There were no upsets last weekend in the Wild Card round. Can we expect the same this weekend? I see some on the horizon, but there are so many storylines that could happen next weekend to ignore, Peyton vs. Brady, one more time; Patriots and Ravens, rematch from last year’s AFC Championship game; Packers vs. Seahawks, rematch of the Fail Mary game. If some things break right, we are going to have a very exciting championship weekend. Here are my picks for the Divisional Weekend.
Ravens @ Broncos-
I just think that Ray Lewis can only pump up his team so far. The Broncos are a significantly better team than the Colts. The Broncos are going to make Flacco uncomfortable, and Peyton Manning and the high powered offense are going to put the Ravens in a position where they are going to have to throw to win, and honestly in a shoot-out between Joe Flacco and Peyton Manning, who would you pick?
Pick: Broncos
Packers @ 49ers-
Here is one upset I see coming. The Packers didn’t have to turn it up against the Vikings, but their offense can put up points in a hurry. The 49ers’ defense isn’t as untouchable as it seems, and I think that they will put pressure on Aaron Rodgers and make him uneasy. The Packers’ defense can get after the quarterback as well, and I don’t think Colin Kaepernick is going to handle it as well as Rodgers.
Pick: Packers
Seahawks @ Falcons-
I haven’t believed in the Falcons all year, and I’m not going to start now. I think the Seahawks are a better team at home and the Falcons are in the same boat, but the Seahawks have won two big games on the road including the one last week at Washington. I think the Seahawks secondary is the best in football to match up against the Falcons and their double-headed wide receiving monster of Roddy White and Julio Jones. I think the Seahawks come in and win a close game.
Pick: Seahawks
Texans @ Patriots-
I think everyone knows who I’m going to pick. The Patriots turned a corner with their defense in the second half of the season, and they elevated their game at the right time. They already beat the Texans who went into a freefall after their blowout loss to the Patriots. I think the Patriots come out and get a big lead, and Matt Schaub and the Texans won’t be able to keep pace with the high-octane Patriots’ offense that has Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski both healthy for the first time since Week 1.
Pick: Patriots
Last Week: 3-1
