The NFL Divisional Playoff Round is the greatest weekend of football on the calendar. Breathe it in, pro football fans.
Let's Get To Work!
New Orleans @ Seattle -8
In what was the first important Monday night game ESPN ever televised, Saints/Seahawks was notable for how dominant the Seahawks looked and how easily New Orleans’ vaunted offense was snuffed out by the Seattle pass rush.
The Saints did impress last week when they were able to run the ball successfully against Philly. Establishing a running game to keep things close will ease both Seattle's aggressive defense and their raucous fans.
But Seattle's misdirection and Marshawn Lynch are the Saint's kryptonite. The Hawks will roll.
Indianapolis @ New England -7
The only non-rematch on this weekend’s slate, this Colts/Pats contest looks limp compared with the epic 'Manning v. Brady' battles of the last decade.
The Colts will be feisty as Andrew Luck is the hottest player left in the tournament thus far.
But the Colts suspect defense will be mowed down by Tom Brady.
San Francisco @ Carolina -1
Carolina eked a 10-9 win over San Fran in Week 10, thanks to their Dirty D and careful game management by Cam Newton.
Shocking to call Newton a "game manager." Cam Newton was one my favorite college players for his explosiveness and ability to create fantastic plays. The Niners will slow down his playmaking ability.
San Fran is playoff tested, having made the last two NFC title games (and winning last year's). Carolina is green. The Niners will make it three in a row.
San Diego @ Denver -9.5
San Diego and Denver, division rivals who split their regular season series, have never before played each other in the playoffs.
While Denver has been on a warpath this season, last season's post-season flame hangs heavy over Peyton Manning's massive head.
Much like how the 2012 Ravens were a team of destiny (whose charmed run began against these very Chargers), San Diego is playing with house money, needing a ridiculous ending to the regular season to make the tourney. Manning's poor playoff record against Phillip Rivers' bolo tie spells a San Diego upset.
As always: