NFL Playoff Predictions: The Divisional Round (Saturday's Games)

Here is a brief analysis of the games to be played today:


Baltimore (#6) at Tennessee (#1) - 4:30PM EST

With two teams that will match up well, I think this will prove to be the toughest game for either team to win. Both are mirror images of each other. Efficient offenses with a "grind it out" running game with tough stingy defenses may make for a low score.

Both defensive teams like to "three and out" the opposition's offense. Both can create turnovers, give their offenses' great field position, and can even score at times. The key in this game will be field position. Both teams do not like to give up long drives, so a short field will be necessary for the team that wants to put points up.

My heart is with Tennessee, but my head is with Baltimore. Nevertheless, I do not count out the Titans to pull this one out. The Ravens have one of the best defenses I have ever seen in my years of watching football. But the Titans have the home field and their fans are ecstatic. The rest will be up to the players to play the game of their lives, and send Baltimore home to watch the rest of the playoffs. Tennessee must play hard and physical to win.


Arizona (#4) at Carolina (#2) - 8:00PM EST

The pressure is on the Cardinals in this one. Arizona's style of offense is based on the pass and QB Kurt Warner must have a good game, plus he's going to need to some help from the RB committee this team likes to use. Edgerrin James is fresh, from his lack of handing the ball during the regular season, so there's always the chance he can contribute. The problem with this is, Carolina's stingy defense is good at stopping the run.

Arizona's defense must also step back up tonight, they must play as well (if not better) than they did last week against Atlanta. The defensive game plan should be similar, because the Falcons and the Panthers both have similar offensive schemes. Like Tennessee and Baltimore, they have good running games and use ball control as a means to move the ball.

The outcome of this game should be decided by who plays their game best. Putting pressure on Warner is essential and covering receivers is imperative. WR Anquan Boldin is questionable and this is going to hurt Arizona. This means the Carolina secondary can focus more on Larry Fitzgerald, who has the ability to catch difficult passes when he is covered one-on-one.

Because I am an old man, I like it when old guys like Warner do well. For this reason, my heart in this one is with Arizona. But my head is with the Panthers. They are at home and I think they are much too strong and physical to lose this one.