Houston (+7.5) at Baltimore
After being on the road for the playoffs each of the last 3 seasons, the Baltimore Ravens finally get to host a playoff game. It will be the 1st time in 5 years. They will host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. These teams squared off back in Week 6 in Baltimore. The Ravens won that game 29-14, which contributed to their undefeated record at home this year. Baltimore has been great when at their best, but have been bad at their worst. Judging by the perfect 8-0 record, they have been much better at home. The advantage of home field, and the loss of Pittsburgh last week leads me to believe the Ravens will play inspired football. The upstart Texans will try to avenge their regular season loss and make it to their 1st AFC Championship. Houston's defense has been just as stingy as Baltimore's this year. The addition of Wade Phillips at Defensive Coordinator has paid huge dividends. Offensively, Houston is paced by a strong running attack behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Don't expect a lot of points in this game. Both defenses are stout and should dictate this game. The Texans should hang around, but Baltimore remains unbeaten at home this season.
Prediction - Baltimore 21 Houston 16
Sunday, 4:30
NY Giants (+7.5) at Green Bay
Some think that this Giants team is reminiscent of the 2007 team that got hot late and went on to win the Super Bowl. They were left for dead early in the season when they had injuries that were detrimental to the team. They had their ups and downs throughout the year, but Eli Manning played spectacularly from start to finish. The defense and rushing attack finally caught up to his level of play over the last few weeks. If the Giants are playing well in all aspects then they can certainly beat anyone. The Packers were no doubt the best team in the NFL during the regular season. Aaron Rodgers has been absolutely amazing with 45 TD and just 6 INT on the year. Rodgers is the reigning Super Bowl MVP and could very possibly be the NFL MVP this season. The Giants defensive front will have to contain Rodgers to give the Giants a chance in this one. Green Bay will get Greg Jennings back on the field this week. That means that Rodgers will have too many weapons at his disposal. Their defense has been ridiculed this year, but expect them to make a big play or 2. Ultimately, the Packers will prevail. They have had way too good of a run for it to end here.
Prediction - Green Bay 35 NY Giants 24
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