New Orleans @ San Francisco- A classic offense vs. defensive match-up. All I keep hearing about is how New Orleans isn't the same team outside of the Superdome. I suppose that's a fair way in justifying a possible win by San Francisco. But I don't buy it. At all. In order for the Niners to win, they'd have to hold the Saints to under 20 points. And I just don't see that happening. The Niners were a good story this year, but the Saints roll in this one. Easily.
Denver @ New England- If any coach can come up with a game plan to neutralize Tebow, it's Bill Belichick. I don't see his staff conducting the same mistakes as Dick LeBeau did a week ago. The only thing making this game close though, would be that New England might not have the personnel to implement Belichick's plan the way he's envisioned. Denver has the defense and run game to make this a close one, however I think the difference maker in this game will be Terrific Tom Brady. It's hard to imagine Tom not being able to counter whatever Denver throws at him. Sorry Teboners. The T-Train stops here.
Houston @ Baltimore- This game will be closer than most people are forecasting. Neither QB is a difference maker. Flacco has regressed this year as a QB. And Yates is a backup's backup rookie. The game will come down to defense and running the ball. A very old school game. Brain Cushing and DeMeco Ryan vs. Ray Lewis and T-Sizzle. Arian Foster vs. Ray Rice. For those who are disappointed the Steelers didn't get a rematch at Baltimore in the playoffs, watch this one. It'll be a similar type of game. I like Baltimore in a close one.
Giants @ Green Bay- Flurries expected through the weekend with 4-6" of fresh snow arriving tomorrow. At the Historic Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field. The well rested 15-1 Packers versus the playing-as-well-as-they've-been-all-year New York Football Giants. The front 4 on the Giants will put pressure on Aaron Rodgers. That much is certain. Enough so to make it interesting. But it won't make a difference. He's Aaron freaking Rodgers after all. The undisputed best QB in the league right now. Rest or rust, it won't matter. Eli Manning has had a very under-appreciated year and has emerged as one of the NFL's elite. The New York media and others are giving the Giants WAY too much of a chance in this one. And I think it's a trap. A sucker's bet if you will. I don't see how Green Bay loses this one. They win by at least 2 TD's and continue their march to become one of the few back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
Looking back on my predictions last week....
New Orleans @ San Francisco- The Niners DIDN'T hold the Saints to under 20 points and still won. Not by defense, but through offense. And by a clutch throw by Alex Smith. Who could've possible imagined the way this game finished? Wow. Instant classic. Congrats San Fran. This was the game of the weekend IMO.
Denver @ New England- An absolute blowout. Sort of embarrassing actually. A team this far into the playoffs shouldn't have been blown out like that. Was Denver an illusion all along?
Houston @ Baltimore- It certainly did come down to defense and running the ball. But with one more caveat. Turnovers.
Giants @ Green Bay- Boy was I wrong. And Packers fan, please don't use the "rust" because of rest excuse. It's lazy. Every other home team (ie. team with bye week 1) won their game this weekend... except for the Packers.
It's simple, but all of the games really came down to one simple thing: Turnovers. Teams with more turnovers than their opponent lost. (With exception to the Pats/Broncs game. That game was certainly an anomaly that can't be compared to anything else).
New Orleans had 5, San Fran had 1
Houston had 4, Baltimore had 0
Green Bay had 4, NY Giants had 1
Turn the ball over, you lose. It's that simple.
