NFL picks: Divisional Playoffs Weekend

Last week: 0-4
Season record: 163-85

Wow.  I haven't had that bad of a week picking games than I can remember, but it's very fitting in today's NFL, in one of the strangest seasons in history.  I will say this, though.  Three of the four games were edge-of-your-seat affairs, while the Chargers, the ones who snuck into the playoffs ahead of the Steelers, beat up on the Bengals in a lopsided game that went the exact opposite to what we all (or most of us) thought.  So can I turn things around and go 4-0 this week?  Of course I can!  Let's have at it, and let's look forward to one of the best weekends in NFL football!

New Orleans at Seattle--The Saints know how tall of an order beating Seattle in Seattle is.  They got crushed by them there just a few weeks ago.  But they can thank the Arizona Cardinals for lifting the veil of invincibility, and of course Sean Payton and Rob Ryan will have some tricks up their sleeve this time around.  But that doesn't negate the obvious--the Seahawks are just freakishly talented.  They have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, and frankly, no excuse not to get there.  Seahawks 27, Saints 24

Indianapolis at New England--Leave it to the Chargers to not allow us to have that tasty Colts/Broncos matchup.....well, we might get it in the AFC championship, but probably not.  So instead, we get the upstart Colts going to New England, where oddly enough the forecast is for a low of 42 degrees with rain and wind.  The Colts do not suck, but I don't see them winning against a playoff-seasoned Pats team led by Brady and Hoodie.  Patriots 38, Colts 31

San Francisco at Carolina--The Panthers have had a great season, going 11-1 after the first quarter of the campaign.  Their defense is very Niners-like, and they even beat San Fran in Candlestick 10-9, which gave them instant legitimacy.  Now they have the 2-seed and their reward is to host a very, very hot Niners squad that has their eyes set on a second straight NFC title and Super Bowl berth.  Niners 19, Panthers 16

San Diego at Denver--As much as the Chargers made quick work of the Bengals, Peyton Manning is going to make quick work of Mike McCoy's Chargers.  There really is no denying the Manning vs. Brady Bowl that awaits next weekend.  Broncos 41, Chargers 17