I went 2-2 in my picks last week. Not too impressive but at least I have a better winning percentage than the Seahawks. Here is my divisional round matchups breakdown:
Ravens @ Steelers
Matchup
When Baltimore and Pittsburgh play, we usually know one thing: it’s going to be a tough-nosed, defensive battle. In the two games they played each other in the regular season, neither team scored over 17 points and the games were both decided by only 3 points. I don’t expect much to change in this old fashioned matchup. The Steelers come in with the number 2 overall defense and lead the league in points allowed. The Ravens have the 10th best overall defense and are 3rd in points allowed. Both teams are led by veterans on defense, Troy Polamalu for Pittsburgh and Ray Lewis for Baltimore, and this is going to be a game that goes down to the wire.
What to Watch For
Watch for turnovers during the game. Since scoring will be rare for both teams turnovers will be a huge key. A turnover in opponent’s territory could cost one of the teams the game. Pittsburgh has 32 takeaways this season to Baltimore’s 22, and both teams have given the ball away 18 times. The turnover ratio could be a huge part of this game.
Prediction
Ravens- 14, Steelers- 13. The Ravens have proven they can win on the road in the postseason and I think they can do it again. Peer prediction:
Tyler Williams ‘12 – Steelers- 28, Ravens- 21
Brandon Ozier ‘14- Ravens- 24, Steelers- 18
Basil Seif ‘13- Ravens- 30, Steelers- 24
Packers @ Falcons
Matchup
When these two teams met in week 12, it was a game that came down to the wire with Matt Bryant kicking the game winner for Atlanta as time expired. I expect a similar result this week as these two teams battle it out for a spot in the NFC championship. The Falcons are the NFC’s best team with only 3 losses and the Packers come in 11-6 as most people’s wild card Super Bowl pick. After beating Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles last week, the Packers come in with a lot of confidence and a much improved and matured defense from when these two teams met last. They rank 2nd in points allowed and 5th in total defense. The Falcons have been led by young players, quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Roddy White, and veterans like tight end Tony Gonzales. The Falcons have a balanced offense and can beat you with the run game and the passing game. They rank 15th in passing offense and 12th in rushing offense.
What to Watch For
Watch for how effective both teams’ running games are. The Packers have struggled in the run game all year until last week when rookie James Starks broke out with a 123 yard performance. The Falcons running back Michael Turner is 3rd in the league in rushing yards and shredded the Packers’ defense for 110 yards and a touchdown. If the Packers want to win, then they better find a way to shut down Michael Turner and the Falcons running game.
Prediction
Packers- 28, Falcons- 24. Aaron Rodgers proves to everyone why he should’ve been in the pro bowl with a game winning drive. Peer Predictions:
Kyle Black ‘13- Packers- 21, Falcons- 17
Preston Duff ‘14- Packers- 26, Falcons- 8
Colin Taylor ‘12- Falcons- 24, Packers- 21
Seattle @ Chicago
Matchup
After pulling off the stunning upset against the Saints, the Seahawks are still in the hunt with an 8-9 record. The Seahawks were so bad in the regular season that the only way they can finish with a winning record is by winning the Super Bowl. Yet, somehow, with a little luck and Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks won. The Seahawks now head to Soldier Field to face the 11-5 Chicago Bears. The Bears have played way better than expected with a lot of credit going to their quarterback Jay Cutler’s improved play.
Seattle @ Chicago
Killian Womack ‘12- Seahawks- 30, Bears- 24
Mark Diaz-Arrasia ‘11- Seahawks- 27, Bears- 14
Nathan Krog ‘13 – Bears-24 , Seahawks- 17
Jets @ Patriots
Andrew Rossato ‘12- Patriots- 27, Jets- 20
Cesar Garcia ‘14- Jets- 28, Patriots- 14
Daniel Valencia ‘13- Patriots- 31, Jets- 24
