The Saints-Detroit game started out as the track meet we thought it would be, but in the 2nd half New Orleans got on a roll and the Lions were just unable to catch up. I expected this game to be a little closer, but New Orleans is just so tough to beat at home. They are going to have a very tough game next weekend against San Francisco. The 49'ers offense may not be as explosive at New Orleans, but that defense it super tough. Especially against the run. Brees will have to throw a lot of touchdowns (which is not usually a problem) because if I recall correctly, the 49'ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown this year.
The Giants had a pretty easy win against the Falcons. I'm not sure what happened to Atlanta but their offense completely fell apart and the Giants defense did not allow them to score any points. The only points Atlanta got were from a safety. For a bit the game looked like a really bad lopsided baseball game score. And I have to say, is there any team right now that is hotter than the Giants? Manning was solid with 277 yards and 3 TD's. And while Victor Cruz has been the star receiver of late, today's game saw Hicks re-emerge as Eli's top wideout. The Giants running game has steadily improved since early December and Bradshaw and Jacobs combined for 150+ yards on the ground. And the Giants defense has been solid. I still stand by my original pick of the Giants to go to the Super Bowl. I know many thought I was crazy but I don't think so. They have a great shot at beating Green Bay next weekend. Sure, Rodgers is a beast. But Green Bay's defense? Not so great. The Giants defense can pressure Rodgers. Plus, the Giants almost handed Green Bay their first loss in December when they played last. It is definitely possible. If anyone thinks this game will be an easy win for Green Bay, or the Giants for that matter, they are mistaken. I think this is going to be a really close tough game and it will come down to the wire.
What can I say about the Denver-Pittsburgh game. How is it that Tebow threw for over 300 yards, 2 TD's and only had 10 completions? I picked Denver to win this game because I liked the fact that they were playing at home and the Steelers were beat up with Big Ben hurt and no Mendenhall. When Tebow threw that pass to Thomas to score the winning touchdown on the first play of OT, I was stunned. Simply just could not believe what I just saw. Wow. Say what you will about Tebow. Is he the best QB out there? Absolutely not. But what I see in Tebow and this Denver team is passion to win. And that game tonight was fun to watch. I like rooting for guys like Tebow. He seems like a genuinely good guy. Big Ben? Not really a standout guy personally. I can respect his talent, just like Michael Vick for instance, but do not care for the guy. Tebow is a class act both on and off the field (so far anyway, we all know how fame can change a person). I'm happy for the Broncos. They should enjoy this win, because their next stop is New England, and even though New England's defense is atrocious, I think they are going to have a really tough time in that game.
Which leads me to my picks for this coming weekend's Divisional Playoffs...
Denver vs New England: As much as I would love to see the Broncos pull off another amazing win, I think the magic stops here. The Patriots at home are super tough to beat (as a Colts fan, I know this all too well) and despite New England's horrid defense, I think Tom Brady will be able to out duel Tebow. I'd like to be wrong, but gotta go with the Patriots here.
San Francisco vs New Orleans: This is a difficult matchup. Most would say New Orleans for sure, because Brees is a much better QB than Alex Smith. However, the Saints have to play in San Francisco and struggle more on the road. And the 49'ers defense is not going to make this easy for them. And let's face it, New Orleans defense is okay, but they've let a lot of teams rack up points against them. And New Orleans lost to the Rams. If Brees is pressured and that O-line starts to fall apart, watch out. I think this will be another close game, I don't think this will be a 40+ point day for Brees, I'd say the game will probably end up being 28-24 or something, and I do think that the 49'ers will triumph in the end and win at home. My pick is the 49'ers.
Baltimore vs Houston: The Texans had a very impressive win this weekend against Cincinnati, and I'm so happy for them and the fans that they got their first playoff win. However, I do not see them getting past Baltimore. Baltimore's defense will make it hard for Foster to get a running game going, and Yates is okay at QB, but he's still a rookie and that Baltimore defense will be all over him. Plus Baltimore is playing at home. Baltimore wins this one.
Green Bay vs Giants: Green Bay is a great team, no doubt. They're playing at home and have had a fantastic season. However, the Giants are getting hot at the right time. Both of these teams are going to be on fire and have tons of drive to win this game. I think this one will be close, but I really like the Giants. The Giants have a much stronger defense than GB, and they're on a roll. If they can get pressure to Rodgers? That can be a big game changer. Again, I think this is close but I am going to pick the Giants for the upset in this game.
I still like my pick of Baltimore-Giants in the Super Bowl.
We shall see! More on the NFL playoffs next week!
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