NFL Divional Playoffs Predictions

[Celtic1982citleC]

So here at the RSpeed Sports Authority we had a shaky Wild Card weekend only picking 2 out of 4 winners. We will try to better ourselves this week for the sake of everyone.

Colts @ Ravens

Very interesting match-up pits 2 polar opposite teams against one another. On one side you have B-more which has what could be argued to be the best defensive team this season and has a strong running game. On the other you have a soft "bend but don't break" Indy D with one of the leagues best offensive generals in Peyton Manning. With all of this said, Baltimore for the first time has a true general of its own in NFL veteran Steve McNair. He has been to the Super Bowl before and knows how to win football games. Baltimore beat the Giants in 2000 with a similar defense to the one they have this season and an offense that was much worse. Look for Baltimore to setup the run via the pass. McNair will try to pick apart the Colts cover 2 by finding Mason/Clayton/Heap and then bust it down the Colts throat with Jamal Lewis. I thought Kansas City would've won last week with LJ but they just played heartless football. Baltimore has too much leadership to roll over and will be fired up at the chance to beat the Colts.

Colts 21 Ravens 24

Patriots @ Chargers

On one side you have half of the AFC Pro-Bowl team anchored by all-world NFL MVP LaDanian Tomlinson. On the other you have a bunch of guys who just play well together in the Patriots (only one Pro Bowl player...and it WAS NOT Tom Brady!). The difference here won't be determined on the field, but on the sidelines. As talented as San Diego is they always seem to falter behind Shottenheimer come playoff time. Look for Bill Bellichek to mastermind a defensive strategy to keep Tomlinson at bay (will still get 100+ yards on the ground, but will not dominate the game) and to pressure the first year starter Rivers into making mistakes. New England will continue to thrive with the NFL's most effective playoff quarterback EVER in Tom Brady and will eek one out on the road to advance to the AFC Championship.

Patriots 17 Chargers 14

Seahawks @ Bears

Does anyone else feel that the Bears are destined to fail? You have Rex Grossman admitting he was more focused on New Years than the game they were playing in week 17 and overall an offense that was at BEST inconsistent all season. On the other hand Seattle has finally gotten healthy at the right time on offense and their defense, though not the best, is certainly capable of containing what Chicago has to offer. Also, Chicago at home as been very beatable this season. 2 of Chicago's 3 losses were at home this season. Look for Seattle to try to spread the ball around and balance their offense with Alexander. The 'Hawks will take away Jones and pressure Rex and force him to make plays. Do you think Grossman can do it? I don't.

Seahawks 14 Bears 7

Eagles @ Saints

New Orleans inherited the #1 spot despite losing its final 2 games of the regular season and limps into the playoffs. The Saints offense that was explosive all season has been missing since their showcase in Dallas. Philly, on the other hand, has been flying high under the lead of rejouvinated Jeff Garcia. However, with all the Saints firepower I don't see them not exploding in this ballgame. ESPECIALLY at home in the Superdome, first playoff game there in YEARS, after the hurricane...the emotions will be a huge roll as well as the crowd noise. Brees has a big day in this one. Look for a shootout.

Eagles 31 Saints 42

[xceebeex]

Originally Posted by MYIX8UR8

So here at the RSpeed Sports Authority we had a shaky Wild Card weekend only picking 2 out of 4 winners. We will try to better ourselves this week for the sake of everyone.

Speak for yourself, I was 4 for 4

Anyway, my predicitions this week are:

Colts, Chargers, Bears, and New Orleans maybe I will write something up as to why later.

[GranMassaX]

colts!
their D this past week was pretty impressive. And Peyton is incredible

Chargers!
They are a hell of a team with a few solid superstars. Too good for the Pats

Seahawks!
Bears are not nearly as good as their record

Saints!
Eagles didn't impress me agaisnt the Giants and they need to play much better than that yo beat the Saints.... which I don't think they can.