NFL Playoffs: Division Round

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

Well I guess it’s time for me to eat some crow. I can admit when I’m wrong, well sort of. I stand by my comment that Tim Tebow will never win the Broncos a Super Bowl, however, he showed some major improvement in Denver’s win last week against the Steelers. He threw for over 300 yards with just 10 completed passes, 3 of which were for 50 yards or more, including the 80 yard game-winning touchdown to Demaryius Thomas in overtime.

Can the magic continue against the golden boy Tom Brady and the Patriots? There is a chance, but a very small chance mind you.

The Patriots are going to score points, there’s no doubt about that, but it will all hinge on how many the Broncos give up. If Denver’s D can hold Brady and the Pats to 24 or fewer, then we will have a ballgame on our hands.

If you watch ESPN and have a Twitter or Facebook account, but hate Tim Tebow news stories – get on the Patriots bandwagon, because if the Broncos win this game, we will never hear the end of it.

WINNER: PATRIOTS

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers

New York made a statement last week by allowing only 2 points to an overrated Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. This week they will have to go up against Aaron Rodgers and the most efficient offense in the league.

Eli Manning is playing out of his mind, and is not getting the credit he deserves. If the Giants pull off an upset over the Pack, I guarantee you he will get his due (unless of course Tebow pulls off another miracle, then Eli would be as if he never existed).

These two teams met during the season, the Packers won 38-35. I would expect to see a similar game, but I think the Packers have too much talent, and too much firepower to lose this one.

WINNER: PACKERS

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

The Texans got stellar performances from their defense and Arian Foster against Cincinnati last week, but against the Ravens and their ruthless defense they will need more than that.

There’s no doubt Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis will get their team pumped up and ready to get after rookie quarterback T.J. Yates, and I don’t think Yates will be able to handle what they are going to throw at him. Baltimore has a reputation for not being able to run on them, which could make Arian Foster a non factor.

The X-Factor in this game is Joe Flacco. You never know which Flacco will show up, but I can tell you this much, if he makes a lot of mistakes, the Texans will take advantage of them. The Ravens need Flacco to play well to be able to move on to the AFC Championship.

WINNER: RAVENS

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

I’m on the Saints bandwagon and I have no problem admitting it. The things Drew Brees does on the football field are downright ridiculous, and in my opinion he should be the MVP of the league.

“The Saints are a different team away from the Superdome” have you heard this on ESPN, sports talk radio, or any other sports station? It’s a load of crap. That statement is basically saying that the Saints aren’t as good on the road as they are at home. Well duh! What team is better on the road than at home!?

The best storyline of the game will be if the 49ers defense can stop the well oiled machine that is the New Orleans offense. The 49ers defense has had a historic season not allowing a singe rushing touchdown for 14 games in a row, until they finally gave way to the skittles man, Marshawn Lynch. Let that sink in – not a single rushing touchdown until week 16…that is staggering.

This is Drew Brees vs the Niners defense, and Alex Smith vs his own inexperience.

Geaux Saints.

WINNER: SAINTS