NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

One of the best weekends for football in the entire year, as you normally have some very good games this weekend, and get to see who goes on to the final 4 of the NFL. Plus, it's always interesting to see how the bye teams from the wild card round perform in this round. Is it a curse or a blessing to have the bye week? It could go either way. Also, this blog does say the sports blog...with other random thoughts. Here is one of those: Haiti needed our help before this earthquake even occurred, because it was in the bottom 10 of poorest countries in the world. Haiti will need our help long after the earthquake has left our heads and memories. That doesn't just go for Haiti, but for all of the poor countries in the world, may we give some of our money to them. I'm not being a hypocrite either, as I am donating some money to the Red Cross. Also, be sure your charity is reliable for donating. A great site to check out for all of the websites to go and donate to is: pghmetrocru.blogspot.com. Finally, time for the picks, again chronologically.

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

Granted, New Orleans didn't perform too well down the stretch, as they really should have finished 12-4, as they should've lost against Washington. And, they lost against one of the worst teams in the league, the Bucs. But, through week 12, New Orleans was one of the more dominant teams in the league. Arizona then is a Jekyll and Hyde act, meaning they can be amazing one week, and suck the next. I.E., last week, as they were horrible in the first half and amazing in the second half. So, who knows what will come this week. All we know for sure is that it should be filled with a lot of passing and a lot of scoring, as both teams finished in the top 5 for points, and Arizona gave up 45 last week. The only thing holding me back a little bit from picking the Saints and Drew Brees' pheonomenal passing game is Kurt Warner's equally amazing passing attack, and his 10-3 career record in the postseason, and 2 of those 3 losses came in the Super Bowl. I'm going with heart over head on this one, picking New Orleans.

New Orleans 45, Arizona 41

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts

Another rematch from earlier in the season, which the Colts won in a close one, 17-15. That was also when the Colts were undefeated, and at Baltimore. This is an intriguing game because the Ravens couldn't produce a touchdown last meeting, and the Colts weren't much better, as they produced a few turnovers, which helped the Ravens stay in the game. The Ravens also could've won the game if it hadn't been for a 30 yarder going wide right. This game will be relatively close, just because it's basically a run vs. pass game, and whether or not Peyton can exploit the Ravens depleted secondary. I just don;t trust Peyton in the postseason though, as he has routinely failed in the postseason, not making it past the AFC Championship games in most seasons, and sometimes not even past here, so hence the Ravens pick.

Ravens 17, Colts 13

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

America's Team versus America's favorite love him or hate him QB=Boffo Ratings. But, ratings aside, both teams have been going in opposite directions, as the Vikings have lost 3 of their last 4, whilst the Cowboys have been burning every piece of land they touch with their 3 headed running attack, and Tony Romo playing amazing. But, Favre came back...again for one purpose, to win a Super Bowl, and he'll continue to come back until he wins one more, even if he's 50. The Vikings really struggled down the stretch because their running game wasn't as effective, Favre was having his annual December swoon, and the defense wasn't playing as well, and the week of rest for the Vikings is probably best, considering they're an older team, and I think they'll refocus enough to squeak by the Cowboys.

Vikings 30, Cowboys 28

New York Jets vs. San Diego Chargers

Most intriguing matchup of the entire weekend, and best matchup, as both teams are coming in fairly hot, with the Chargers winning 11 straight after losing to Denver on MNF. After the Jets backdoored their way in, they demolished Cincy, and again, have the two things which win in the playoffs: number 1 defense and number 1 running game. Have both of those, and you will always have a shot to win. San Diego is looking to go to the Super Bowl for the first time since '94 when they got blown out by San Fran, and this is looking like the year to do it, having a very good defense, and exceptional passing game. The only part lacking is the running game, but in SD, an average running game is just as well. I expect the Chargers to win on their passing game, because Darelle Revis can't cover Jackson, Floyd and Gates.

San Diego 24, New York 13

Remember Haiti, and no top 10 games of 09 anymore, cause no suggestions for them. Next week: Championship preview.