Divisional Playoffs Set

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers  Sat 4:30 FOX

As we know I love defense.  But, how can you not like the play of Drew Brees and his record setting offense?  That being said Alex Smith has played judicious with the football.  The 49ers defense with rookie Aldon Smith and Pro Bowl middle linebacker Patrick Willis has them first overall against the rush giving up only 77 yards a game on the ground.  But, with Brees throwing for almost 5550 yards during the regular season (smashing the NFL single season record) the Saints and head coach Sean Payton will look to target that San Francisco secondary.  The Niners must look to control time of possession with short passing and heavy dose of Frank Gore.  Gore must outrush Ivory, Sproles, and Thomas for Saints.  Additionally the special teams and defense must shut down Sproles (especially in pass game).  If they can also contain record setting tight end Graham to short catches and no TDs they have a chance.  But, doing all that is a tall order.

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots  Sat 8:00 CBS

I love matchups like this.  The Patriots defeated the Broncos in Week 15 41-23.  The Broncos have overachieved all season and got out to an early lead against the Patriots establishing the running game in the first quarter of that game.  Brady threw for 320 yards and TDs.  The tight end combination of Gronkowski and Hernandez will be a factor in this game like it was in the first meeting.  You know how good Gronkowsi is, but Hernandez had 9 receptions for 129 yards.  Denver has to really keep New England off the field and get out to another early lead.  Even then, Denver must put up at least 30 to defeat the Patriots high scoring offense.  New England’s defense has given up more long passing plays than any other defense and Tebow did have over 31 yards per completion against the Steeler’s stout pass defense last week.

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens  Sun 1:00 CBS

I love games where the running game will clearly establish the tempo.  This is the Texans first playoff season ever.  They are undefeated all-time in the playoffs.  But, go into this game against another former expansion team that has had alot of playoff experience in the last few years.  The Ravens and Texans both play great defense.  The Texans are still missing their starting quarterback Matt Schaub, but how did rookie T.J Yates fair against the Bengals?  He played smart and let Foster and the ground game dominate.  Having Andre Johnson healthy is a huge plus for Houston.  Ray Rice running the ball is the key for Baltimore to do what they want to to and that is to go on and play either New England or Denver.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers Sun4:30 FOX

Both of these teams look like teams of destiny.  The Green Bay Packers are obviously the defending Super Bowl champions.  Their 15-1 record has them coming of the bye as the number one seed.  Alternatively the Giants came down to a last game showdown against division rival Dallas to clinch a playoff berth.  But, after an impressive 24-2 thrashing of Atlanta the Giants pass rush and run game must be respected.  The Packers Rodgers looks like a man on mission, though.  Let’s not forget when the Giants won on the road in Green Bay while Plaxico was still playing for the Giants and Favre for the Packers.  One constant was Eli, who has elevated his play this season.  Manning has actually thrown for 300 more yards this season.  But, the Giants receiving core must play well again.  In Week 13 Green Bay beat the Giants 38-35.  One big factor when these two teams play is that Rodgers quick release offsets that excellent Giants pass rush.

*In the Divisional Playoffs this year there is a representative from each conference.