NFL Divisional Playoffs

Cardinals @ Saints - Will we see any defense in this game? Both offenses are capable of scoring at rates that only seem possible on video games. Drew Brees lead America's new team, the Saints, to a 13-0 start before losing to the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Panthers to close out the season. The Colts are worried that the Saints dont have any momentum going into the playoffs. Maybe the Cardinals defense is all that they need to get going. After holding the Packers to 10 first half points last Sunday, they allowed 35 in the 2nd half. Which defense shows up? I believe the key to this game is which team can run the football better. Arizona drafted Beanie Wells in part because he does run his hardest in big games. The Saints have a stable of backs that can run and catch lead by Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. I hope for a repeat of last weeks Cards/Pack shootout - Saints 42 Cardinals 35.

Ravens @ Colts - Jon Gruden told on funny joke when the Ravens played the Browns on Monday Night Football - if the Ravens wore throwback jersey's they would be the Browns. Well if the Colts wore throwback uniforms, they would be the Baltimore Colts.
This game does not lack star power. Peyton Manning on offense. Ray Lewis on defense. The best offensive player of the decade against the best defensive player of the decade. It doesnt get much better.
The Ravens have been playing "big boy" football lately and they raised plenty of eyebrows with there dismantling of the Patriots on Sunday. Plenty of people think that the Colts have some magical formula to get to the Super Bowl by resting there starters, well the reality is they dont - they have lost 3 straight postseason games after they have a bye. I know the Ravens have never beaten the former team from Baltimore, but I gotta feeling on this one - Ravens 27 Colts 10.

Cowboys @ Vikings - I have not hid the fact that I am not a Brett Favre fan. My biggest fear is that the Vikings will win (not because of Favre, obviously) and the people at ESPN will get full blown erections because they get to talk about Brett Favre for another week. Did I mention Brett Favre is playing? Brett Favre Brett Favre Brett Favre.
Heres the real story. The Cowboys have been playing better than anybody, except for the Chargers the last 2 months of the season. And while the Vikings got off to the 10-1 start they have not looked good down the stretch, getting there noses bloodied by the Cardinals, and getting embarrassed by Carolina and Chicago (teams that didnt make the playoffs). If the Vikings do win the game, it will be because of a great defensive effort to shut down the Cowboys offense that is able to run and pass, probably led by Jared Allen and Antoine Winfield (by the way, there is not a better cornerback playing this weekend than Winfield, just saying). But I like the Cowboys in this game because they can run and they can rush the passer. Heres hoping Flozell Adams keeps Tony Romo upright - Cowboys 33 Vikings 16.

Jets @ Chargers - Mark Sanchez made me eat my words last week when he was the one that delivered the plays that Carson Palmer couldnt. Beating the Bengals is one thing, if the kid is able to beat the Chargers Eric Mangini may get fired instantly for letting him get away. All the talk has been about how good the Jets D is. And they are very good. But Darrelle Revis is only 5'11". He will be primarily covering WR Vincent Jackson who is 6'5". Advantage Chargers.
One thing the Jets did very well last week was blitz the passer. Expect those blitzes to be tamed down this week because San Diego is the best screen passing team, especially to Darren Sproles who I expect to have a big game. The Chargers will get an early lead, and the Jets will never be able to recover. Chargers 31 Jets 13.

Here's hoping for a weekend of fun and exciting games!