NFL Playoffs Preview: Divisional Round
An entire year of forming rivalries and seeking avenge culminates this week in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Baltimore will be looking for a win when they go to Denver, after losing to the Broncos in a blowout loss during Week 15; while the Packers are still looking to beat San Francisco after the Niners stole a win from them at home back in Week 1. Meanwhile, Houston is looking to avenge their own loss to the Patriots back in Week 14; and Seattle will be traveling to Atlanta. There’s no atonement for that last one, but it will still be a great game!
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
The Ravens proved last week that they will do whatever it takes to stay in these playoffs. Unfortunately, they just don’t have what’s needed to do it. While the Ravens can rely on their stellar defense, their offense will be tested by Denver’s equally tough defensive line. And the emotion of keeping Ray Lewis in the league as long as possible just isn’t going to cut it against the unstoppable Peyton Manning. The Broncos simply have more depth and are bringing more focus to this game. And you can add to that the fact that they haven’t lost a game since October 7th.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
The Patriots have been here many times before, while the Texans are still somewhat green when it comes to the playoffs. The Patriots, while struggling in the first few weeks, managed to soon after bring back their elite play and stay at the top of the rankings for the remainder of the season. Houston on the other hand, started their season with people predicting them to go all the way to the Super Bowl. Since then though, they’ve greatly struggled and haven’t been able to get back up to the form they were early on. This will see the end of their playoff run, and most likely in blowout fashion, too.
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta should win this one and, if they can hang on against one of the toughest teams in the NFL right now, they will. In order for them to do it though, Matt Ryan really needs to get his head in the game. He’s gone 0-3 in his three and only playoff games, averaging 199 yards or less per game. If he can’t lead his team to a win against the Seahawks, Seattle may just be the winners of the Lombardi trophy this year.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
These two teams have pretty evenly matched seasons, with the Niners starting off the season in fine fashion while the Packers faltered. But Green Bay seems to have overcome all the obstacles they’re going to this season, and they’re also starting to play like Green Bay at exactly the right time. At the same time, the Niners are much more questionable than they were at the start of the year. Still, they are two of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, and they’re both very, very good teams. That makes this the game to watch for this weekend, and a highly unpredictable one at that.
Categorized in: NFL