DTTWSB NFL Divisional Round Playoff Picks

What a week of games we had last week. I truly believe that there's nothing better than NFL football in January. This weekend particular is one of my favorites of the year. Now we have the top eight teams left to duke it out to see who advances to Championship Sunday. All four games this weekend can go either way if you ask me. I cannot wait for kickoff later today. Now it's time to stop all the talking and let the play on the field settle it. So far this postseason, I've started out to a great record. I went 3-1 with my wildcard picks which would have been 4-0 if I didn't get Tebowed. This week I believe I'll go 4-0 because I'm feeling pretty strong about my picks. Forget all the talking, it's time for the games! Here are my picks for the divisional round in the playoffs.

Saints at 49ers: 49ers

This is a classic match up of a great offense against a great defense. Contrary to popular belief, I think this game will be decided in the trenches. Will the Saints offensive line be able to contain the 49ers pass rush? Also, will the Saints be able to get enough pressure on Alex Smith to force him into some mistakes. Ultimately, I believe the 49ers will win this game because they're a better football team than the Saints. Candlestick Park hasn't seen a home playoff game since 2002, to say the crowd will be in a frenzy is an understatement. The home team is going to feed off that crowd energy and give the fans something to cheer about. This game is going to come down to who is able to have a balanced attack on offense and I believe that will be San Francisco. Frank Gore will be able to run all over the Saints defense. The 49ers ability to stop the run and get to the quarterback will lead them to victory.

Broncos at Patriots: Patriots

Now for the game that will get the highest television ratings of the weekend. This has to be one of the most intriguing playoff match ups I've seen in awhile. America's favorite athlete Tim Tebow heads to Foxboro to take on the Patriots and Tom Brady. With all that said, I believe the Patriots will be to pull out a very close victory. My biggest fear with this pick is that the Patriots defense is terrible. Denver has the ability to run all over the Pats defense and keep Brady on the sidelines. Even though the New England defense is awful, I believe they'll be able to outscore the Broncos. Last time these two teams played, those two tight ends presented a ton of problems for the Broncos and I believe that will happen once again. As much as I'd like to see Tebow continue on because it's a great story, the train makes its last stop in New England on Saturday night.

Texans at Ravens: Ravens

In what has turned into the forgotten game of the week, I believe this has the potential to be an intriguing match up. This is the Texans chance to show that they're ready to play with the big dogs of the AFC for years to come. These teams are more similar than what might meet the eye. Both of them play great defense and are phenomenal at running the football and chewing clock. I would not be shocked if this game turned into a field goal fest. At the end of the day, I trust the Ravens defense to make one more play than the Texans defense. This is all apart of the learning curve for a young Texans team that is being led by third-string quarterback TJ Yates. If Joe Flacco can put up 20 points, which I think he will, they'll be able to beat the Houston Texans.

Giants at Packers: Giants

The last game of the divisional weekend I believe is the best game of the week. I cannot wait to see the chess match between the Packers offense and the Giants defense. Green Bay is well-rested and hasn't played a meaningful game since Christmas night, while the Giants have been in playoff-mode for the past three weeks. The weapons that the Packers have are incredible, but with that said I believe the New York Football Giants will walk into Lambeau Field and upset the 15-1 Green Bay Packers. I absolutely love the match up for the Giants this Sunday. The Packers defense has been suspect all season and now they're playing a red hot Eli Manning who has plenty of weapons to work with and a resurgent running game. Ultimately the reason why I believe the Giants will win this game is because of their defensive front four. They will get to Aaron Rodgers consistently and make him look very average. I just believe the Giants are peaking at the right time and will continue to play their best ball of the season and beat the Packers.