The Macho Rhino NFL Divisional Round Selections

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs are here. All are rematches of regular season games, including the AFC matchups having already been played twice this year.

So the teams are familiar with each other but these are much bigger games than the ones played earlier this season.

Losers think about what could have been while winners are just one win from the Super Bowl. Time for the picks.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

We’ve seen this twice already this year. They’re evenly matched and know each other inside and out. This game simply comes down to special teams.

I look for both coaches to pull out all the stops and throw trick plays in the game and new formations.

Whichever team wins field position and can hit field goals will win this game. Edge: Baltimore.

My Pick: Ravens 16, Steelers 13

Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons

This was a tremendous game earlier this year. It was a close one that Atlanta pulled out at the end. The Packers are improved but Atlanta is still very tough at home.

The question here is how do the Falcons react to being favorites in the playoffs? Can they handle the pressure of being expected to win this game?

They’ve had two weeks to think about it. Green Bay went on the road last week to beat the Eagles but will have a more difficult time this week in a tough dome.

However, Green Bay’s balance and the leadership of Aaron Rodgers gets them to the NFC Championship.

My Pick: Packers 24, Falcons 20

Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears

One of Seattle’s seven regular season wins was in Chicago. Now after shocking the world last week by beating New Orleans, they travel back to Chicago.

The Bears had last week off to rest up and prepare for a playoff run. Seattle I think peaked last week and will run into a motivated team in Chi-town.

The Bears will pound it on the ground to limit Jay Cutler’s turnover possibilities and advance.

My Pick: Bears 21, Seahawks 13

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

The Jets were blown out on a Monday Night not long ago in New England and now return for revenge and to reach their Super Bowl goal. New England has played great the past two months. Did the week off slow them down?

The Jets have talked a lot this week, so they’ve got to get out there and back it up in the final divisional game.

I think this is a close game, but expecting Mark Sanchez to outduel Tom Brady in the playoffs is unlikely.

My Pick: Patriots 21, Jets 17