This weekend is the last weekend in which both days will have football until the first Saturday in September, and for the football addicts out there, that will be a very long wait. And, this Saturday, brings probably the better of the two days as far as competitive games are concerned in my mind. Both games on Saturday feel like both very well could go into overtime as well. Now, hopefully the entire weekend proves better than last weekend, and even overflowing into Monday, when four of five games really did not have much sizzle to them. And, the fourth game, Seattle at Washington, really was not all that great either, but it did have the only upset of the weekend as well. So, here's hoping this weekend brings better games.
Baltimore at Denver, Saturday, 4:30, CBS
This game proves to be very intriguing, as it looks to be mainly a ground attack on offense, and a defensive battle. The reason why it looks to be a ground attack is because the high temperature in Denver is going to be 17 degrees. Then, these two defenses rank in the top five in total defense as well. These two teams are in two different paths right now, with Baltimore limping into the playoffs, and Denver winning 11 straight to come into the playoffs with home field advantage throughout. That is a wonderful thing, especially in Denver with the lighter air, the cold, and the deafening noise of the crowd. Baltimore will also be looking to avenge its 34-17 loss in the regular season. This game will also feature two future hall of famers who are in the twilight of their careers, even though you wouldn't know it. Ray Lewis is playing in his final postseason, and the energy and leadership he brings to the field is undeniable. Although, even with Lewis in the lineup last weekend, the Ravens still gave up over 150 yards to a fairly weak rushing game of Indianapolis. Denver has a much better running game with Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman leading the way. Denver also has its issues, with Peyton Manning, arguably the MVP of the league, 0-3 in games where the temperature is 40 or below. But, I believe Manning will turn it around, and win this one.
Pick: Denver 23, Baltimore 17
Green Bay at San Francisco, Saturday, 8, Fox
This game features two teams which have a history against one another, not only in the regular season, but also in the playoffs through the years. The last time these teams played, was week one, where San Francisco came out with a 30-22 victory in Green Bay. The difference there, and here is that David Akers was perfect, including a 63 yard field goal, where he had to win the chance to play this week against Billy Cundiff. There is also the matter of quarterback with San Francisco, with Alex Smith starting in week one, and now it's Colin Kapernick's job to lose. Kapernick has performed remarkably well since taking over for Smith since week 11. But, it is now the postseason, and the pressure is turned up more. Green Bay also will be looking to avenge its loss in week one, and I think that Kapernick has handled all the pressure put on him thus far with ease, and will be as cool as a cucumber again come Saturday night.
Seattle at Atlanta, Sunday, 1, Fox
This game doesn't seem marquee on paper, but the game isn't played on paper. Seattle has been on a roll throughout the year, led by Russell Wilson, who nobody expected to even be a starting quarterback this year. Or even ever, as Seattle did sign Matt Flynn, who most expected to be the starting quarterback. Seattle has been winning with a solid defense, Marshawn Lynch becoming in beast mode, and the poise of Wilson, who knows when to run and when to stay calm in the pocket. Atlanta, meanwhile, has just been consistent throughout the entire season. They've been winning and being under the radar the entire season. But, the biggest question remains, can they win in the playoffs? In the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era, they've yet to win a single game in the playoffs. This could be their best chance to win. But, I don't think so, as Seattle will win their seventh game in a row and play for the NFC Championship.
Pick: Seattle 31, Atlanta 24
Houston at New England, Sunday, 4:30, CBS
New England pounded Houston in week 15, when both teams were at their peaks, and Houston then went on a downward spiral to lose three of its final four games, and end up with the number three seed in the AFC instead of the number one or two seed. And, after watching last week against Cincy, there is zero reason to think that anything has changed since that Monday night in Foxboro.
Pick: New England 41, Houston 21
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