NFL Playoff Divisional Round Preview and Predictions

We have made it to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs and it is down to the last eight teams, who are all hoping to take the next step towards Super Bowl XLVIII.

Saturday:

NO @ SEA 1:35pm PST

IND @ NE 5:15pm PST

Sunday: 

SF @ CAR 10:05pm PST

SD @ DEN 1:40pm PST

We are in for some great match-ups this weekend and here's my predictions:

Saturday Games

NO @ SEA:

AP Photo/John Froschauer

This game is almost too good to be true for the Seahawks, who are heavily favored over their New Orleans counterpart. I expect this game will make for a much better game than their first meeting back in week 13 when Seattle embarrassed the Saints, 34-7. Drew Brees and Sean Payton should be able to work up a better game plan going into this meeting but they will still be faced up against the best defense in the NFL. Seattle held New Orleans to 188 total yards in their first meeting but that offense has to be able to get more than 7 points. Marshawn Lynch will be the main workhorse for the Seahawks and if we see him break off some big runs and that 12th man really gets rocking, Done Deal. Seahawks should walk away with this one and make their first NFC Championship since their 2005 Super Bowl run.
SEA over NO 28-18

IND @ NE:

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts should be riding some momentum from that historic comeback win last week, but what you may forget is that the Colts had actually trailed by the 28 points. If Tom Brady is allowed that kind of lead I wouldn't expect the same outcome, especially with the great mind of coach Belichick taking care of the defensive side. Andrew Luck will still play great as he always does, but he does have a turnover problem in the playoffs, giving the ball to the defense 5 times in two playoff games. The first and last time Luck played Brady the Colts got crushed by the Pats, losing 59-24. Robert Mathis will look to make his impact and may get to Brady a time or two, any more than that and this game could swing the Colts way, but the Patriots have only given up 5 sacks in his last 4 games. Belichick will be his usual playoff mastermind and make people like TY Hilton a non-factor.
NE over IND 28-21 

Sunday Games

SF @ CAR:

 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

This should be the most evenly matched game of the weekend. Both defenses are ranked in the top 5 against the run, and oddly enough have a run-oriented offense. When these two teams squared off earlier this season it was a defensive battle with Carolina pulling out the win in San Fran, 10-9, holding the 49ers to 151 total yards! The 49ers will have Michael Crabtree around this time, who missed the first meeting recovering from an Achilles injury and should be an x-factor. Carolina will be doing what they do best and that is winning in the trenches, allowing an average of 86.9 rush yards per game, but will have their hands full with pro bowler Frank Gore who is coming off his 7th 1,000 yard season. I expect Carolina to pull out the upset and make their first NFC Championship game since 2005-06.
CAR over SF 17-16


SD @ DEN:

 Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America

This is the 3rd meeting between these two teams this season, with both road teams winning the first two games. Peyton Manning will be making sure he doesn't set up what would be a 9th one-and-done playoff appearance and will have Wes Welker back in the mix to help. Welker missed the first meeting because of a concussion and should be an x-factor for the Broncos. San Diego will be hoping to get a 2nd straight win over their AFC West rival and get back to the AFC Championship for the first time since 2007-08. As long as the Chargers continue their run offense going and keep Manning off the field they can expect great things. The defense will be the x-factor for San Diego and as long as they can continue their 3rd down dominance (Denver went 2-for-9 in the last meeting) they will have a really good chance of upsetting Denver.
SD over DEN 34-28


Hopefully you guys all enjoy this upcoming weekend of the NFL Divisional Playoff Round and maybe just maybe I predict every winner. Enjoy the football America.



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