NFL Playoff Picks: Late-Week Picks for Every Divisional Round Game

With the NFL's divisional round just a day away, let's run down our late-week preview and prediction for each of the four games:

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (14-3) vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-3)

There's really no week you can point to in 2011 that resembles this one for the Saints. 

They've played tough teams outdoors—Packers in week one, Titans in week 14—but neither of those games can compare to what they'll get from the 49ers on Saturday, especially if conditions turn ugly.

However, the 49ers' defense has yet to see an offense as potent as the Saints'.  They'll score enough points to get the 49ers out of their comfort zone. 

At that point, who knows how quarterback Alex Smith will respond?

Saints 30, 49ers 21

DENVER BRONCOS (9-8) vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-3)

This game will swing on the hinge of the Broncos' defense. 

If edge rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil can bring better pressure this time around, they have a chance to limit what Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense can accomplish.

But if Brady finds receivers running wide open like he did back in week 15, the door on this game will slam shut in a hurry, no matter what Tim Tebow does, or does not do, in the fourth quarter.

Expect more of the latter on Saturday night. 

Patriots 38, Broncos 20

HOUSTON TEXANS (11-6) vs. BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-4)

The Ravens have yet to lose a game at home this season, and they've finally found an effective run-pass ratio with Ray Rice and Joe Flacco. 

However, the Ravens' offensive group will have their hands full with the Texans' pressure defense. If anyone can replicate what the Steelers have historically accomplished on defense, it's the Texans. 

And, believe it or not, I trust TJ Yates to avoid mistakes more so than I do Flacco.  If Rice doesn't carry the offense, the Texans can pull off this upset.

Texans 21, Ravens 20

NEW YORK GIANTS (10-7) vs. GREEN BAY PACKERS (15-1)

This rematch of the Packers' 38-25 week 13 win should be the game of the weekend. And let me be blunt: Game-to-game momentum will have nothing to do with the outcome.

In-game momentum is considerably more important than what has happened in previous weeks.

That said, I think the Giants are going to be able to run the football on the Packers' defensive line. 

If that happens, look out.  Eli Manning can slice and dice this Packers secondary at will with play-action looks.

Aaron Rodgers will score points on the other end, but I think the Packers' defensive woes finally catch up to them in a big way at Lambeau.

Giants 34, Packers 31