NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions
Carolina, Tennessee, New York and San Diego are Best Bets
Jan 7, 2009
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers (–10): Here is the one game that has blowout written all over it, hence the hefty line. All the numbers and factors point towards Carolina. Arizona has lost its last two road contests (at Philadelphia and New England) by a combined 68 points and is 0-5 when playing in the Eastern time zone. Carolina is undefeated at home, including a win over Arizona during the regular season, albeit by just four points. Carolina has two above-average cornerbacks and had the fewest pass interference penalties called against them, so they should be able to slow down Kurt Warner and Co, especially if Anquan Boldin cannot play. And because of the bye week the Panthers get back their previously injured starting defensive tackles and get healthier along the offensive line. Sounds like you should be able to go clubbing on Saturday night by halftime. Prediction – Carolina 35, Arizona 21.
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (– 3): This game will not be exciting for the average football fan. It is just like how an average moviegoer could consider a high-brow independent film boring. Casual football watchers might change the channel after Baltimore and Tennessee trade punts for the first six possessions. This game should be no different than the 13-10 regular-season grindfest these teams were a part of earlier in the season. Baltimore’s offense is a little better now that Le’Ron McClain is the featured back and quarterback Joe Flacco has some more experience, but the Ravens still looked sluggish against an overrated Miami defense last week. The Titans will be juiced up thanks to a week’s rest and because defensive stalwarts Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch return from their injuries. A Flacco turnover or a special teams mistake helps Tennessee win and cover. Prediction – Tennessee 16, Baltimore 10.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (– 4): It feels like these two teams play each other more than the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox do. The rubber match should have the same stuff that happens when the Eagles and Giants clash – blitzes, screens and inconsistent quarterbacks. This game will come down to the streaky signal callers. Donovan McNabb and Eli Manning have their Pro Bowl moments and they have their XFL moments. Whichever quarterback makes the fewest mistakes and completes the highest percentage of passes will lead his team to victory. That’s how it went during the two regular-season meetings between the teams. Prediction – New York 24, Philadelphia 17.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (– 6): Pittsburgh does not have a track record of blowing out good teams this season. Their offense has been too wishy-washy and injury-plagued to score more than 23 points on an every-game basis, especially against quality teams. They play their games close to the vest with the knowledge that their top-ranked defense does not need much offensive support to win.
The Chargers know they can hang with the Steelers since they only lost 11-10 to them in Pittsburgh during the season. Philip Rivers will be without LaDanian Tomlinson running the ball and will be stuck with a banged-up Antonio Gates and a possibly inebriated Vincent Jackson catching his passes, but the Pro Bowl snub should be able to coax 17 points out of his offense this time around. And San Diego’s defense, much improved since Ron Rivera took over as defensive coordinator, should keep Pittsburgh in the 20-point range after holding Indianapolis to just 17 in the wild card round. Prediction – Pittsburgh 20, San Diego 17.
