Here we go, down to the final eight and Tebowmania is alive and well. I
can understand the coverage, but I think many media outlets forget that
the New England Patriots are the number one seed. Nobody seems to be
talking about them, but may be that is a good thing for the Patriots.
In fact, it doesn't seem like any of the other seven playoff teams are
getting much coverage at all. I am surprised that these media outlets
even realize that there are three other games, and three really good
ones to boot. Of course it is the playoffs, so often every game is
good. But the matchups this weekend look really special. The Patriots
and Broncos should be great because we will get to see if New England
can stop the Broncos emotional high, and the Ravens and Texans should
be a great defensive battle. The two NFC Matchups are two strong
defensive teams, San Francisco and New York, battling against two
offensive juggernauts in Green Bay and New Orleans. It should be
fantastic. I know I am not doing anything this weekend but watching
football.
As always, home team in CAPS.
New Orleans 3 1/2 SAN FRANCISCO
The Saints are favored on the road, which makes me think many believe
they are going to win. So do I. The Saints are a different team playing
outside, but their offense is so explosive right now it might not
matter. The 49ers have a very good defense, but I am not sure Alex Smith lining up under center is good enough to get the job done. He has
gotten it so far this year, mainly by not making a lot of mistakes. He
can't make any in this game. I think the Saints are playing too well
right now, and Drew Brees is playing out of his mind. I like the Saints
here.
Saints 27-20
NEW ENGLAND 13 1/2 Denver
I see many people thinking this is going to be a blow out. May be. One
thing many seem to be forgetting is the Patriots defense is horrible.
Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards last week against a beat up Pittsburgh
defense, but that defense is still better than anything the Patriots
can put on the field. Denver is on a major emotional high this week,
and that counts for something. It will be decided early. If the Broncos
can get to Tom Brady right away, he might struggle. If they can't, it
could be lights out. I think it will be the former. I am picking the
Broncos in a stunning upset.
Broncos 24-23
BALTIMORE 7 1/2 Houston
This should be a great defensive battle, and it could likely come down
to Arian Foster and Ray Rice. Andre Johnson could make a big difference
for the Texans, and Joe Flacco just has to have a decent game. He has
the edge over T.J Yates though. I don't think a lot of points are going
to be scored. The Texans are on a little bit of an emotional high after
their first ever playoff victory last week. It's a shame they had a lot
of injuries. The Ravens have not lost at home this year. Until now.
Texans 20-17
GREEN BAY 7 1/2 New York Giants
The Packers are the favorites right now to win the Super Bowl, but I am
not even sure they win this game. Their offensive is very dangerous,
and Aaron Rogers is the best quarterback in the NFL, and he proved it
again this year. The Giants, though, are playing very well at the right
time. Their defensive line is healthy, they can score points and Eli Manning had a very solid year. Plus, the weather in Green Bay shouldn't
bother them. I had a feeling about the Giants as the regular season was
coming to a close. If any team can knock off the Packers, I think it is
the Giants. I think they pull the upset in Lambeau.
Giants 26-24
Record For Last Week: 2-2
Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to Patriots Insider with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him here:
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