NFL 2009: Playoffs - Divisional Round

Lots of football fans consider the Divisional Championship round of the playoffs the best weekend of all. Why not? It’s two days of football, four games total between some darned good teams. This year, three of the eight teams return from last year, Baltimore, San Diego, and Arizona. Of course, last year’s champ, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been watching all the playoffs from home.

Arizona at New Orleans (-7)
A team that gave up 45 points to Green Bay cannot withstand New Orleans attack with Drew Brees under center. The Superdome will be rocking at the Saints attempt to move deeper than they ever have as a team before.

Baltimore at Indianapolis (-6 ½)
As a Ravens fan, my worst nightmare is the thought of a Matt Stover field goal as the clock runs out winning for the Colts. The Ravens must be sure it can’t come to that. The defense must hit Peyton Manning early and often while maintaining their strong running game eating up the clock and keeping the bowl out of Manning’s hands. If they do that, they’ll win.

Dallas at Minnesota (-3)
This is perhaps the tightest matchup of the weekend. Dallas is on a roll, but one should; never underestimate what Brett Favre can accomplish in the heat of battle looking for one last hurrah. With a noisy dome screaming at Dallas, the Vikings should squeak this one out.

New York Jets at San Diego (-7 ½)
Over the last eleven weeks of the season, San Diego has been the NFL’s most consistent performer and overall has more talent than the New York Jets. If the Jets are really fired up, they could pull the upset, but their Cinderella run will probably run out on the west coast Sunday evening.