New Orleans Saints/Seattle Seahawks: interstellar playoff rematch between these two teams, Seattle having finished the 2010 season with a 7 and 9 record, proceeding thereafter to upset the Saints (11 and 5) in the Wild Card round 41 to 36. They met earlier on this year and New Orleans didn't show up, the Seahawks winning 34 to 7. Seattle had the league's best defence and have only lost once at home in the last two years. Their offence also outscored the Saints by 3. New Orleans won their first playoff road game ever last week but have struggled on the road this season. The memory of their disastrous loss at the hands of the Seahawks three years ago may generate enough spirit to overcome this NFC powerhouse, and they're likely studying Seattle's 34 to 28 loss to the Colts in week 5, but it will still be tough to beat Seattle at home. Picking the Seahawks.
Indianapolis Colts/New England Patriots: New England oddly didn't score very many points several times this year and picked up at least three of their wins late in the fourth quarter, Cleveland almost beating them with a last-second field goal. They, once again, demonstrated that they're a formidable franchise lead by some of the league's best, and they're undefeated at home. The Colts are hot having won 6 of their last 8, pulling off a comeback for the ages last weekend against Kansas City, and are a respectable 5 and 3 on the road. The Patriots have won 5 of their last 7 but not very convincingly. Thinking this is a game during which New England's comeback falls short. Taking Indianapolis.
San Francisco 49ers/Carolina Panthers: Carolina finished with the league's second best defence and respectable offensive numbers. They defeated the 49ers 10 to 9 in week 10 and also beat New England and New Orleans. They passed for 190.2 yards per game, ranked 29th in the NFL, but were able to run the ball with more success. They had a light schedule throughout but still competently overcame most of the teams they faced. San Francisco's schedule was tougher and they picked up just as many wins, their passing game actually ranked 30th in the NFL, but with the 3rd strongest rushing attack. The 49ers have won 4 of their last 6 playoff games and therefore know what it's like to overcome playoff pressures. As a franchise, the Panthers have had their share of playoff success, unexpectedly winning big games on many an occasion. Still, methinks San Francisco's too hot, too seasoned, too ready. Big defensive stands could win the game for Carolina, but methinks the 49ers will force them to make too many. Picking San Francisco.
San Diego Chargers/Denver Broncos: San Diego's had a great season and are definitely a strong opponent. They overcame a tough Bengals team last week in a game that didn't end up being so offensively explosive. The Broncos also had a great season. The Broncos also won big games throughout. The Broncos, are prepared, poised and punishing. Picking the Broncos in a solid AFC West playoff matchup. Go Broncos Go!
No comments:
Post a Comment