Justin is down with JPP
I went 2-2 with my picks last week, which means I was just as good as flipping a coin. My esteemed colleague Mr. Lynch went 3-1, so I’ll need a good week to catch up with him. Here are my selections for the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs:
1) New York Giants +9 over GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Giants defense has been playing much better and they gave the Packers a tough time the last time these two teams matched up. If the Giants can bother Mr. Rodgers, they’ll be in this one and have a chance to win outright. If not, Green Bay will be cruising to the NFC Championship Game. But given 3 straight weeks of solid Giants D and a QB in Eli Manning playing as well as he has all year, I’ll take the Giants +8.5 and this one ends up within a touchdown either way.
2) Denver Broncos +14 over NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Do you know what time it is Bill Belichick? That’s right, it’s Tebow Time! I don’t think the Patriots find a way to lose this game the way the Steelers did last week, but I’m not comfortable giving 14 points to a Denver team that may actually have a passing offense. I could see 34-24 New England as the final.
3) BALTIMORE RAVENS -8 over Houston Texans
Houston played much better than I expected last week, but Baltimore is tough at home, Houston still has a guy named Yates at QB, and Houston’s not playing the Bengals this week. The Ravens should win this one by 10 or so.
4) New Orleans Saints -3.5 over SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
I’m torn on this one. The 49ers have an amazing defense and are very tough at home and the Saints have put up some stinkers on the road this year. Maybe I am underrating the 49ers because of their style of play vs. the Drew Brees 500 yards a game passing attack of the Saints. But given how the Saints have been playing lately, I don’t think the lack of home field advantage is going to stop them from winning this game by about a touchdown. 27-20 Saints feels like the score to me.