NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

Fierce rivalries in the AFC; some new and unexpected faces in the NFC

New England over New York: It's difficult to imagine the Pats losing at home to their hated-rivals the Jets. MVP-favorite Tom Brady and his offense scored 518 points this season and led the NFL in points scored per game (32.4). New England only turned the ball over 10 times during the regular season and finished with a +28 turnover differential. To limit New England's explosive offense, the Jets will need a pass rush-the Achilles Heel of the Jets defense--and they will need to tackle well to limit Wes Welker and Deion Branch from piling-on yards after the catch. On the other side of the ball, although the Patriots defense ranked 8th in points allowed, they also ranked a dismal 25th in yards allowed per game (366.5). The Jets will need to capitalize on the Pats "bend but not break" defense by controlling the clock and keeping the "Marlboro Man" off the field. If Mark Sanchez and company do this, they can win. However, I don't see it. The Jets are a solid club, but it appears they will need to play an almost perfect game to emerge victorious . . .

Pittsburgh over Baltimore: Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger has had Baltimore's number recently, and there's no reason to believe it will be any different on Saturday--especially since Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is hosting the showdown. When Roethlisberger has played the Steelers have won the last six meetings between the two AFC North rivals. Twice the Steelers have bounced the Ravens from the playoffs. Ravens QB Joe Flacco is inconsistent and has turned the ball over in big games, such as in Week 13 when safety Troy Polamalu stripped him of the football with under four minutes remaining in the game. Roethlisberger converted the turnover into a game-winning nine-yard TD pass to Isaac Redman. Expect a game dominated by strong defense and punishing hits. This is the most brutal rivalry in the sport and the number of players who will be helped off the field will attest to it. Or as Steelers DL Chris Hoke stated, " "The team that wins this game is going to be the most violent team, the team that is most physical" . . .

Atlanta over Green Bay: Yes, I am picking the Falcons to win, but I could just as easily have picked the Packers. Both teams' defenses are among the league's best at keeping their opponents off the scoreboard (Packers-2nd in NFL at 15 points surrendered per game; Falcons-5th in NFL at 18 points surrendered per game). Both offenses can score points (Falcons-5th in NFL in points scored per game at 25.9; Packers-10th in NFL in points scored per game at 24.2). So why am I selecting Atlanta? First, because they are playing at home. Second, because they don't sabotage themselves with mistakes. They produced the third-fewest turnovers of any team in the league this season, and they were also the league's least penalized team. Finally, I favor Atlanta because of the number of miscues Green Bay committed in last week's victory over Philadelphia. Dropped passes on offense; busted coverages on defense that nearly allowed Philadelphia to mount an incredible fourth-quarter comeback. A better team would have capitalized on Green Bay's errors and sent them home . . .

Chicago over Seattle: I came very close to picking Seattle this week. I still believe the Bears may be the most overrated team that qualified for the postseason, and after the Seahawks inspiring victory over the Saints last week it is not inconceivable that they could send Chicago packing as well. Jay Cutler is more than capable of tossing a few interceptions, especially when faced with a potent pass rush, such as the one responsible for sacking him six times when Seattle defeated Chicago in Week 6. So if I have these criticisms of the Bears, why am I picking them to win? First because of the weather. I expect the Seahawks offense to stall in the cold. Seattle may have run well last week against a Saints defense that ranked 16th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (112.3), but don't expect the same success on Sunday when they face the Bears' 2nd ranked rushing defense in the NFL (90.1 yards allowed per game). Expect the lack of a Seattle running game to force Pete Carroll to rely on Matt Hassellback's arm, which will result in several key INTs . . .

Congrats to John Fox who was named the Denver Broncos head coach . . .

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