Western New York Sports Minds: NFL Playoffs: AFC/NFC Divisional Round

After an exciting first week of playoffs, we find ourselves in the divisional match ups. I was 4/4 in my picks last week, so luckily I can use my original bracket. Lets see if my bracket holds up this week!

My regular season picks record: 162-94

AFC Divisonal Round

Baltimore Ravens @ Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning

As everyone saw last week, Anquan Boldin should be a high priority on the scouting reports against the Ravens. The man is a gamer and makes some of the toughest catches in key moments. With Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter (if he is active) at cornerbacks, I wouldn't expect this to happen. Denver's defense has a great pass rush and overall makes plays. Match that up with Peyton Manning and the chemistry he has developed in his offense, and I believe this may over power the Ravens and become Ray Lewis' last game. Not to mention Joe Flacco looks rattled when he plays on the road, although he has won a good amount of playoff games. The key for the Ravens is to get the ball to Ray Rice. Of course the Ravens have the experience to win this football game, but I give the Broncos edge especially because Manning has beaten them in his last nine match ups with them.

Broncos: 31-23

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski

Now I realize the Texans got spanked in the last matchup between these teams, but I don't see it turning out that way this time (as bad at least). Tom Brady has run an aggressive pass first offense for many years, but the Patriots have been different this year. They have run the ball very well on top of their elite passing game. As long as the Patriots shut down the dynamic play makers for the Texans again, I see another win for the Pats. However, once again don't let JJ Watt get too involved or things can get ugly quick.

Patriots: 34-24

NFC Divisional Round

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons

Russell Wilson

When I picked my original bracket, this was the toughest game for me to pick. I just have a feeling about the Seahawks in this game. Although the Falcons have two big time receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Seahawks have two big and physical corners Brandon Browner, and Richard Sherman to contain them. Now don't get me wrong, Matt Ryan is a very good quarterback and also has the best tight end in history to throw to, Tony Gonzalez. But Seattle has shown they can beat tough opponents. I am not basing my decision on this, but we all know the Falcons tend to fold under pressure with Matt Ryan in the playoffs. Rookie Russell Wilson comes into this game with more playoffs wins than Ryan. But the Seahawks have proven to have an explosive offense especially when Marshawn Lynch gets productive yards throughout the game. The Falcons have definitely improved in their secondary and can have an explosive offense at anytime as well. I might be in over my head on this one, but I'm taking the Seahawks on the road.

Seahawks: 27-26

Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

This was another tough decision. Green Bay and San Francisco put together a good game when they played in the first week with an end result of a 30-22 49ers victory. San Francisco defines an elite defense with players like Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Justin Smith and Aldon Smith. However, Justin Smith has been out with partially torn triceps, which is very crucial to the success Aldon Smith has had this year with 19.5 sacks. Justin is probable for the game but who knows if he will be as much of a threat or cause as many double teams as usual. The Packers are an offensive machine although they really don't have a running game right now. Aaron Rodgers took many sacks this year and still had a very productive season. Not to mention he has the best road quarterback rating in NFL history. I can see the Packers pulling this one out.

Packers: 28-24

Things to look forward to if these predictions hold up...