NFL Divisional Playoffs

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- As I looked at the football schedule for the weekend, I realized that we have 4 good match ups on our hands. I can't pick a clear winner in any of the games, which makes the NFL that much more exciting.

#3 Indianapolis Colts vs. #2 Baltimore Ravens
This match up has produced many different story lines, which ones you pay attention depends on your position. If your a Colts fan you may be worried about the Ravens top ranked defense, and if your a Ravens fan you might worry about the Colts 3rd ranked offense. This is also the first time the Colts have returned to Baltimore for a playoff game since leaving the city overnight. It should be an exciting affair, but when I look at this match up I don't see a defensive struggle. This is going to be a game play in the mid to upper 20's and will be won by the team who has less turnovers. I think this will be a defining game in Peyton Manning's career, and he will finally step up to the plate. Congrats to the Colts, you're heading back to the AFC championship.
Final Score: Colts 27 Ravens 21

#3 Philadelphia Eagles vs. #2 New Orleans Saints
Out of all four games, this is the one I am the most undecided on. The game could really go either way, depending on who is playing well. I like the Eagles as a team, but Jeff Garcia sometimes tries to do too much. We'll just have to wait and see. I think Drew Brees will perform well for the Saints, but besides him and WR Joe Horn, this is a pretty young team. I'm anxious to see how Reggie Bush and Marques Colsten will respond to playing in the playoffs. My prediction is a close game won by the Eagles late because of the presence of Brian Westbrook.
Final Score: Eagles 31 Saints 21

#4 Seattle Seahawks vs. #1 Chicago Bears
The Seahawks overachieved a week ago against the Cowboys, and I can see them doing that again. The problem for them is that nobody is giving the Bears credit for such a great season and they keep talking about Rex Grossman's troubles. I expect Rex to finally come out and play well on a big stage and get his team to the next round. The Bears defense will be hungry to prove itself once again as one of the NFL's elite.
Final Score: Bears 27 Seahawks 9

#4 New England Patriots vs. #1 San Diego Chargers
Watch out. The Patriots are poised for the upset in this one. Phillip Rivers is making his first career playoff appearance, and Mary Schotenheimer will keep the ball out of his hands. Bill Billechick will have his team as prepared as they can be to stop LT in the running game. New England is going to make Rivers beat them by throwing the ball, and it just isn't going to happen. Besides the fact that Tom Brady has been flawless in the playoffs in the last couple of years, and Corey Dillon still has something to prove. Look for a good game but a Patriot win will send them to the Dome in Indianapolis.
Final Score: Patriots 31 Chargers 20