Baltimore (13-4) at Pittsburgh (12-4)
I like Baltimore here. I know Pittsburgh won the last game between these two games, and when Baltimore beat Pittsburgh earlier this season it was with Charlie Batch under center, but I just have a hunch on this one. I think Ray Rice is a more dynamic playmaker than Rashard Mendenhall, and I feel as though this one is going to come down to whichever team can be more physical on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball. Each team has its share of defensive playmakers, but it's going to be whatever team that is able to impose their will on offense that will come away the winner. Prediction: Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 17.
Green Bay (11-6) at Atlanta (13-3)
When these two teams met earlier in the year, Atlanta beat the Packers 20-17. Aaron Rodgers threw for 344 yards in that one, but was also the Packers leading rusher with 51 yards. Packers running backs totaled just 26 yards on 11 carries. With the emergence of James Starks last weekend against Philadelphia, the Packers now have the potential to be a threat running the ball as well. If Green Bay's attack can become two-dimensional, they have a real chance of stealing one here. The flipside is that the Falcons just don't lose as home with Matty Ice under center. In the three years that Ryan's been the Falcons quarterback, they've lost just 2 home games that he's started. I think this one is going to be #3 though. James Starks just gives the Packers a new dimension so now Atlanta can't sit back and defend that pass. Prediction: Green Bay 31, Atlanta 24.
Seattle (8-9) at Chicago (11-5)
When these two teams met back in October, Seattle beat the Bears 23-20. Seattle sacked Cutler 6 times, and once for a safety, Mike Williams caught 10 passes for 123 yards, and both Justin Forsett and Marshawn Lynch ran for touchdowns. The Bears meanwhile sputtered on offense getting only 61 yards out of their running game and needing a 4th quarter punt return by Devin Hester just to make it a 3 point game. Meanwhile, the Bears did not get to Matt Hasselbeck all game. The Seahawks are hot right now, but the Bears are out to prove they belong. The clock should strike 12 for the Cinderella Seahawks tomorrow. Prediction: Chicago 28, Seattle 17.
New York Jets (12-5) at New England (14-2)
The last time these two teams met, New England won 45-3. The Jets are not as bad as they showed that not, but I don't know that they're good enough to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. The Patriots just have so many weapons and I don't think the Jets can take all of them away. I know Mark Sanchez beat Peyton Manning and Indianapolis last weekend, but I don't think he's good enough to beat Brady. I know they did it earlier this year, but these aren't the Randy Moss Patriots any more. Prediction: New England 31, New York 19.
2011 Playoff Record: 2-2
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