NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend

It seems most had a good time last night with the Friday post and that is great. I do try to both inform and entertain!

NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend
Monster games today and all are tough ones to call.

Before the game section I would like to congratulate Marvin Lewis on winning NFL coach of the year. The leader of the Cincinnati Bengals had his team play well this year and win the AFC North division. While they did lose their first playoff game, the season overall was a great success.

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
I do not think Arizona has a firm grasp on just how loud the Superdome will be today. A few years ago in a playoff divisional game against Philadelphia in the Dome my TV speakers almost blew out! It will be a raucous crowd.

This game can go a few different ways and any way it goes it will be a high scoring affair. I think the Saints are rested and motivated, and as an added inspiration they have brought back New Orleans legend Deuce McAllister to lead the team out for the game.

The Cardinals are red hot, just like last year in the playoffs. They can kill you in different ways and they are not afraid of playing on the road. Kurt Warner is a hall of fame quarterback in my opinion.

So how is it going to go? I think the Saints are going to open the game fast and overwhelm the Cardinals early. The game will slow down after a while and a late rally by the Cardinals will fall short.
Prediction: Saints 38, Cardinals 28

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
The Ravens are coming off a pounding of my New England Patriots and must feel confident not just due to last week, but that they lost a close game to the Colts (17-15) earlier in the year.

The Colts are in the same spot they are in almost every year. They usually disappoint. As I have written, the Colts do not have a "high gear" for the playoffs they play the same all the time, which is excellent, but they lack a second level.

I think this game will remain close but I cannot see how the Ravens will generate enough points to win. To beat the Colts you must score at least 28 points and I do not see that happening for Baltimore unless Ed Reed runs a pick back for a TD.
Prediction: Colts 27, Ravens 17

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Another great match up on a power packed weekend.

The entire game will come down to one question; can the Vikings run the ball inside effectively? It the Vikings are forced to the air either by falling behind or being unable to run the ball they will lose the game. If the Vikings can run this changes everything. The Cowboys have not played a run oriented team since they played the Giants.

This game is impossible to call and I am having a tough time. Because Cowboys mega fan Gawains picked the Cardinals to upset the Saints (on my own blog no less!) I feel this is affecting my call!
Prediction: Vikings 30, Cowboys 27

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
This game should be very interesting. The Chargers have been very strong for the last 2 months and they are very, very hungry. The upstart Jets have ignored the critics and played their kind of football.

This game does not suit the Chargers as much as most think. The Jets are weak against the run (I don't care what the stats say) but the Chargers do not run the ball. Darrelle Revis is a problem and I know Phillip Rivers will go after him and how that goes will be huge. The Chargers are not very good at stopping the run, and the Jets run very well.

Another tough game to call, but I think the Jets will not score enough points to win.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Jets 20

It seems that the band Scandal resonated with many last night. On the chance that the Ravens could bounce the Colts from the playoffs tonight (PLEASE!!) I will embed the following tune so I can play it for the Colts if they lose:

Good Bye to You Peyton Manning!

Have a good night.