I could quite possibly be looked at as a homer when posting my predictions, but at least I can admit to it. For the record, I can see A LOT of these games (except the Seahawks/Saints game) go any way. I also ride on team hot streaks so here it goes...
NFC Wildcard3) Eagles vs 6) Packers
Eagles are at home, but they have been struggling. Their defense is beat up (I believe 4 starters out) and that is too much gone to contain the high-powered passing attack of the Packers. The Eagles defense is 21st in points allowed this season, they only have 15 sacks in the last 8 games (considered bad compared to what they did the first half) and they will need to blitz to get pressure on Rodgers. Rodgers on the blitz...107.4 qb rating which is currently the leagues best.
Packers by 10.
4) Seahawks vs 5) SaintsSeahawks get homefield advantage with a losing record. Qwest Field or not, the Saints are going to walk all over the Seahawks.
Saints by 17.
AFC Wildcard3) Colts vs 6) Jets
Talk about two teams that have gone hot and cold over the season. Tough one...I believe Manning is too much of a genius and will once again pick apart the Jets defense. If Shonne Greene was running like he was last year, the Jets would have a much better chance.
Colts by 7.
4) Chiefs vs 5) RavensIf Joe Flacco is able to improve from past playoff appearances then I think the Ravens will be able to take the cake against the Chiefs. Baltimore comes out of the regular season with a better record against tougher opponents.
Ravens by 6.
NFC Division Championship1) Falcons vs 6) Packers
Rematch from week 11. Packers head to the Georgia Dome for a crazy game. Last meeting, Packers held Matt Ryan to a pretty average outing but were not able to stop the running attack. I can see this game going either way, but give the edge to the Packers this time. If the Packers can score fast and early, they can take away the run game of the Falcons.
Packers by 3.
2) Bears vs 5) SaintsSoldier Field= the worst turf in the NFL. This benefits the Bears who have played on this turf 8 weeks. The bad turf also slows down the passing attack of the Saints (as well as the Bears defense). If Cutler can decide if he wants to be a good quarterback or a terrible quarterback, it would make the decision much easier.
I say the Saints encounter a bad Jay Cutler and take it by 3.
AFC Division Championship1) Patriots vs 5) Ravens
Patriots just tore the field up the last two weeks against minor opponents. They basically were making a statement with those last two games. This is another rematch in which the last game was decided by 3 points. Riding off hot streaks here, Baltimore wasn't so hot to end the season, NE was...
Patriots by 7.
2) Steelers vs 6) Colts
I always side with the outdoor team playing outdoor...especially in cold weather. Not only that, I believe the Steelers have the all-around edge on the Colts. Peyton is a great quarterback but the Steelers defense is better. Colts are also 25th in the league on rush defense....say hello to the Steelers rush attack, 11th in the league.
Steelers by 3.
NFC Championship5) Saints vs 6) Packers
Anyone remember the last time these two teams met? It was 2008 and the Packers just got spanked in New Orleans, 51-29. I think the game will have a different flow this time around. Top-flight offenses and great defenses will make for an exciting game here. As a homer I am going to say...
Packers by 2.
AFC Championship1) Patriots vs 2) Steelers
What a match up...last meeting wasn't very close (39-26 final) and I wish I had watched the game but I didn't. Brady has now won his last 7 of 8 games against the Steelers. Nothing changes there.
Patriots by 10.
SUPERBOWL1) Patriots vs 6) Packers
Ha ha, wonder who I am going to pick. You never know, its the playoffs.
PACKERS BABY!