NFL Divisional Round Picks

AFC Games: 

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots 

Tom Brady will attempt to win his first playoff game since 2007.

One play. That’s all it took for the Broncos to beat the Steelers last week. One 80 yard pass by Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas to win in overtime. Now, after beating an injury riddled Steelers squad, the Broncos travel to Foxborough to face Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady led his team to a 13-3 record, including a win over the Broncos in Week 15. Brady has had yet another fantastic season, also breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing record, with 5,235 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also scored the most touchdowns by a tight end in a single season. 

The Pick: The last time these two teams played each other, the Patriots snapped the Broncos six game winning streak, and led the Broncos into a three game losing streak. The Broncos have the momentum, but the Patriots have an elite quarterback and great receiving corps. If the Broncos can get to Brady they may have a shot, but if Tebow played like he did against the Patriots in Week 15, the Broncos could have a problem. 

Patriots over Broncos 

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens 

Arian Foster wil try to keep the momentum going for the Texans. 

Arian Foster vs. Ray Rice. T.J Yates vs. Joe Flacco. The Texans defense vs. The Ravens defense. There are countless different exciting matchups in this game. The Texans come into this game after beating the Bengals 31-10 last week. The Texans are making their first playoff appearance in franchise history. This game is Joe Flacco’s first playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium. Ravens fans are praying that he will play his heart out in this matchup. 

The Pick: Rice finished with more yards and more touchdowns then Foster did in the regular season.However, Foster had a fantastic game last week, rushing for 153 yards. This game will be a game of running and defense. The play of each quarterback will be key. Flacco will want to prove to Ravens fans that he belongs in Baltimore. Because of this, he will edge TJ Yates, and lead his team to the AFC championship. 

Ravens over Texans

NFC Games: 

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers 

Eli Manning leads possibly the hottest team in football into Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Giants demolished the Falcons 24-2 last week, led by Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck. The Packers meanwhile had a bye week. The Packers, last season’s champs cruised to a 15-1 record this season. Aaron Rodgers had a great year for the Packers, as did receiver Jordy Nelson, who scored 15 touchdowns. The Packers defense however, has been a struggle all season. 

The Pick: If the Giants can get to Rodgers like they did to Matt Ryan, the Giants could win. However, if Aaron Rodgers can throw to his receivers, the Giants could be in for a long night. The Packers’ running game has struggled, while the Giants’ combination of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw flourished last week. This game will be close, but if Jason Pierre-Paul, and the rest of the Giants line pressure Rodgers, the Giants will upset. But if Rodgers scrambles enough, and can get the ball to Nelson and Jennings, the Packers will prevail. 

Packers over Giants 

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers 

Drew Brees is on fire. Last week, he threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns, as he led his Saints to victory. Brees has broken the single season passing record, and is attempting to lead his team back to the Super Bowl. Their next test is in San Francisco to play the 49ers. The 49ers are led by their fantastic defense which allows just 14 points per game. They allow 230 yards passing, and an NFL low 77 yards rushing. Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles won’t be much of a factor in this game. On offense though, the 49ers have struggled. They finished 26^th in the NFL with 23 points per game. 

The Pick: It’s the NFL’s second best offense going head to head against the NFL’s second best defense. Of course, it’s also the NFL’s 13^th best defense, going against the 26^th best offense. The Saints have the edge in offense, and their defense is better than the 49ers offense. Alex Smith will do his best, but he can only lead his 49ers so far. Expect the 49ers to contend next year as well. 

Saints over 49ers