Divisional Playoff Picks

So, I had a pretty good weekend pick-wise for once (3-1 against the spread), but this week is much harder to predict. Teams with the bye invariably perform well this week, and the visiting team usually has put so much into their last game that their energy is less for the divisional round. But I do think that there might be at least one upset this weekend.

Colts @ Ravens (3.5) = The publicized matchup is the Colts' proficient offence against the Ravens' punishing defence. But the game will likely be determined when Baltimore has the ball. Steve McNair, a former co-MVP with Peyton Manning, is not the quarterback he used to be, and the offence is average at best. The Colts' strength on defence is their pass rush, and with McNair being less than mobile nowadays, they should be able to hold the Ravens to less than 20 points, which is good since the Colts offence won't be able to put up the usual high numbers they expect to. But they'll put up 21 and head to the AFC championship game. Colts by 1.

Eagles @ Saints (5.5) = New Orleans has been off the radar for a few weeks now, what with their bye week and their lacklustre play in their final few games. Their reward is a home game against the league's hottest team, the Eagles, coming in having won 7 straight games. The Saints have been a great story all year, but it ends here. Unfortunately. Eagles by 7.

Seahawks @ Bears (8.5) = There are two schools of thought regarding this game. Either the Seahawks are lucky to be here, and with their 37-6 loss to Chicago earlier, are likely to fall to the same fate again, or Chicago's struggles in their last few games will continue, and Seattle will survive another week. I like Seattle, enough to take them to cover, but Chicago moves on. Bears by 4.

Patriots @ Chargers (4.5) = People seem to think that this will be the marquee game of the weekend, but I disagree. New England put a lot of effort into their dismantling of the Jets, and they had to travel across the country for this game. San Diego is rested, and they have the two most important factors to win in the playoffs: running and defense. Even though Belichick and Brady are set up for January football, it's not their year. Thankfully. Chargers by 10.

Enjoy the games.