2012 NFL Playoff Predictions: Divisional Round
The playoffs have started and it did not go the way I expected. The Seahawks defeated the Redskins, Packers defeated Vikings, Texans defeated Bengals, and Ravens defeated Colts. The games just got more interesting and it’s going to be interesting. With that being said here are my predictions for the 2nd rounds of the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos– Saturday January 12th 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS
The Ravens man handled a young Colts team but what will they do against an experienced Peyton Manning? I think the Broncos have the advantage because of the Mile High atmosphere. This is Manning’s year of redemption and unfortunately the Ravens will be in the way and Ray Lewis’ career will come to an end at the hands of the greatest Quarterback of this generation. The Broncos over the Ravens in a highly competitive game.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots- Sunday January 13th 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS
The Texans barely got through a mediocre Bengals team in the first round. They are taking on an experienced Tom Brady and a hungry Patriots team. Houston is a lot like the Atlanta Falcons team. Both teams do excellent in the regular season but they completely choke in the playoffs. I am going with the experienced New England Patriots over the over achieving Houston Texans.
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons- Sunday Janury 13th 1 p.m. ET, FOX
The Falcons always choke in the playoffs but I don’t see them choking in this game. If they do I won’t be surprised but this Seattle team got a lot of favorable calls this year and is in a very weak division outside of the 49ers. I truly believe the Falcons will get over the bump in the road and advance to the NFC Championship game for the first time in a very long time. Am I counting Seattle out? No but I think overall the Falcons are a better team with more stability and consistency.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers- Saturday January 12th 8 p.m. ET, FOX
I am torn with this game. The Packers looked impressive against the Vikings but they were without a lot of key players. The 49ers are healthy and are ready to go. I have this feeling that not being in Lambeau Field is going to hurt the Packers. I think the Packers have a lot of consistency issues at defense and you never know what Packers team is going to show up. I am going with my gut feeling and going with the 49ers in this game.
The AFC and NFC Championship Games will both be played on Sunday January 20th. The AFC Title game will be played at 6:30pm on CBS and the NFC Title game will be at 3pm on Fox. Check back next week for my AFC and NFC Championship Predictions. Hopefully I will have better luck this week.
