Random Thoughts on…the NFL Playoffs

We're now at the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.  And I believe these are the most competitive and and exciting playoff games there are in this league.  That's because each of these winners will play for the conference championship next week.

Saturday's matchups feature the NFC's 6th seed, New Orleans, at the conference's top seed, the Seattle Seahawks.  The 'Hawks annihilated the Saints back in Week 13 at home, 34-7.  I know the Saints and Drew Brees have a potent offense, and I think this game will be closer than it was last time.  But I picked the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl after that demolition in December, and I'm not changing now.  Seahawks 31, Saints 17.

The other Saturday game has Indianapolis at New England.  Andrew Luck vs. Tom Brady.  Luck showed some major stones leading his Colts back from being down 38-10 to beating the Kansas City Chiefs 45-44.  But Tom Brady has had an incredible season with basically backup players on both sides of the ball.  It's getting closer to being Andrew Luck's time, just not yet.  I like New England at home, 27-20.

Sunday's game look compelling as well.  The early game has San Francisco at Carolina.  The Panthers were in trouble early in the season, starting 1-3.  But a 10-9 road win at the 49ers jump-started their season.  I really like Cam Newton, the Panthers QB, and their defense is outstanding.  But Niners QB Colin Kaepernick just seems to make the big play when he needs to make it.  As evidenced by his scramble that set up the winning FG against Green Bay last week.  I'll take the Niners 20-17 in overtime.

And finally, we get to San Diego at Denver.  These two teams split their regular season meetings this year.  With each team winning on the other's home field.  The Chargers deserve major props for going into Cincinnati and taking out the Bengals. But Broncos QB Peyton Manning is the MVP of this season.  Even though he has a career record of 9-11 in playoff games, they're not losing this week at home.  I'll take the Broncos 35-19.

I'll preview the Conference Championship games next week.  Until then, that's all for now.  I'm Brock Palmbos, signing off.