This week’s picks and prediction for the NFL playoff divisional round.
Artwork By: Hayden Johnson
After an exciting and unpredictable wildcard round of NFL playoff action, the second round of the playoffs is just around the corner as the competition gets more and more electrifying. This week’s games consists of the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots vs. the New York Jets in the AFC. The NFC games will be the Atlanta Falcons vs. The Green Bay Packers and The Seattle Seahawks vs. the Chicago Bears.
Ravens vs. Steelers
The Ravens vs. Steelers game will be a hard-hitting clash of two of the best defensive sides in the nation. The Steelers come into the game with the #1 ranked defense in the country led by fearsome talents such as Troy Polamalu and James Harrison. The Ravens come into the game with the 3rd ranked defense, but are on a hot turnover streak, forcing 14 in their last 3 games and 5 in their last game against Kansas City. I think that the Ravens, with Terrel Suggs and Ray Lewis, will continue their turnover dominance and beat the Steelers in their own game with defensive prowess. I see the Ravens winning with a score of Baltimore 20 – Pittsburgh 16.
Patriots vs. Jets
The Patriots ended the regular season with the best record in the NFL heading into the playoffs. They also ended the season with the #1 ranked offense of Tom Brady’s precision passing and the dynamic running scheme consisting of Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Against my own personal wishes, I think the Patriots will dominate this game and propel themselves into the next round. Danny Woodhead will have a big game against the team that cut him earlier in the year and will outfox their blitz-happy defense. The Pats take this one New England 31 – New York 17.
Falcons vs. Packers
Last week, the Packers displayed their well-rounded abilities and depth of talent in their win against the Eagles. The Packers’ front line was able to completely shut down Michael Vick in the game and held the Eagles to one of their lowest point total on the year. I think the Packers will continue their fortune on the defensive side of the ball and will force Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan into ill advised passes where takeaway artist Charles Woodson will punish Ryan. I see the Packers winning this one Green Bay 27 – Atlanta 23.
Seahawks vs. Bears
After Seattle’s surprise win over New Orleans in last week’s game, I was very surprised by the passing attack of the Hawks. Veteran Matt Hasselbeck threw for over 250 yards and four touchdowns, leading Seattle to their victory. The Bears are also a very good team and have one of the best passing attacks in the league. Seattle will be plagued by a key injury in this game, as they could possibly be missing the heart and soul of their defense in Line Backer Lofa Tatupu. I think that if Tatupu is forced to sit this one out – which is the prediction – the Bears will take advantage of the disorganized Seahawk defense and win the game. I see the game ending with a 34-28 score with the Bears on top.
