NFL Predictions: Divisional Round
The Double G Sports Expert Panel has their predictions for this weekends NFL Divisional Round Playoff Games:
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints:
Mark - Drew Brees has a huge day..so does Kurt Warner, but the Saints pull this one off at home in a shoot-out.
John - Expect more of the same spectacular play from Warner and company, but Brees and his offense can't be stopped either. Give the home team the advantage, Saints in a great shoot-out.
Spenser - Saints
Rob - If the Cardinals and Packers put up 96 points, how many points will be scored this week? Pick - Saints
Jon - Saints, to much offense.
Gregg - I am on the Kurt Warner bandwagon, the guy gets it done in the playoffs. Should be another shoot-out. I'm taking the upset..Cardinals
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
Mark - This is a tough game to pick. I think the Colts have taken their foot off the gas too quickly..and the Ravens are hot. I'll take Indy ONLY because Peyton Manning is behind center.
John - I slept on the Ravens last week, and I can see them winning by running the ball with Rice and playing tight D, but I am going with the 4 time MVP. Colts in a close one.
Spenser - Colts
Rob - Ravens looked like a team that was not the 6th seed in the playoffs. This week they have 1st seed in the Colts. Pick - Colts, but very close.
Jon - Colts. Ravens one dimensional offense wont be enough.
Gregg - The Ray's (Lewis and Rice) have the Ravens playing well. Have the Colts put on the brakes to soon? Manning not a great postseason QB. The thing people are missing is, the Colts can play a little D as well. Pick - Colts
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Mark - Brett Favre will turn into the Brett Favre Giants fans have come to love. Turnovers Galore. The Vikings secondary has been suspect against good QB's all season. The loss of E.J. Henderson does not bode well for the defense either. I hate this pick and this team but here it is, Cowboys win big.
John - Minnesota has had a great year, but it ends with Romo out dueling Favre and the Cowboys defense finally making a huge stop when they need it. Jay Ratliff will help neutralize the Vikings running game. Cowboys win by a touchdown.
Spenser - Cowboys
Rob - Cowboys are probably the hottest team in the NFL right now, but I'm going with what worked for the two AFC winners last week. Strong defense and running game. Pick - Vikings
Jon - Cowboys. Cowboys solid front will contain AP and put Brett in a wheelchair.
Gregg - Part of me wishes the Vikings win the Super Bowl just so Favre will retire for good and go away. However, not this year. Cowboys will take advantage of the Vikings playing without E.J. Henderson. Cowboys balanced attack takes over. Defense has been playing well. Cowboys in a close one.
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
Mark - Rex Ryan has his guys playing with some swagger. The Chargers are a one-dimensional team. The Jets gave up only 8 TD passes all season and LT will be a non-factor. If Mark Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over the Jets have a chance. If they are forced to play from behind they will be blown out. I'll take the Chargers at home only because I don't trust Sanchez.
John - I love the way Rex Ryan has his guys playing and believing. Too bad for them Rivers is going to torch their vaunted D. Chargers win by 10.
Spenser - Chargers
Rob - For all those who don't like the Jets and their talkative coach, you will no longer have to watch them after this weekend. Pick - Chargers
Jon - Jets. Jets defense keeps them in every game
Gregg - San Diego's tall receivers could give Jets big problems. Philip Rivers uses all of his weapons, Gates, Jackson, Floyd, Tomlinson, and Sproles. Who have the Jets beaten this season? Pick - San Diego, and the game won't be as close as many people think.