NFL - Divisional Playoff Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 2-2
Last Week SU: 3-1

The Divisional Playoff round gets started in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is hands down the hardest place to win a game for the visitors the NFL has to offer. New Orleans found out the hard way when the Seahawks dismantled them 34-7 on a Monday night in early December. The Saints get a chance at redemption now. New Orleans advanced with a last second FG to defeat the Eagles in Philly. Many questioned whether the Saints could go outdoors and win while playing in the elements. They had answer last week, but must do it in an even tougher venue this week. Seattle has been the best team in the NFC all season. They should get a chance to play for the NFC title.

Seattle over New Orleans 26-18
Sea -7.5

Saturday's prime time matchup pairs up two old foes. New England and Indianapolis used to meet in the postseason on a regular basis. It hasn't happened since the 2006 season though, when Indianapolis beat New England in the AFC Championship. Of course all of those battles had Peyton Manning dueling against Tom Brady. Brady is still leading the way in New England, but Andrew Luck is the new sheriff in Indianapolis. Luck put his print all over the Colts franchise last week when he lead them on the second largest comeback in playoff history when they beat the Chiefs after trailing 38-10. Nothing will cement his status as an Indianapolis icon like a playoff victory over the Patriots. I don't think it's happening this time. The Patriots are missing a lot of pieces due to injury, but Brady and Belichick don't lose home playoff games too frequently. New England beat an old foe in the Colts, to set up a potential match with another one.

New England over Indianapolis 34-28
Ind +7.5 

Sunday's action gets kicked off with what I think is the best game of the weekend, San Francisco at Carolina. The Panthers and 49ers play big boy football. Both like to run the ball and play fantastic defense. They also both possess new age QBs that are ultimate dual threats. They played each other in the regular season and Carolina went to the Bay Area and won a 10-9 slugfest. I expect a similar style of game. This one will be on the East Coast so you would think Carolina would be the favorite. That's not the case. The 49ers are actually the favorite and I'm OK with it. This team is built for playoff football and was my pick to win the NFC when the season began. I like the 49ers to put an end to Carolina's breakout season.

San Francisco over Carolina 20-17
SF -1.5

The weekend's games conclude with an AFC West battle when San Diego plays at Denver. The Broncos were my Super Bowl pick before the season began. This is where Peyton Manning will ultimately be judged. He had arguable the greatest regular season a QB has ever had, but it will mean nothing if he can't win his second ring. The Chargers have already gone on the road and won in Denver once this year. In fact, it was just a few short weeks ago. This was part of San Diego's current five game winning streak. San Diego is getting hit at the right time. If the trend of recent years continues, the Chargers could ride this momentum into the playoffs. I just don't see them winning in Denver twice in one season.

Denver over San Diego 30-17
Den -9.5