The Indianapolis Colts were the only home team to win this past weekend in what was a crazy slate of games. Now the divisional round is here and the games should be as exciting.
(2) New England Patriots vs (4) Indianapolis Colts
Breakdown: In what was the craziest of all the games last week, Andrew Luck and the Colts stunned the Kansas City Chiefs, rallying from 28 points. The brilliance of Luck continued with yet another late-game comeback win on the back of five total touchdowns (4Pass,1Rush). Despite 4 turnovers, 3 of which were interceptions, Luck showed his poise and leadership to win his 11th come from behind win in just two years. On the other side of the ball Tom Brady has shown us, this year with a cast of nobody's how special he is. Brady will benefit from playing at home but has a surprsing (3-5) record over his last eight playoff games.
How the Patriots win: A balance of running and passing the ball. If they shut down the running game the receivers might not be able to make play after play. Brady has been get a lot of different contributers but he'll need to focus on the likes of Shane Vereen and Legarette Blount involved. The defense is not great to begin with and the loss of Vince Wilfork is huge, but somehow Bill Belichick figures away to shut the opponents offense top option. In this case it's TY Hilton.
How the Colts win: After speaking to my brother who is probably biased and is a die-hard Colts fan, he predicts that Trent Richardson will rush over 100yards. If thats the case the Colts should be in business. I particularly don't believe that will be the case, they'll need Hilton to have another big performance (13rec/224yds/2TD) .
Prediction: Patriots 31 - Colts 28
(1) Seattle Seahawks vs (6) New Orleans Saints
Breakdown: The Saints found a way to do something they have struggled all season with and that's winning on the road. Shayne Graham has gone from unemployed to playoff hero with three field goals including the game winner with as time expired against the Eagles. Drew Brees will need to be much better if he wants to beat the Seahawks. The Seahawks were the best in the NFC with a (13-3) record. They are led by the defense and the ground game of Marshawn Lynch. The x-factor will be the 12th man which has only been beaten once in the last two years.
How the Seahawks win: Russell Wilson should have success against a depleted Saints defense and if Richard Sherman and the secondary can neutralize the weapons of Brees. It will be interesting to see how much a factor Percy Harvin is. The guy can change a game in an instance.
How the Saints win: Mark Ingram had a good week against the Eagles and will be relied on heavy in the rushing game. The defense will have to create at least two turnovers to have any chance to win the game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28 - Saints 17
(2) Carolina Panthers vs (5) San Francisco 49ers
Breakdown: The 49ers were able to beat the Green Bay Packers on the arm and leg of Colin Kaepernick. The last time these two teams met the Panthers won 10-9 in a very defensive game. Expect more points then the previous game but both Luke Kueckly and Patrick Willis will be the x-factors.
How the Panthers win: CAAAAM. Cam Newton's biggest pro game comes at home which should give an extra boost of adrenaline to start the game. How he deals with the pressure during the game will all depend on the run game and if Steve Smith is healthy.
How the 49ers win: Frank Gore seems to always seems to make big plays at big moments. If the defense cane make stops on 3rd downs, the 49ers have shown that they can make plays down the field with Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Anquan Boldin.
Prediction: 49ers 21 - Panthers 17
(1) Denver Broncos vs (6) San Diego Chargers
Breakdown: The Chargers got in on a miracle and their cinderella run is still continuing, and if there is anyone that should be primed to take down the Broncos it's the team that beat them last. Former Broncos OC Mike McCoy is now the head coach of the Charges and has a firm grasp on what type of offense Peyton Manning likes to run. The win against the Cincinnati Bengals showed that winning on the road is not a problem.
How the Broncos will win: The Broncos go as far as Manning goes and a big game would surely help propel a long playoff run. Knowshon Moreno should be given every chance to be the guy and he's been prone to fumble the ball.
How the Chargers will win: Phillip Rivers continues to show why he deserves a nod for MVP or Comeback Player of the year. If he can make big plays down the field and avoid turnovers the Chargers have a legitimate chance to beat the Broncos again.
Prediction: Broncos 35 - Chargers 31
Enjoy!
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