Divisional Playoff Picks


Here's the picks for this week. Last week I was 1-3, so here's to better this week!

New Orleans Saints (11-5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

The Case for the Saints: I don't know what to say here. It's not that I don't think they can win, because I think last week showed that the Saints aren't dead on the road. However, the Eagles aren't a great home team and the Seahawks are. I don't think this will be a blow out like the last time these two met, but I think the Saints will struggle on offense in Seattle. Still, the Cardinals' victory in December in Seattle provides a blue print to beat the Seahawks.

The Case for the Seahawks: The Seahawks have been the best team in the NFL, according to most pundits, and they are the top seed in the NFC. The best weapon the Seahawks have is the home field, something they will have throughout the playoffs. The Seahawks beat the Saints at home earlier in the season, and they should be prepared for this game.

The Pick: Matt — Seahawks; Lindsay — Seahawks


The Indianapolis Colts (11-5) vs. the New England Patriots (12-4)

The Case for the Colts: No team in the playoffs is riding momentum as much as the Colts following that epic comeback agains the Chiefs. The Colts are a talented team and they are riding a big wave. With some big plays they could edge an injury-plagued New England team. The Colts also are a team that has played big at the biggest moments, beating the Seahawks, 49ers, Chiefs, and Broncos during the course of the season.

The Case for the Patriots: It's New England in the playoffs. The team still has coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. This is a team that has a tradition of excellence over the last decade, and they are a good home team. The Patriots lost key players, but they rallied to have some big wins despite that. My heart says the Colts can win, but my head says not to bet against the Patriots.

The Pick: Matt — Patriots; Lindsay — Colts


The San Francisco 49ers (12-4) vs. the Carolina Panthers (12-4)

The Case for the 49ers: The win last week over Green Bay might have been the most impressive of the first weekend of the playoffs. Colin Kaepernick didn't have a great day, but he did what was needed to win. And the 49ers overcame the home crowd and the cold temperatures to get the win. The 49ers are also a hot team and getting healthier each week, an enviable position to be in.

The Case for the Panthers: The Panthers had an incredible season. That defense is for real, and Cam Newton delivered on the promise that he had on draft day. The Panthers also beat the 49ers earlier in the season in San Francisco.

The Pick: Matt — 49ers; Lindsay — 49ers


The San Diego Chargers (9-7) vs. The Denver Broncos (13-3)

The Case for the Chargers: They've beaten the Broncos already this season, handing them their only home loss of the year on December 12. The Chargers were the hot team down the stretch in the regular season and backed that up by pounding the Bengals last Sunday. In addition, defense was a weakness of the Chargers early in the season but that is the most improved unit on the team, and was a key in the win last week. The Chargers defense was the only one to stifle the Broncos' offense all season.

The Case for the Broncos: Denver was the best team in the AFC this season, putting together a historically good offense along the way. The team is motivated to get playoff wins after last year's Divisional Round stumble to the Ravens, and Peyton Manning has been otherworldly this year. I also think that the Broncos team that lost on December 12 was not the same team that will be out there Sunday. Players are healthy, the stakes are higher, and the team is more focused. That being said, all the Chargers-Broncos games in recent years have been close, so I think this one will be as well.

The Pick: Matt — Broncos; Lindsay — Broncos

Last Week: 1-3
Lindsay: 3-1

Season: 138-123
Lindsay: 130-131

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