The home teams held serve during Wild-Card Weekend of the NFL Playoffs, but I don't see the same thing happening this weekend in the Divisional Round. In fact, it would not surprise me to see 2 or 3 road teams win.
Indianapolis at Baltimore: The Colts are a fashionable choice to pull off an upset, and it could well happen. Their defense contained Kansas City RB Larry Johnson last week, and they have Peyton Manning directing a high-octane offense. ... However, the Ravens' defense is stout against the run and strong against the pass. QB Steve McNair gives the Ravens something they haven't had at that position - consistency, leadership and playmaking skill. No upset here. The Ravens move on.
Phiadelphia at New Orleans: The league's hottest team, the Eagles, pays a visit to the one with the best story, the Saints' resurrection after last season's Hurricane Katrina-induced nightmare. Phiadelphia has the advantage on defense, but New Orleans' offense has more playmakers and a huge homefield edge. The Saints won an earlier meeting, but Philadelphia is a better team now. The Eagles' run continues.
Seattle at Chicago: Based on the regular-season results - the Bears clobbered the Seahawks early in the season, it's easy to pick Chicago. However, the Seahawks have RB Shaun Alexander back and QB Matt Hasselbeck is hitting his stride. The Bears, meanwhile, have a lot of injuries on defense and a very unreliable quarterback in Rex Grossman. Chicago might have peaked too early, but the Bears will edge the Seahawks.
New England at San Diego: Let's see - Patriots defense vs. a young quarterback. Tom Brady vs. a secondary that clearly is the weak link on a very good defense. Seems to add up to a New England upset. The equalizer? Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson and a ferocious front seven. This might be the best matchup of the four. My head tells me that Brady and Coach Bill Belichick will find a way to win. Heart says the Chargers have the talent and drive to win it all this year. Sorry Bolts, going with my head. Patriots pull off the upset.
No comments:
Post a Comment