mix. The Chargers will reveal if the week off slowed their momentum, while the Saints, Colts, and Vikings will show if the bye week can cure a late-season slump.
Arizona Cardinals 17, New Orleans Saints 24
I don’t think this is going to be as high-scoring as most people are predicting. Both the Saints and Cardinals have defenses that are competent, and a lower score would only make this matchup more intense as both offenses are capable of exploding at any moment.
Baltimore Ravens 17, Indianapolis Colts 20
Peyton Manning is 7-2 lifetime against the Ravens, but unfortunately has also made a career out of early postseason exits. The Ravens knocked out the Patriots in Foxboro in convincing fashion, and now get to play a team not known for its prowess stopping the run. The Colts defense will be the unit under the most scrutiny in this game, as its no secret that keeping the ball away from the Colts offense should be Baltimore’s priority.
Dallas Cowboys 28, Minnesota Vikings 27
I’m just hoping the Vikings lose so we can say goodbye to Brett Favre for good. The Cowboys head to Minnesota looking like the most complete team in the playoffs; their defense is playing better than it has all season (and arguably in years) and the offense isn’t turning the ball over. Favre and the Vikings have had a week to rest after they bludgeoned the Giants 44-7 in week 17, but looked vulnerable in the weeks prior.
New York Jets 14, San Diego Chargers 31
The Chargers don’t seem to get as much attention as the other teams remaining in the playoffs even though they’re probably the class of the AFC. They’ve knocked the Colts out of the playoffs twice in two years, and finished the season on an 11-game winning streak. They should be able to outplay the low-scoring Jets at home despite New York’s defensive skill.
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