NFL picks--Divisional round

Last week: 2-2
Season record: 163-81

This is the best NFL weekend of the year.  Sure, there are only four games, but you're left with the 8 best teams fighting to get to the championship games.  Okay, maybe the Eagles and Chargers and Chiefs would have something to say about the 8 best teams, but at least the Panthers are playing like a playoff caliber team now.  It's really the best weekend because it's all elimination at this point and there are two games Saturday and two on Sunday.  So let's have at it....

Baltimore at New England--Oh, those pesky Ravens.  You gotta believe Bill Belichick and Tom Brady want nothing to do with having to beat them, because they are playing well and Joe Flacco tends to step up in big games.  And Terrell Suggs and that defense are getting back to terrorizing form.  My heart is saying New England but my head keeps telling me otherwise.  The other thing is the Pats have had two weeks to prep.  Not two full weeks of Ravens prep but two weeks.  So my pick is New England but the opposite would not surprise me.  Patriots 31, Ravens 27

Carolina at Seattle--Is there anyone outside of Charlotte that thinks this won't be a home blowout?  Maybe no one inside of Charlotte either.  The Seahawks have given up an average of 6.5 points per game for the last six games.  That's an amazing statistic, and frankly I think the only chance Carolina has of scoring points will be on defense or off of turnovers.  Seahawks 20, Panthers 3

Dallas at Green Bay--It's been frigid here in Wisconsin, so it could be Ice Bowl 2.  Regardless, there are interesting story lines here.  Will the refs be super careful to not try to favor Dallas?  Will Aaron Rodgers' calf limit his ability to scramble?  Will the Packers be able to stop DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo, the latter of which has decided to stop throwing interceptions this year?  Will Dallas be able to stop that high octane offense?  This is another game where I think one team will win but I wouldn't be surprised either way.  Packers 34, Cowboys 31

Indianapolis at Denver--You have to love the fact that Peyton Manning has to beat his former team in order to reach the championship round, his first playoff game against the Colts.  Chuck Pagano is a great coach and of course Andrew Luck is a budding superstar, but let's face it--there is no way Manning loses this game.  Broncos 35, Colts 17