Divisional Saturday Preview

Saturday, 4:30

Baltimore +3 @ Pittsburgh

This game features the league's biggest rivalry over the course of the last decade. The last time Baltimore and Pittsburgh squared off in the playoffs, the Steelers won in the AFC Championship on their way to the franchise's 6th Lombardi Trophy. Each team has been amongst the NFL's elite all season and won 12 games apiece. Baltimore was the sexy pick to win the AFC North to begin the year, but the Steelers made sure that the Ravens would have to come through Heinz Field to reach the promise land. The Ravens come in fresh off a bludgeoning of the Chiefs at Arrowhead last week. Pittsburgh is rested after a bye week. Troy Polamalu has been held out of practice all week, but don't think for a second that he will miss this game. Polamalu lives for this type of game, and he was the main reason for the Steelers' Week 13 victory in Baltimore. Baltimore is looking for revenge of some sorts. This game could very likely become vicious. Mike Tomlin's teams are always hungry, but John Harbaugh's team may be hungrier. I think the Ravens come in looking to prove something. Look for Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to prove they aren't past their time. Give me Baltimore in another thriller.

Prediction - Baltimore 16 Pittsburgh 14

Saturday, 8

Green Bay +2.5 @ Atlanta

It has been virtually impossible to defeat Matty Ice and the Falcons in the Georgia Dome in recent years. Matt Ryan lead Atlanta to a 13-3 record and home filed in the NFC. He has his team in the playoffs for the 2nd time in his 3 pro seasons. This organization turned it around much sooner than expected following the release of Mike Vick. They will host a Green Bay squad that is one of the most dangerous 6-seeds the NFL has ever seen. The Packers were a preseason Super Bowl favorite and look to be playing the part despite the fact that they will not play a game at Lambeau Field the rest of the year. They have hit their stride at the right time. Aaron Rodgers has quickly become 1 of the NFL's top QBs and now has a playoff victory underneath his belt. This is something that Ryan has yet to achieve. I look for Aaron Rodgers to get his 2nd playoff victory this week and show that Matty Ice can be beaten at home. The Packers advance to the NFC Championship game.

Prediction - Green Bay 23 Atlanta 21

Ringer's Playoff Record
SU: 2-2
ATS: 3-1