NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions
Last week: 2-2.
AFC
Indianapolis at Baltimore: It's been nearly 23 years since the Colts left Baltimore, but some fans in the city won't forget (although they got the Browns from Cleveland). The pressure is on Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, a road game against a strong defense. Steve McNair has been the difference for the Ravens, but Manning is a little better. Colts 27-21.
New England at San Diego: The marquee matchup of the weekend and a tough one in the public eye for Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. His team is the top seed but has to play a three-time Super Bowl champion. San Diego's defense will have to slow down Tom Brady and give LaDainian Tomlinson a chance to operate. It can happen. Chargers 28-24.
NFC
Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Saints are the sentimental favorite, hosting their first divisional playoff game, while the Eagles have been the league's hottest team. A game featuring the top two offenses (New Orleans No. 1, Philadelphia No. 2) will come down to which defense makes the most plays. The Eagles appear better equipped for that. Eagles 26-23.
Seattle at Chicago: The Seahawks may be beat up and lucky to be in the next round, but they're here. Bears fans have been talking Super Bowl since mid-season, but only if Rex Grossman comes to play. Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will need to play like the guys who led Seattle to last season's Super Bowl. Chicago's defense is too strong. Bears 20-14.
AFC
Indianapolis at Baltimore: It's been nearly 23 years since the Colts left Baltimore, but some fans in the city won't forget (although they got the Browns from Cleveland). The pressure is on Indianapolis' Peyton Manning, a road game against a strong defense. Steve McNair has been the difference for the Ravens, but Manning is a little better. Colts 27-21.
New England at San Diego: The marquee matchup of the weekend and a tough one in the public eye for Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. His team is the top seed but has to play a three-time Super Bowl champion. San Diego's defense will have to slow down Tom Brady and give LaDainian Tomlinson a chance to operate. It can happen. Chargers 28-24.
NFC
Philadelphia at New Orleans: The Saints are the sentimental favorite, hosting their first divisional playoff game, while the Eagles have been the league's hottest team. A game featuring the top two offenses (New Orleans No. 1, Philadelphia No. 2) will come down to which defense makes the most plays. The Eagles appear better equipped for that. Eagles 26-23.
Seattle at Chicago: The Seahawks may be beat up and lucky to be in the next round, but they're here. Bears fans have been talking Super Bowl since mid-season, but only if Rex Grossman comes to play. Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will need to play like the guys who led Seattle to last season's Super Bowl. Chicago's defense is too strong. Bears 20-14.
posted by Nate Tidwell at 9:18 AM
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