NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

Just wanted to write about something positive. Need to take a break from discussing the abysmal Detroit Lions. 

AFC Divisional Playoffs

Baltimore @ Tennessee

Both teams rely heavily on defense, the running game and minimizing turnovers.  This may not be an exciting game, but it will be a good one.

Prediction: Titans win on a last-second field goal. 

Final score: Titans 20, Ravens 17.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh

Last time these two teams played, the Steelers won 11-10, the first such score in NFL History. Both have stout defenses, but I get the feeling the difference will be the Steeler Fans. Heinz Field will be a sea of yellow "Terrible Towels" on Sunday.

Prediction: Pittsburgh defense intercepts Rivers twice for TD's. 

Final Score: Pittsburgh 35, San Diego, 27.

NFC Divisional Playoffs

Arizona @ Carolina

Cardinals won their first home playoff game in 61 years. Their defense held the explosive Michael Turner to 42 yards and rattled Matty Ice, sacking him three times.

Carolina quietly put together an outstanding 12-4 season with Jake Delhomme having a solid year, throwing for 3,288 yards and 15 touchdowns. The running game was equally as solid, with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart rushing for a combined 2,351 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Prediction: I'm taking the Cardinals in the upset.  Edgerrin James is running with something to prove and Kurt Warner looks like the QB he was with the Rams.  With Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Boldin to throw to, they will get points on the board. 

Final Score: Arizona 28, Carolina 24.

Philadelphia @ New York

This will perhaps be the best game of the weekend. The Eagles are peaking just at the right time, and the Giants are playing like the defending Super Bowl Champions. 

Prediction: Brandon Jacobs will be the difference maker. He will wear down the Eagles' defense. By the fourth quarter, they will be too tired to stop him.

This will also be the closest game of the four.

Final Score: New York 21, Philadelphia 20