NFL Divisional Playoffs

After a 3-1 start to the playoffs, we move onto the Divisional round which has plenty of intriguing matchups.

Ravens @ Steelers
-The Steelers are 9-8 vs. the Ravens over their last 15 matchups--including 2-0 in the playoffs. Roethlisberger has been a thorn in the Ravens defense side. On the other hand, the Ravens have the best road record ever in the post season (7-3). Chances are this game will come down to the last drive and who can make one more play than the other. It's going to be tough for Baltimore, but in the end, this is the kind of game they acquired Anquan Boldin for, and with Troy Polamalu's health in question, the Ravens will knock off their arch nemesis.

The Pick: Ravens 16 Steelers 13

Packers @ Falcons
-The Dirty Birds are 20-2 under Matt Ryan at home and defeated Green Bay 20-17 earlier in the season. Ryan has never played in a game this big and it will be interesting to see how he responds under the lights. Overall the Packers match up well and can lock down Roddy White on the outside with Woodson. If they can slow down Turner then Green Bay will have the upper hand. The Falcons will need to do a lot to slow down the Packers offense, despite giving up just 17 points when they played earlier, Rodgers tore them up through the air. James Starks has emerged as a legitimate threat in the running game and that should push the Pack past the Falcons.

The Pick: Packers 27 Falcons 20

Seahawks @ Bears
-This game comes down to the match-up of the Quarterbacks. Jay Cutler, if he manages the game will win it for the Bears. However, we have all seen what Cutler does under pressure in big games. Matt Hasselbeck looked like he was reincarnated dropping dime after dime against the Saints. All this being said, the Bears defense is much better than the Saints defense. Add in the cold weather, Devin Hester, and the fact that we remember the Seahawks were 7-9 (!!!!) in the regular season--and the pick seems obvious...maybe too obvious?

The Pick: Bears 17  Seahawks 9

Jets @ Patriots
- Here it is, Jets-Pats III. Somehow it just seems like this was supposed to happen. I mentioned last week that the Jets defense was built to beat the Colts, and that succeeded. However, the Patriots offense is much more diverse and can beat you in so many ways that it's nearly impossible to defend. It will come down to whether the Jets defense can pressure Brady. They have not done so lately. If the Pats score 20+ can the Jets keep up? Chances are that answer is no. It will be close, but the Pats will score late to put it away.

The Pick: Patriots 27 Jets 17