Saturday January 7, 2012

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans
In a potential battle of rookie QB's I am inclined to lean towards the team with the better running game and defense as well as home turf. Houston gets that check in each category but I think Andy Dalton is special and he proves it this week. The Bengals are relatively healthy and come into Houston with absolutely no pressure which is the perfect combo for an upset. Bengals 20 Texans 13.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints
The last time the Saints played a playoff game they could not stop a very average Seahawks offense. They were on the road last year, this year they are home. Big difference. The record breaking Saints passing offense should muster up more than enough fire power to handle a Lions D that gave up 6 touchdown passes to the Packers backup QB. Saints 40 Lions 27.

Sunday January 8, 2012

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
The Giants have all the momentum in the world with a hot QB and the comfy confines of their home field. Easy win for the Giants right? Nope. Matt Ryan is poised to finally breakout in the playoffs and the vulnerable Giants defense is ripe for the picking. Falcons 31 Giants 28.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are home underdogs and virtually no one gives them a prayer to win this game. I think they have more than a prayer, they have a Tebow. On defense the opportunistic Broncos will take advantage of a hobbled Roethlisberger at QB and force turnovers to put the most scrutinized QB in NFL history in position to make plays in the biggest game of his life. It's Tebow time. Broncos 22 Steelers 17.