2012-13 Picks - NFL - Divisional Playoffs (Sunday)

It’ll be tough to live up to the standards of excitement of Saturday’s games, but the Falcons and Seahawks are more closely matched than many believe. And in the late game, the Texans will likely come out swinging which should make for a compelling start. The story lines that may be the result of these games though is pretty compelling. Pats v. Broncos? Seahawks v. 49ers? Lets roll.

Sunday, January 13

Seattle @ Atlanta | 12:00 pm CT
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of another 13-win season. Matt Ryan has got weapons all over the field and a fairly strong offensive line to protect him. Their biggest offense weapons, Jones and White are both deep threats and Ryan has the arm to put it there. But if there’s a secondary that can hold their own against them, it’s the Legion of Doom of the Seahawks. This team is dangerous because of its ‘chip on the shoulder’ mentality – and Russell Wilson. At the end of the day Falcons have something to prove this year, I just don’t buy what they’re selling.

My Pick: Seahawks

Houston @ New England | 3:30 pm CT
The Texans were embarrassed by the Pats on Monday Night Football earlier this year. It was ugly. Not to mention, the Pats were without their star TE, Rob Gronkowski. The balance on offense for the Patriots this year is back, and their defense has been creating turnovers. But the Texans are a little ticked off at how little of a shot they’ve been given against the Belichick / Brady combination. Will they have enough steam to power through 4 quarters in Foxboro? Probably not.

My Pick: Patriots

Thanks for reading!