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AFC:
SD vs Indy - I'm going with the Colts here as they are healthy and rested, and have to feel extremely confident. The Colts are also tied for the best record in the AFC at 10-2 and played in a much tougher division. The Chargers have to be feeling good to get in the playoffs with a 4 game win streak. However, I feel that their lack of competition in a weak division and more inconsistent play throughout the year will catch up to them.
Miami vs Balt - Going with the Ravens here. Even though Flacco is a rookie QB playing his first playoff game on the road, he is supported by a phenomenal defense that has allowed the third fewest points in the NFL this season. The Ravens offense is also better than the Dolphins. The biggest reason I feel that Miami will struggle will be the strength of the Ravens run defense, which will force the game into Pennington's hands. The Ravens offensive and defensive lines are a force and will likely control the game. This game will not be pretty for Miami.
Tennessee vs Baltimore - Going with the Titans. The Ravens will be playing a rested team that has had a chip on its shoulder the entire season. The Titans have been regarded as an overrated team for their record. Their style of play is regarded as one that can be overcome by a good offense. The Titans defense is equally as dominant as the Ravens, if not more. This will be the game I actually feel the Titans would have an advantage in the running game with Johnson and White. Flacco will face the kind of pressure he only saw against the Steelers, and the Ravens passing game will struggle mightily. The Titans will be very motivated and prove that they are a force in the NFL playoffs.
Pitt vs Indy - Going with the Colts. The Steelers will try to put all kinds of pressure on Manning in this game and force the Colts to beat them on the ground, an area in which the Colts have not exceled this year. That said, Manning is one of the smartest players in the game. If this game turns into a grind out battle, I do not see Addai and the Colts run offense have a chance against the Steelers D-line. I do see Manning pick apart the Steelers with short passes and force them to not put 8 in the box. The Colts would have to establish their short passing game early and often to have a chance in this game. The Colts run defense is pretty stout as well and I don't see Pittsburgh exploiting them on the ground. This matchup has the potential to turn into a battle between Big Ben and Manning.
Tennessee vs Indy - Tennessee's defense has been the staple of the team the entire season. I cannot see their defense folding at this stage with the opportunity to go to the Superbowl. Manning is also one of the game's most elite players, and at this stage is tough to go up against. All things considered, I will go with a team that has played stellar the entire season over a team who despite a lengthy win streak has squeaked by a lot of mediocre opponents.
AFC CHAMP - TENNESSEE
NFC:
Arizona vs Atlanta - Going with the Cardinals here. Though the Cardinals have played poorly lately, they were playing well prior to clinching the division and the playoffs. The Cardinals have been stellar at home, posting a 6-2 record. The Cardinals will have a HUGE edge at the QB position, and have the potential to absolutely pick apart the Atlanta secondary. If the Cardinals defensive line is able to control Michael Turner, who will be starting in his first playoff game, it could be a very long afternoon for the Falcons. Not to mention this is a rookie QBs first playoff game, on the road. Contrary to Joe Flacco and the Ravens, Matt Ryan will not have the benefit of a dominant defense.
Vikings vs Eagles - This is a game between two teams with very identical style of play. All things considered, I'm going with the Eagles. The Eagles have played in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The Eagles possess a strong run defense that is capable of containing Adrian Peterson. Minnesota can also contain the equally explosive Brian Westbrook. The difference in this game will be the QBs. Unless Tarvaris Jackson comes out and matures into a poised QB in a hurry, the entire game will rest on the shoulders of Adrian Peterson. It took the Eagles a miracle to reach the playoffs, and I think they continue their improbable run for at least one more game
Carolina vs Arizona - Going with Carolina. The Panthers are one of the best teams in the NFL this year and possess a very solid and balanced team capable of exploding at all levels. Arizona has a swiss cheese defense compared to Carolina. The Panthers are dominant at home and Arizona struggles on the road. Arizona will be exposed in the worst way in this game.
NYG vs Philly - Going with the Giants. 3 words. Earth, wind, and fire. The Giants have been a juggernaut all year and when put in a position of adversity have thrived. They have also exceled with the burden of expectation on them all year, and this game will be no different. The Giants have dominated on the ground against just about everyone, and no matter who is in their backfield, the player has thrived. Philly looks like a superbowl contender one week and an inept team the next. Who knows which Philly team shows up here. I'll take consistency anyday over potential.
NYG vs Carolina - In a rematch of the NFC game that decided home field, I'm going with the Panthers. Yes, you heard it here. The Panthers have been the model of consistency throughout the season. They were the CLASS of the division in which every team finished .500 or better. They pushed the Giants to the limit in the first matchup, which the Giants were very fortunate to win. The Panthers running game is absolutely ridiculous. They also have the deep passing threat with Steve Smith. If the Panthers are able to sustain the Giants running game to some degree, the game will fall into the hands of Eli Manning. I do not see Eli replicating his magic from last year. The Panthers advance here.
NFC CHAMP - CAROLINA
Tennessee vs Carolina - This will be a matchup of the ages. Both teams are mirror images of each other on offense, possessing a dominant running game. The difference in this game will be the team that gets defensive stops in the most crucial juncture of the games. In 2008, there has been no team more consistent on defense than the Titans.
2008 SUPERBOWL CHAMPS - TENNESSEE TITANS
I can't wait until the playoffs get started!!
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