NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Predictions 2013
Off the back of a 100% set of predictions for Wildcard Weekend, it’s time to take a look at the much harder task of the Divisional Round Predictions. What can be known for sure is that there are some cracking games coming your way this weekend.
Baltimore Ravens @ Denver Broncos
The Ravens were enhanced by the Ray Lewis factor against the Colts in the Wildcard game. This is no longer as big a factor, as much as people might say it is. With Peyton Manning effectively now firing on all cylinders, not even a steady Ravens D# will be able to stop the Broncos moving the chains. The Broncos have done anything but set the world alight with the defensive showing this year, however this game is all about one man. That man is Manning, and the Broncos win this one.
Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers
This has all the signs of a classic. The Packers had a major advantage with home field advantage last week, they don’t get the same here – however their offense is coming together at just the right time. Colin Kaepernick is making his first playoff appearance here, against a healthy and strong Packers defence. This really could go either way, but I don’t think the Packers will be too worried about playing away from home and take this close game.
Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons
What a season the Falcons have had, winning in style in some games. Their record (13-3) is not to be laughed at, regardless of how their schedule may look on paper. Seattle settled their playoff nerves last weekend, beating Washington in a tense game that they spent most of behind on points. Arguably, had RGIII stayed healthy, or indeed pulled out of the game earlier, Seattle might not be in this matchup, but as Dominic Toretto once said, “it doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile; winning’s winning.” Let’s not forget that the Seahawks have won 6 straight games, scoring 42+ points in three of them. With Lynch there in the backfield, there is nothing to stop this team winning a seventh. Seattle to win.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
It was only a few weeks ago that New England beat the Texans 42-14, and that might be all you need to know. Yes this is a different game with more on the line, but it’s the same teams at the same venue, playing the same game. Houston’s only shot at success is if Foster has a big game and keeps Tom Brady on the bench. Not enough is in the Texans favour to stop New England winning this one.
Andy
Born in the South, live in the North. Play cricket as a specialist fielder and rabbit. I am a fan of all sports, Corona and sitting down.
I can’t disagree although I do think playing on the road will eventually bite Seattle. Whether Ryan can get over his playoff record we will have to see. As for SF, I can’t get over their win versus Pats so fancy them to make GB one dimensional and snatch it.
Any of these games really could go either way. I just feel that Seattle have the momentum behind them. True what you say about SF, isn’t the saying, defences win championships?! So they could well prove that fact. GB will also be rocking out a solid D#, which should put extra pressure on Kaepernick.
…although that would mean 4 wins for the home teams and what is the likelihood of that… Especially after a bye?
Agree with the Denver prediction, the Seahawks prediction and the Pats prediction. I happen to think, though that the Kaep fits for the 49ers, and they’ll get the best of the Pack secondary.
I hope I’m wrong about the Pats winning, but I doubt it.
I’m in the same boat, but with the Bronco’s. Remember sitting in a bar in St. Louis watching them play the Falcons. Manning threw 3 interceptions in the first quarter of that game – I thought that was probably it for the Bronco’s chances… Alas!
The Lewis factor will continue and you will see a Ravens victory. Totally biased towards the Ravens to be honest. I dont know enough to make a solid prediction, I just hope they go as far as possible and send Lewis out on a high!
Any early thoughts on the final two?
I for one, hope you are right! Coming from a Chargers fan, obviously!
As for the final 2. Tricky question! Green Bay from the NFC. Just can’t call it between New England and Denver, though!
I have a ‘beer wager’ with my bro-in-law that it will be a 49ers-Texans SuperBowl…though that depends very much on my prediction for the game in Foxboro being wrong.
Don’t fancy yours much. Who does your brother-in-law have, or just anything but yours?!
Anything but my pick Andy. I did also have a moment of madness and called a Seattle-Bengals SuperBowl…but that’ll have to wait until next year ~sigh~
Are those ‘busts’ I hear? Congratulations Kaep and the 49ers…the Ravens? Well, it’ll be all the more fun seeing them lose in the ‘game of destiny.’
The worst thing is, I am in a Playoff Fantasy league, and you get multipliers on your points each week the team your players are in progress. So I’d picked my team full of Green Bay Packers. Well, that’s something less to worry about!
Great game in Denver, wind chill of minus 19 degrees celcious – crazy! As was the game! Think Denver will kick themselves. 31 seconds and 2 timeouts with Manning taking a knee to take it to OT? Haven’t seen the 49ers / GB game, but seen the score, so can’t comment much on that one.
I will say that those were the two predictions I was most confident about, so goodness knows what happens tonight!