NFL Expert Picks – Divisional Playoffs
By Jeff Ellis
I was 2-2 last week. I’m looking for a 4-0 weekend. I originally picked the Colts to win but when Bruce Arians was placed in the hospital I changed my pick to Ravens. I was not able to update this on GmenHQ. The non-believers can confirm the change at http://www.beattheinsiders.com. You can find me there as jefe777.
I don’t think the picks this week are as easy as many people seem to think they are. Let’s take a look.
Ravens @ Broncos I’m going with Denver. In the regular season, the Broncos outscored the Ravens 30.1 points per game to 24.9 points per game and Denver is arriving to the playoffs with an extra week of rest and an 11-game winning streak. If you read my posts regularly you’ll know that I’m a big fan of teams with momentum. The Broncos have the momentum of a tidal wave right now. The Ravens defense is probably the healthiest it has been all season so they can resist that tidal wave but they won’t be able to stop it. The Ravens defense gave up 21.5 points per game this season with some key players missing so they do have a decent defense. However, the Broncos defense is still a better defense giving up just 18.1 points per game. Their are two other factors that make me pick the Broncos. First, the Ravens are entering this game with just a five day rest after a hard fought game last week. Second, the Ravens live at sea level and will be playing in the thin air of Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.
Packers @ Niners I’m picking the Packers. One obvious reason to pick the Packers is they know how to win in the playoffs, and that’s a fact. What I really like about the Packers is they are very healthy right now. Rogers has all of his receivers available now and all of them have seen action this season. In addition, the Green Bay defense has not been healthier all season than it is now. I believe this defense can keep Niners QB Colin Kaepernick contained in the backfield and force him to make bad throws. The Packers D had a very respectable 18 interceptions in the regular season and they’ll be prowling for more this week.
Seahawks @ Falcons I like Seahawks. They have the best defense in the league and they’ve now won six games in a row and three of those were on the road. Of those three road wins, one game was against the Bears and the other was in the playoffs against the Redskins last week.
Texans @ Patriots I have to take the Patriots. Again, the Patriots have proven time and time again that they know how to win in the playoffs. They also have the most powerful offense in the league and a solid defense that is tied with Houston as the ninth ranked in points allowed, 20.7 per game. The Texans are good team but I don’t believe that can rise to this challenge.