NFL Playoff Predictions-- Divisional Round

OK, I'm gonna back off from politics this time.

Time for NFL Playoff Predictions. I love this time of the year!

Saturday's Games:

Seahawks at Packers

I think this is the easiest game to predict. The Packers win easily in Lambeau where they (especially Brett Favre) are so good in the playoffs. They beat the Seahawks 4 years ago here in a close one in OT, but this is a different (and better) Packers team, which is why it won't be close. The Seahawks have a great defense, but over the past 8 weeks, they've played against 7 backup QBs and not the offenses with the caliber of Green Bay's.

Prediction: Packers (31-17)

Jaguars at Patriots

This one will be a tough matchup for the Patriots. The Jags defense overall is very good, which could cause problems for Tom Brady. But their pass defense was obliterated by Ben Roethlisberger last week, so expect Tom Brady and his cadre of dynamic receivers to pick apart the Jags' pass defense. Remember this too: Tom Brady is 6-0 at home during the playoffs.

Prediction: Patriots (34-21)

Sunday's Games:

Chargers at Colts

The Chargers have a good track record against the Colts in recent years. They beat them at home this year and ended their undefeated streak in 2005 in Indy. But I think Indy takes this one, considering how San Diego played last week. They didn't score much until later in the game, which the Chargers can't afford to do against Indy's dynamic offense that starts off strong. In the game earlier this year where San Diego barely beat Indianapolis, it should be noted that Indy didn't have Marvin Harrison. They will this time. That's an advantage the Bolts won't be able to overcome even with a strong defensive performance.

Prediction: Colts (34-14)

Giants at Cowboys

This will be a close game that will be fought to the end. The Giants are near perfect this season on the road, with their only loss coming ironically to the Cowboys in a high-scoring affair in Dallas back in Week 1. But this is a different Giants team, the one that almost shattered the Patriots' dream of a perfect regular season. Dallas has all the stars on offense-- Romo at QB, Crayton and Owens (though will he play?) at WR, Witten at TE, and Jones and Barber at RB. It's the Cowboys' talent versus the Giants' momentum. TMy hunch is that the Giants pull off the upset. Dallas hasn;t played well as of late and momentum going into the playoffs is critical and often the difference-maker.

Prediction: Giants (27-24)