NFL Divisional Playoff Picks (Saturday Games)

Happy New Year guys. It's been a while since I last made picks, I have been busy with school and work. Anyways we have a big weekend coming up with the NFL playoffs in full swing. Lets get right into the picks for Saturdays games.

Baltimore at New England- The Ravens come into Foxborough a week after beating their hated rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Usually teams that play in New England are not given a chance because of the Patriots impressive record at home. But these Ravens are an impressive 2-1 in their last 3 playoff games in New England. They might be 3-0 if not for a drop by Lee Evans and a 32 yard missed field goal by Billy Cundiff in 2012. Out of all the playoff teams in the AFC the Ravens were probably the last team the Patriots wanted to see come into New England. They will give them a tough, physical game that will test the Patriots in the brutally cold weather. But this game like so many in the NFL hinges on the play of the quarterback. Joe Flacco has been extremely impressive in the playoffs, posting 13 touchdowns to 0 interceptions in his last 5 games. Tom Brady, barring a few games where he struggled, has had another good season. The Ravens pass rush teamed with Elivs Dumervil and Terrell Suggs will cause havoc for Brady and it is key for the Patriots offensive line to give Brady as much time as possible. I think the game will come down to the Patriots running game. If their running attack can pick up key first downs and yards, the game will become much easier for the Patriots. I think the Patriots edge the Ravens at home. Patriots 27 Ravens 24

Carolina at Seattle- The Panthers just beat the injury plagued Cardinals at home and now head to Seattle. The Seahawks have been impressive at home, boasting a 7-1 record. They have the best home field advantage and it only get better in the playoffs. The Seahawks defense will cause problems for this Panther team that relies on running the ball. With the running game non-existent, the Panthers will need a huge game from Cam Newton to have any chance of winning the game. The Panthers benefited from playing a hurt Cardinals team that had no offense at all. It will be the complete opposite in Seattle as Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch will make life difficult for the Panthers defense. Because of the anemic offense of the Cardinals the Panthers looked a lot better than they really are. I think that the Seahawks win comfortably at home, exploiting this Carolina team on offense and defense. Seahawks 28 Panthers 10