Can the Cardinals upset the Saints?
We picked three of the four Wild Card games correctly, although our overall postseason predictions (found here) were slightly challenged with New York upsetting Cincinnati. However, we decided to stick with our gut and not stray from our winners this week.
After all, hype is hype for a reason, and the Jets will fizzle out.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each match heading into this weekend’s Divisional Round, followed by a predicted score:
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis hasn’t played a real game in more than three weeks, which is a fair cause for concern, especially with a tough matchup against Baltimore’s solid overall defense, especially their stout run defense.
Peyton Manning will be hard-pressed to once again lead the Colts to a victory by his arm alone, which could prove to be difficult in the second meeting with the Ravens, even with it being at home.
We originally predicted Indy to fall in the first round, and after seeing what Baltimore is capable of on both ends, we’re sticking with our gut.
The rusty Colts will fall. Party like it’s 2008.
Ravens 24, Colts 17
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
The Jets were impressive (most notably rookie passer Mark Sanchez), as they ran all over the Cincinnati Bengals, and used both Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones extremely well. While they are likely to find much of the same success on the ground, it’s hard to see Sanchez performing like he did in the first round.
The Chargers pass defense is healthy and firing on all cylinders with Eric Weddle back, and it’s hard to bet against a red-hot Phillip Rivers on the offensive side of the ball.
The Chargers are winners of 11 straight, and I simply don’t buy the New York hype.
Chargers 30, Jets 13
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
This is the upset special of the week, as we’re calling three of the four home teams to do what they’re “supposed” to do, and advance to the Championship rounds.
The Cardinals showed they can pour on the points, and while their defense will definitely allow explosive offenses to move the ball, they still have the ability to get leads, as well as finish games.
New Orleans hasn’t tasted victory in four weeks, and this loss will make it five.
Cardinals 37, Saints 34
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Dallas is a hot team that just about everyone is picking right now. Tony Romo is playing arguably the best football of his life, the rushing attack is on top of its game, and the defense is bordering on an elite level.
However, this tends to happen when you play three straight games against division opponents, and even though the Cowboys have been impressive, there’s a good chance they won’t be ready for the Minnesota Vikings.
Dallas is still good enough to pull off the upset, but we’re not buying that Brett Favre came back out of retirement (again) to lose the first playoff game, especially at home.
The Vikings are 8-0 in their home stadium this year, and play like no one else when their crowd is backing them. With everyone expecting either a Dallas win or a close contest, bank on exactly the opposite playing out.
Vikings 30, Cowboys 17
For the latest lines on this weekend’s divisional round games, check out our partner SBG Global.
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San Diego will get them next year at home!