Baltimore -8 and Over 37.5

Baltimore and Joe Flacco have turned in a couple of stinkers (San Diego, Jacksonville, Seattle) this year but they have also crushed some great teams (Niners, Pittsburgh, Texans). When these teams play their best games the Ravens are at least 10 points better. The Ray-vens (Ray Rice/Lewis) know the magnitude of this game and will help carry their team. Houston had a nice run, I just can't see T.J. Yates living up to the moment here.

Final: Baltimore 27, Houston 13

Broncos +13.5 and Under 50.5

The last time these two teams met the Patriots won by 18 and the total was 64. Now the venue has switched from Denver to New England, so why would Denver gain ground? Denver had a two score lead early on in their first contest with New England but three second quarter fumbles derailed the momentum train and left Denver down two scores going into the second half. I don't believe Denver will turn the ball over at all today. Also Tebow. He killed me last week I am not going to go against him this week. New England won't let Tebow beat them deep. Denver should run often and well. Well enough to control the clock and keep the score lower and closer than last time. Denver's Defense is also playing very well right now. Brady has gotten run over in his last two home playoff games. I think New England will eke out a victory today however.

Final: Patriots 29, Denver 21

San Francisco +4 and Under 47

If this game was played in New Orleans, in the dome, I would be picking the Saints to win by double digits. It is not. The Saints offense just simply isn't the same outdoors and on the road. The 49ers are well rested and have arguably the best defense in the NFL. Against lesser defenses on the road this year the Saints were held to totals of 23, 20, 21, 23 (regulation vs ATL). This offense can be slowed, the Niners are certainly capable. Alex Smith's Total QBR is 71.6 at home. Brees's is 80.5 on the road. If these stats hold today the only real advantage (the passing game) that the Saints have won't be that much of an advantage. The 49ers are better on Defense, Special Teams, and in the running game. They will also have the crowd.

Final: 49ers 23, Saints 20

Last week

For Wildcard Weekend I went 4-4 counting the over/under(s). Not a great week. The games I got right I really got right and the games I got wrong I was dead wrong. 2-0 in both the Saints and Giants victories and 0-2 in the Bengals' and Steelers' collapses. I am however extremely excited and way more confident about this week. I may be delusional. 2-0 in the NFC and 0-2 in the AFC.

Readers

This week I hope one person will find and comment on this blog. For good or bad, rip me please.

Entire 2012 Playoffs predicted...

This is just for my own fun.

Wildcard Weekend:
AFC
6) Bengals over 3)Texans
5) Steelers over 4)Broncos
NFC
3) Saints over 6) Lions
4) Giants over 5) Falcons

Divisional Round:
AFC
1) Patriots over 6) Bengals
2) Ravens over 5) Steelers
NFC
4) Giants over 1) Packers
2) 49ers over 3) Saints

Conference Finals
1) Patriots over 2) Ravens
2) 49ers over 4) Giants

Superbowl
49ers over Patriots

If you are going to bet a team or two to win it all before the playoffs begin, I love the 49ers at 12 to 1 and the New York Giants at 20 to 1. I do think one of these two teams will lift the Lombardi trophy with a great payout for you.

Pittsburgh -8.5 over Denver & Under 33.5

This is the game I am having the most trouble figuring out. What I think I do know is that Pittsburgh's Defense will handle Tebow easily. I just don't know if Roethlisburger is healthy enough to score enough points on Denver's Defense without Mendenhall or Pouncey to cover the spread. But I am going to say that they do.

Final: Steelers 19, Broncos 9