I’m really disappointed that I didn’t lay any bets down on the NFL Playoffs this weekend as all of the teams I predicted to win did so in fairly convincing fashion. There’s no argument that the remaining eight NFL teams are the best ones.
There’s no Cinderella this year, at least not yet, and hopefully it will make for a competitive divisional round. Here are some quick thoughts on the teams that were in action this weekend:
Houston Texans – I wasn’t overly impressed with Houston but there’s no denying they’ve got some talent. If the game against the Patriots unfolds favorable for them, i.e. an early turnover or quick score, they’ll take the Pats down to the wire. Arian Foster will once again be the key. The Bengals defense is good, but just didn’t have an answer for Foster.
Green Bay Packers – The Packers are my pick to go to the Super Bowl from the NFC, and they looked every bit the part against the overmatched Vikings. Yes they have problems on the offensive line that the 49ers could expose, but I see the Packers as peaking over the course of the next three games. They had a run at perfection last season but this time around they’ll put all their energy into winning in January. I like them in a high-scoring affair with 49ers.
Baltimore Ravens – I’m glad the Ravens are headed to Denver and not Foxboro. The Patriots really got a good draw in this year’s playoffs. The Ravens flashed much of what scares me so much about them against the Patriots. And the long touchdown toss to Anquan Bolden over Darius Butler was certainly an apt reminder of what the Ravens deep passing attack can do. I think the Ravens will travel well to Denver and give Peyton Manning and the Broncos all they can handle. Not ready to make a pick on that one yet. Right now I see the Broncos with just a slight advantage.
Seattle Seahawks – Not many Patriots fans have any love for the Seahawks but I certainly enjoy their style of football especially on defense. A great defense in football is like a great hockey goalie in the playoffs, once they get hot all bets are off. The physical style they’ll bring to Atlanta is just what they’ll need, but the Falcons weapons should provide a great test for Seattle’s secondary. Chris Clemons’ ACL injury is a significant blow, and just enough to make me think the Falcons hold serve at home.
