Divisional Playoff Weekend

Last Week I went 2-2, just a shade under my season average. I did however call Ohio St getting blown out by Florida and I called that one 2 months ago.

Here are my picks for the divisional round of the playoffs:

Indianapolis at Baltimore: The Colts Defense came up huge and Kansas City huddled in predictability. This week, it will be a very difficult challenge for the Colts. The Ravens have the best Defense in Football. They are intimidating and hard hitting. This should be the game of the weekend. Steve McNair brings something to The Ravens that they haven't had in a long time. Poise, hey it counts. The biggest story line is The Colts coming back to Baltimore. The Raven's fans should be all fired up and should give them an edge. I break this game down like this - Peyton Manning had a non-Peyton game last week against The Chiefs, when was the last time that has happened 2 weeks in a row? Joseph Addai is an emerging star. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are the best Receiving tandem in the NFL. Can the Ravens Defense contain the Colts Offense? The Ravens have been a very pedestrian Offense. They have had flashes of Brilliance. Jamal Lewis has shown flashes of what he use to be. The Colts Defense played well enough last week to have me think they will be half as good this week.
Colts 28 - Ravens 16

Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Saints are favored, however when was their last playoff win? When was Drew Brees' last playoff win? The Eagles are coming off a predictably bad game. It's hard to draw much off a playoff game against a divisional rival. Jeff Garcia managed the game well, The Eagles Defense played well enough to win. The "X" factor is Brian Westbrook, not since Emmitt Smith has there been such a difference maker from a running back under 5'10. The Saints Defense gets little respect and they aren't talking about them anywhere. I think they are going to contain Westbrook and make Garcia beat them. During practice, Reggie Bush is playing the part of Brian Westbrook, they will be ready for him. This will be a game won by field position and special teams. Reno Mahe doesn't do it for me. I don't think he has the ability to break one. I don't think Lito Sheppard's absence is going to be as a big of a deal as the media is making it out to be. So here's to 8 consecutive weeks picking against them and being wrong.
Saints 27 - Eagles 17

Seattle at Chicago: Seattle probably shouldn't even be here, but they are. Maybe they are destined? Maybe the will repeat as NFC Champs? The Bears Defense is all beat up. Rex Grossman is erratic. Lovie Smith has never won a playoff game. All these things aside, Cedric Benson has his coming out party, rushing for 175 yards and 2 TDs.
Bears 24 - Seahawks 9

New England at San Diego: How do you go against New England? Bill Bilichek and Tom Brady 11-1 together. Are they are poised to continue? Can they stop LT? Will they put the scare into Phillip Rivers? My guts says never go against Tom Brady in the playoffs and San Diego is destined to have a bad game. The thing is in the last 10 they have won, they had a few bad games and still won, maybe they are destined? LT has some rest and will be ready to go. He's the difference.
San Diego 28 - New England 20