Can the Chargers streak all the way to the Super Bowl?

Can the Chargers streak all the way to the ?

If you missed our Wild Card preview (which has yet to be determined), go here. The outcome of those four games leads into this article, which dissects the eventual match-ups, and leads to a winner.

We didn’t really take the time to make a pick for the back in the preseason, so what better time than the present? Several online sportsbooks are running XLIV futures bets, and this Bodog Sportsbook Review will help you decide where you’d like to place your bets on who’ll come out on top.

Here’s a look at the match-ups that should follow the Wild Card round:

AFC

Divisional Round

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This game came down to the wire the last time these two teams met, and like several other games the Ravens had and let slip away, failed to win.

Still, it’s worth noting that based on competitiveness alone, the Ravens would have had a realistic chance at going 15-1 in 2009, had a few plays (or kicks) gone their way.

It’s hard to go against a -led offense, especially when ’s secondary is so vulnerable, but this is where the upsets start. Indy has been the top dog all season, but three straight weeks with their starters not playing a full game will hurt them more than it will help them.

Ray Lewis and the Ravens claimed that they were the team that “no one wanted to see in the playoffs”. They might be right.

Ravens 26, Colts 23

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We know how these two teams match up, and it’s not likely to be pretty the second time around. Cincy couldn’t even knock off the Chargers with the death of Chris Henry fresh in their minds as motivations.

However, there’s a chance they simply had heavy hearts and that the Bengals dedicated rush offense will take it strong to the Chargers mediocre rush defense (20th in the league), while ’s 31st ranked rush offense may be put to the test if Cincinnati’s strong pass defense can slow down and the pass attack.

While the formula exists for the Bengals to pull an upset, the Chargers are just too hot, and is just too good.

Chargers 27, Bengals 21

AFC Championship

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was one of three teams that sent to the loss column this season, and while a huge win over the Colts will vault them into a realm of confidence they haven’t been in since their days, the Chargers are too hot, and will likely be out for a little revenge.

The Ravens have the rushing attack to run all over , but their passing game is a bit too inconsistent to trust against and a stout Chargers pass defense.

The Chargers ground game will likely never get going against the Ravens stingy run defense, but has a good chance to stay hot against a sketchy secondary.

It just wouldn’t be the if a Wild Card team didn’t make it this far. Regardless, survives, and gets to its first in over 15 years.

Chargers 31, Ravens 24

Can Minnesota complete Favre's mission?

Can complete Favre's mission?

NFC

Divisional Round

Cardinals @ Saints

Everyone in Wisconsin believes “without a doubt” that is done in the first round, but the new-age is about advantageous defense and offenses that can stretch the field.

The Cardinals aren’t absent of flaws, but their passing game is way too potent to bet against, especially with their hot playoff run and appearance in their favor last season.

The Saints have dropped three straight, have zero momentum, recently lost Charles Grant, and haven’t experienced a win in four weeks. Unfortunately for all the “Who Dat?” supporters, that drought goes to five.

Cardinals 34, Saints 31

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Tony Romo and the Cowboys have won three straight, pitched two consecutive shut-outs to end the regular season, and after sweeping the Eagles (3-0) by beating them in the first round, they’ll be on top of the world.

However, and the Vikings just got their offensive mojo back, while the defense showed signs of life in Week 17, as well.

If Antonie Winfield and Pat Williams are a “full go” after a week of rest, the Vikings defense could give Romo fits all day, while stifling the Cowboys 7th ranked rushing attack.

didn’t come all the way back to be one and done in the playoffs.

Vikings 30, Cowboys 17

NFC Championship

Cardinals @

This game puts the Cardinals into back-to-back NFC Championship games, giving them elite standing as a consistent team and a true threat.

In the first meeting between these two teams, the Cardinals blew the Vikings out of the water after half-time, and Favre and the Vikings looked completely lost.

However, there’s no arguing that is a completely different machine at home (8-0), whereas they’ve had all their trouble on the road (4-4).

will have no trouble slugging it out and staying in the game with their array of weapons in the passing game, but the Vikings simply don’t give up much on their home field.

That, and has had a passer rating under 100 inside the dome just twice all season.

Vikings 37, Cardinals 24

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The hottest team in the league will go up against one of the most experienced and most balanced teams in the league.

and co. could have early troubles against a stingy pass defense, but as long as the passing offense moves the ball, this could actually end up being all about Adrian Peterson.

The Chargers can’t really run the ball on anybody (31st in rush offense), while the Vikings generally stop just about everybody against the run when healthy (2nd in NFL).

helped get here, and he’ll likely still be a big part of the game, but ’s plan of attack is to set up Adrian Peterson by moving the ball through the air. If that strategy even remotely works, Peterson could have a field day against a very average run defense.

You can’t count out until the very end, however, and considering his team will have pulled off a winning streak of 13 straight games to get to this point, it’ll be hard to bet against the Chargers.

Still, it looks like a real possibility that gets it’s first in five tries.

Vikings 27, Chargers 24

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