NFL Playoff Predictions 2012: Matchups for the NFC Divisional Round

The divisional playoff round determines the NFL's final four. It doesn't hold as much esteem as the college basketball version, but it's still big.

Before we get there, we have to know who will be victorious on Wild Card Weekend. Examining the four playoff games, I have predicted the winners from the initial playoff weekend. With those predicted results, these will be the matchups rendered from those results.

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers

The Falcons will defeat the NY Giants on the road. This sets up a rematch of the 25-14 Week 5 loss to Green Bay. The Falcons had outplayed the Packers through the first half, but they began to play too conservative and stalled at 14 points.

They gave up a 14-6 halftime lead and surrendered 19 unanswered points in the second half. This matchup will be at Lambeau Field and the Packers will have had an extra week of rest.

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

This matchup will be created after the Saints defeat the Detroit Lions. The Niners will host the playoff game against one of the two hottest teams in the NFL. 

It's an old school NFC West matchup, before re-alignment. The Niners will be trying to control the tempo because they know they can not win a shoot out with the Saints.

The Saints run game has been underrated this season. They are the No. 6 rushing team in the NFL, but the Niners are No. 1 against the run. The Saints offense is bigger than Drew Brees and his record setting arm, but they will be playing outside the comforts of the dome against a tough defense.

It should be another great weekend of football.