2009-2010 NFL Playoff Divisional Round Predictions

New Orleans Saints over Arizona Cardinals - 27-24
I maybe one of the only ones out there that think this game is going to be a low scoring game. Now when i say low scoring i don't mean 14-10, you see my prediction up there, and yes 27-24 would be low scoring compared to what most think. But i just feel that the Cardinals defense has to have some pride after last week's 2nd half performance, and if you think about it they played well in the first half, i just don't see them allowing so many points again this week. And for the Saints, i feel people aren't giving their D enough credit. They have had sooooo many injuries especially in the secondary for the 2nd half of the season, and they are getting them all back. Plus the rest of the squad had basically 3 weeks off to prepare for this game. Others think that the Saints peaked to early which i sort of agree with but i don't agree with the thought that they can't get it back. Look for Drew Brees to make a 4th quarter comeback and show the world why he is at the top of his game and one of the top qb's in the NFL.

Indianapolis Colts over Baltimore Ravens - 30-16
Ahhh, it's that time of the year again. When the Colts have a strong regular season and then just dud out in the playoffs. Well, i don't think this year will be like years past. This time Peyton Manning will have this team rev-ed up and ready to go. The reason why is because all the negativity after Bill Polian's awful decision to rest the team, spit in the face of history and not go for perfection. That is all the motivation Peyton needs to make another Super Bowl run. That and the fact that the Colts just match up really well with the Ravens, they have won their last 8 matchups against them, and beat Baltimore on the road during their last Super Bowl run. Joe Flacco is as banged up as he has ever been in his career, ESPN's Adam Shefter reported that he couln't even sit down after his flight back from Oakland in week 17. That is probably why Baltimore didn't really give him the chance to throw the ball last week. The Colts will be prepared to stop the run, meaning an injured Flacco will have to have the game of his life in order to beat these Colts. Unless the Peyton Manning of playoffs past and his interception woes comes back to haunt the colts once again. We shall see.

Dallas Cowboys ver Minnesota Vikings - 27-24
Well the streak is over, the Dallas Cowboys have won a playoff game. And that just maybe what this uber talented team needed to finally get over the hump. With that being said, we all know that Jerry Jones and the rest of Cowboy Nation will not be happy with just a playoff win because this team has so much talent. So the pressure is definitely still on this team. But the key here is they are playing the guy in the NFL with the MOST pressure on him Bret Favre. Think about it, last year with Tavaris Jackson (yes, him) the Vikings played 1 home playoff game and lost. They went out and got the old legend to do 1 thing, thats win the Super Bowl. So not only does Bret Favre (0-3 lifetime against Dallas in playoffs) need to win this game, he needs to get this team to Miami in a few weeks, atleast Romo is still young and should have more shots with this talented Cowboy team. The difference in this game will come down to the running games. Minnesota's ability to rush the ball may have received a boost with AP having a nice bye week to get some of his legs back. Which should help, but the Cowboys currently have the longest active streak without giving up a 100yd rusher. Dallas on the other hand has a banged up Marion Barber, which actually may not hurt as much as you think. Minnesota's defensive strength is up the middle, and that's exactly where Barber likes to run. Felix Jones on the other hand loves to bounce it outside, and with the amount of delayed hand offs that the Cowboys run and the play action qb Romo has become, Jones will have ample opportunities to explode like he has in recent weeks. I feel that between the running game and the difference in secondaries that Dallas will be able to sneak by Minnesota in that crazy dome.

San Diego Chargers over NY Jets - 31-13
Ok, i feel this game is pretty simple. San Diego scores alot, and the Jets don't. I feel Revis will shut down Vincent Jackson, so don't get me wrong thinking that V-Jack will explode on the Jets and be the reason for the Charges win. Because the reason will be three other players. First being Antonio Gates, i would like someone to name a Jet that will cover him, then tell me if you think whoever you named will actually be able to do it. Next, Malcolm Floyd is such a threat on the opposite side of V-Jack that the entire Jets secondary will be so busy the entire game, and they will all have to have Revis type performances to have a shot in this game. Lastly, the third player that will make a difference in this game will be Darren Sproles. I don't believe he will be a huge difference in the running game but all the short passes Norv Turner loves to utilize will be a major pain in the rear end for the Jets D to handle. Plus one of the Jets major weaknesses has been their special teams, so if they let Sproles have a crease or two, he may take a few back to the house. The Jets just do not have a good matchup here and Philip Rivers (playing his best right now) will not let a home playoff win slip by them, especially because it is against a rookie qb that has shown how turnover prone he can be and it is not Tom Brady(who has been a thorn in Chargers side in playoffs).