NFL Divisional Playoff Previews

After the wildcard playoffs, the divisional matchups are: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots, New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers

We'll start with Denver, New England:

After an impressive wild card win and a 250k cash bonus, Tim Tebow and the Broncos are heading to Foxborough to take on the red hot Patriots and MVP candidate Tom Brady. Going into the game, I really don't think we can call the Broncos "underdogs"... The Broncos have come this far behind great defense, a solid running game, and all-star leader Tim Tebow. On the other hand, the Patriots - finishing 1st in the AFC - come off a 1st round bye AND home-field advantage. The Patriots have been led by their stellar offense all season behind Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and all-pro TE Rob Gronkowski. I think this is gonna be a close game all the way to the wire.

Prediction: Broncos 31 - Patriots 28, OT.

Now for game two - Giants and the Pack:

After winning the NFC East, the Giants come into this game led by quarterback Eli Manning. Manning put together another impressive season, capped off with a division win. If the Giants are going to win this game, they're going to have to get their last-ranked running game going. Obviously, they haven't been able to do it yet this season. The Packers are coming off an impressive 15-1 season where they were led by MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers played the best season of his starting quarterback career. He had plenty of help from the likes of Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson as well as a great D. I think this game will be a blowout...

Prediction: Packers 45 - Giants 17.

Now the AFC underdogs the Houston Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens:

Houston goes into this game after utterly crushing the Cincinnati Bengals, or should I say the Bungles... Arian Foster has been their bread-and-butter all season long, and I expect that to continue. Without much QB depth with Matt Schaub, and Matt Leinert going on the IR, T.J. Yates has stepped in and really done quite well... But if the Texans plan on winning, Arian Foster is going to have to have another huge game. On the Ravens side, they've sorta been flying under the radar, but if that gets you to a 13-3 season, I think they'll take that. Led by a stellar running game with Ray Rice, the Ravens couldn't be stopped all season. It's gonna be a close one.

Prediction: Texans 24 - Ravens 21.

Now, the headliner, Saints vs. 49ers:

Drew Brees, 'Nuff said. Drew Brees has, once again, done the unthinkable. Brees just dominated all season with the help of Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston. On the other side, the 49ers come into this game with the best defense in the country. Words truly can't describe how dominant this D was.... Also, with a breakout year, Alex Smith was quite impressive. It's gonna be great!

Prediction: Saints 34 - 49ers 24

Well, that's all folks, see ya next week!