AFC
#1 Titans vs #6 Ravens
The Tennessee Titans shockingly became the AFC's best team this season, but still many do not believe this team is Super Bowl bound. In fact, most experts are picking Baltimore to win on the road in this matchup. The Ravens won on the road last week in sunny Miami, but the Dolphins played arguably one of their worst games of the season. Pennington threw 4 INTs in that game, when in the regular season he only through 7 total. John Harbaugh ! is the only rookie head coach to advance to the Divisional Round, as Atlanta's Mike Smith and Miami's Tony Sparano fell. Harbaugh has won with a rookie QB Joe Flacco. I am sold on this kid now, he has what it takes. No longer will he be the reason for me picking against Baltimore. The Titans are banged up on defense with DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch on the shelf, but both are expected to return for this game. Haynesworth isn't expected to make a big impact. The Titans have won with defense all year and I think they do it again, stifling the Ravens run game. Kerry Collins makes two big plays and Chris Johnson breaks at least one long run. This game will be low scoring, maybe even single digits. I like the home team, Tennessee is the pick.
#2 Steelers vs #4 Chargers
The Chargers are the hottest team in football winners of five games in a row now thanks to little RB Darren Sproles. Isn't this guy exciting? Great mix of speed and awareness, Sproles in a contract year has proven he can be a featured back. He will have to be that just again this week as reports have LT doubtful. LT is a softy, that has become quite clear as he continues to play minimal to no time in huge playoff games the last two seasons. You see WR Anquan Boldin for Arizona playing with a new injury every week, then you see LT whimpering in the corner. LT needs to play in this football game because you know the Steelers will be game-planning to stop Sproles. I think Pittsburgh contains Sproles forcing Rivers ! to the air. Gates came up huge last week and needed to because WR Vincent Jackson didn't even seem to show up. The Chargers need Jackson to make an impact or else Rivers will have a rough day. Troy Polamalu is one the best difference makers in the game and I think he comes up big just like he did last time these two teams met. It will be cold in Pittsburgh and that factors in big time. The Steelers win a slobber-knocker at Heinz Field.
NFC
#1 Giants vs #6 Eagles
Series t! ied at o ne a piece, both teams winning on the road. The Giants stumbled a bit into the playoffs, while the Eagles are hotter than they have been all season after destroying Dallas and stifling Minnesota. Donovan McNabb continues to prove his value winning big game after big game. RB Brian Westbrook is the playmaker and he is almost unstoppable. Giants' DE Justin Tuck is banged up and this is bad news for a Giants pass rush that has been unable to sack McNabb once in two meetings this season. Earth, Wind, and Fire will have to come up huge for the Giants, but Brandon Jacobs (Earth) is banged up and it is unclear how effective he will be. Eli Manning has proven he can win in big games, but he no longer has WR Plaxico Burress. This game looks like an upset to me. McNabb outperforms Manning on route to an Eagles victory. Philadelphia is headed to the NFC Championship.
#2 Panthers vs #4 Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals finally got a home playoff game and they made it count picking up a big win. Kurt Warner lead his team finding his star WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. RB Edgerrin James revitalized his game having a huge day and shocking the Falcons. The Cardinals won this game because they controlled the trenches by stopping the run and having an effective run game of their own. Arizona was 32nd in rushing this season coming into that game versus Atlanta. The Panthers have Smash and Dash (I don't care what y! ou say LenDale White I like this nickname for them) one of the! premier e rushing tandems in the NFL. Deangelo Williams busted out and became a superstar, while rookie Jonathan Stewart had a solid year of his own. Complement this rush attack with Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and Mushin Muhammed and you got a great offense. Muhammed resigned with Carolina this year and the passing game clicked again like it did years back in their Super Bowl run. I expect Delhomme to continue to be the big game QB he is and Carolina to pull this one out. I do think it is closer than most people think, but in the end the Panthers win this one.
