2013 Divisional Round Preview

Saints at Seahawks:I think this game comes down to one major factor: Saints ability to run the ball. If they can do that consistently, they have a good chance at an upset. Drew Brees will not be held in check for a second time the way he was in the first meeting because he’s elite. The elite learn from their mistakes and don’t allow the same thing twice. However, I think that Seattle will force just enough turnovers to pull away late in the fourth quarter. One thing to watch: I think the Saints will have to burn a few timeouts early in the half due to crowd noise and it will cost them at the end of the game

Final Score prediction: Seahawks-23 Saints-17

Colts at Patriots: This was going to be a close game regardless. Tom Brady has traditionally struggled vs. the Ravens and that was because of Chuck Pagano and Rex Ryan. Brady struggles vs. the Jets and he will struggle against Pagano’s scheme.  I think Luck will outplay him. This isn’t because Luck is better but Luck will have a brutally strong running game in his favor. Patriots are without their top two defensive tackles in Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly and top two middle linebackers in Jerod Mayo and now Brandon Spikes. To me, it’s the injury to Brandon Spikes, which gives the edge to the Colts (and the signing of Deion branch sue doesn’t hurt the Colts). Brady in his past 14 playoff games is 7-7. Not overly impressive.

Final Score prediction: Colts-24 Patriots-20

49ers at Panthers: I have to go with the 49ers for just one reason: Steve Smith. If he were healthy, I would take Carolina by a field goal. But he is not so I think the 49ers defense can do enough to make Cam turn the ball over. Kaepernick is also experienced enough in these situations and is finally starting to become the dual threat again.

Final Score Prediction: 49ers-28 Panthers-21

Chargers at Broncos: This is an intriguing matchup because the Chargers are pretty solid against the Broncos. However, I think their biggest disadvantage is that they have played the Broncos twice this year, and although they won the second game, they won’t pull it off this time. The second time was basically a playoff game for the Chargers so they unloaded their playbook. Peyton has everything on film and we all know he won’t lack preparation. The game day temperature is also around 50 degrees so it is not too cold for Peyton. I still think the Chargers put up a three quarter fight till Manning pulls away in the fourth.

Final Score Prediction: Broncos- 42 Chargers-21