NFL Playoff Bracket 2012: Predicting Results from Divisional Round

This weekend's slate of NFL playoff contests features several intriguing matchups. Here is a look at the games and how I see them shaking out.

New Orleans Saints (14-3) at San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

In the opening round of the playoffs, the Saints smoked the Detroit Lions 45-28, and quarterback Drew Brees threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns. New Orleans' offense looked unstoppable in that game and they cruised to their ninth-straight win.

The 49ers had the league's 16th-ranked pass defense during the regular season, and I don't think they will have the ability to stop Brees and the Saints on Saturday. San Francisco will try to slow the game down by running the ball and controlling the clock to keep New Orleans' offense off the field. I don't think they'll be able to do it.

New Orleans 35, San Francisco 17

Denver Broncos (9-8) at New England Patriots (13-3)

While Tim Tebow's performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round was impressive, the New England Patriots present a totally different challenge. The Pats have won eight straight games and will be playing at home on Saturday.

When the two teams matched up in Week 15, Tom Brady and New England came away with a 41-23 win. This weekend, I don't expect the end result to change.

We all know Tebow can pull off magic in close games, but I don't think Denver's defense will be able to keep this game close enough for him to have a chance to do something special at the end.

New England 45, Denver 24

Houston Texans (11-6) at Baltimore Ravens (12-4)

The Ravens rely on their tough defense and running back Ray Rice to get wins, while the Texans lean on their stellar defense and running back Arian Foster to win games.

Translation: These two teams are almost mirror images of each other.

In a battle between two teams that play tough defense and run the ball, the difference for me will come at quarterback. Texans rookie T.J. Yates is a little shaky, but so is Ravens signal-caller Joe Flacco. I give Flacco the edge because of experience.

Baltimore 17, Houston 14

New York Giants (10-7) at Green Bay Packers (15-1)

These two teams met in Week 13, and the Packers came away with a 38-35 win in a thrilling game. While the Giants have continued to defy the odds and win games, the Packers are just too good right now.

Green Bay has won 21 of its last 22 games, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been almost perfect this season. In the friendly home confines of Lambeau Field, the Packers should win again and move on to the NFC Championship Game.

Green Bay 38, New York (Giants) 21