UTTQ Predictions: Divisional Round

The Wild-Card weekend came and went, and I'm already down by a game. Looks like God isn't on my side. Here's hoping this week turns out for the better.

DENVER 24, NEW ENGLAND 31
Tebow and the Broncos managed to get an impressive win against a suddenly reeling Pittsburgh franchise. But Pittsburgh's problems are to be analyzed later...right now the question is whether the Broncos can have similar success at New England. These two teams have met before, but the outcome was greatly in the Patriots' favor. However, it's no secret that the Pats' defense sucks. Tebow and company can surely exploit that now, especially with Tebow's sudden confidence to throw in tight spaces and Demaryius Thomas blossoming as a receiving threat. The Patriots are offensively still better than Denver as long as Tom Brady is around, although they have been slow out of the gate the last few weeks. However, I cannot see Denver upsetting this time...I will not allow myself to believe it.

HOUSTON 17, BALTIMORE 27
Houston was very impressive against Cincinnati, but the Ravens will certainly be a whole different story. The Bengals could not get a rhythm going, while Houston certainly held the momentum for most of the game. The Ravens have a stifling defense and above average offense, which is all they need. Houston will need to develop something early, since it seems to take Yates a while to develop with Johnson and company. Of course, this Baltimore team is infamous of inconsistency, which means that Houston could pull one out, depending on which Ravens team shows up. Either way, neither of these teams really stand a chance against whoever wins the other AFC game....

NEW YORK 28, GREEN BAY 31
The 2007 NFC Championship Game was one of the better ones in recent memory, featuring these two teams on the frozen tundra. Who can forget Tom Coughlin's face? Or Brett Favre's Eli-esque shoulder slump after throwing a game sealing interception? This game should be an exciting one as well, featuring two contrasting styles: one team based on pressure defense and one team based on pass-happy offense. The Giants better hope their defense is good enough to force a few Packer punts, because their offense does not have the firepower to make big plays on every series. The Packers better hope they haven't rested too long, or they may be in for another defeat on their home turf.

NEW ORLEANS 17, SAN FRANCISCO 23
The Saints started off slow against the Lions but managed to find their form in the second half, scoring on almost every possession. The Lions D became worn down as the game went on. The Niners have a much better defense, thanks in part to players like Aldon Smith, Navarro Bowman, and the ever efficient Patrick Willis. They have the personnel to slow Drew Brees down. The Niners' offense is a different story. They typically run the ball and control the clock. If they Saints want to stop the run, they will have to react to the shifty Niners backs. Blitzing on every down may set up the perfect play-action for Alex Smith. Playing it safe may be the only way to stop this Niners' O. The Saints aren't comfortable on the road, either, so it will be quite a shock if they can score as many points as they did last week.