NFL Divisional Round Preview
By Scott Burks
Here is how I see the NFL's
divisional round shaping out...
NFC
Arizona Cardinals
at New Orleans Saints. This game should set all sorts of playoff
records on offense. Both teams' offense can score points, and will do
so quickly. Having said that, I think the Cardinals run will come to
an end. Despite their three-game losing streak to close the season,
the Saints are so hard to beat at home. It also helps that the Saints
are a lot healthier than the Cardinals. Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin may
not play, and LB Gerald Hayes did not practice. Unfortunately, this
may be QB Kurt Warner's swan song into retirement. Saints 30, Cardinals 23.
Dallas Cowboys
at Minnesota Vikings. I think this will be the best game of the
weekend. Both teams play a physical brand of football. Both can
run the football well and play tough defense. The home field will be
HUGE for the Vikings. The crowd noise will help in getting in QB Tony
Romo's head. I also think the Cowboys' offensive line will be in for a
long day against Minnesota's front four, led by DE Jared Allen.
Vikings 24, Cowboys 16.
AFC
New York Jets
at San Diego Chargers. I am loving this Jets team. I love
their swagger. I love Jets coach Rex Ryan's trash-talking to anyone in
his cross-hairs. I also love rookie QB Mark Sanchez's development, and
I think he will be a good QB for years to come. Unfortunately for the
Jets, I love the Chargers more in this game. I do not think there is a
hotter QB right now than Phillip Rivers. Even though Jets CB Darrelle
Revis will probably blanket Chargers WR Vincent Jackson, who will cover TE
Antonio Gates. Oh yes, there is that guy named LaDanlian Tomlison on
the Chargers' roster. Unfortunately for me, these Jets will get
humbled out of the playoffs this weekend. Chargers 28, Jets 17.
Baltimore
Ravens at Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens were impressive in their
beat-down of the New England Patriots last weekend. I have a feeling
that they will keep the good times rolling in Indianapolis. That's
right folks, this is my playoff UPSET SPECIAL! Whenever the Colts rest
their players with a few games left in a season, they always lose their
first playoff game. The Colts' offense is a timing offense, meaning
they need enough repetitions (i.e. playing time) in order to stay precise.
I also do not think the Colts' D will stop the Ravens' three-headed running
game. This will be Exhibit "Z" as to why a team should not rest its
players during the regular season. Ravens 19, Colts 17.
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