Divisional Playoff Weekend

We don’t keep score in the playoffs, good thing because we earned the Golden Sombrero against the spread. Anything can happen in the playoffs and this week’s slate should prove to be no different.

New Orleans

-3.5

At San Francisco

47.5

What happens when an ultra-hot offense meets a rock-tough defense? This should be a great challenge for both teams as the football world will learn whether defenses still win championships in this pass-happy era in the NFL. The Saints have a distinct advantage in the fact that they’ve been to the tournament for several years in a row and are coming off of another big win at home. Can they duplicate the same feat on the road, under the sky and against a top-notch defense?

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 24, San Francisco 20

At New England

-13.5

Denver

50.5

For starters, forget that outrageous line. The Patriots usually need a quarter-plus before waking up. These teams met in Denver not long ago and the Broncos took it to the Patriots in the first quarter. Since that game, the Pats’ excuse for a defense allowed Miami and Buffalo big leads before the offense got cranking. After last week’s overtime thriller in Denver, Tebow can no longer be considered as a one-dimensional player. That touchdown pass to Thomas was right on the money. The Patriots ought to hope that Denver’s offense plays a conservative game otherwise Tebow may burn that porous secondary.

Projected Final Score: New England 31, Denver 23

At Ravens

-7.5

Houston

36

This game ought to be a low-scoring hard-nosed tussle between two very good defenses. The Texans blew Cincinnati off the field last week as Son of Bum’s defense really rose to the occasion and the offense (led by a third-string rookie) chipped in with some timely plays. Obviously, the question is how well they will fare against the mighty Ravens’ defense. On the other side of the coin, how much progress can Flacco make against a cohesive defense? The answer probably lies in the Ravens’ offense, which is better and more balanced.

Projected Final Score: Ravens 23, Houston 17

At Green Bay

-7.5

NY Giants

52.5

The last time these teams met at Lambeau the G-Men prevailed in overtime of Ice Bowl II. Conditions for this game should not be as severe, which inures to the benefit of Rodgers and the Packers’ passing game.  The Giants’ D simply put forth a tremendous effort last week against Atlanta. The Pack’s O-Line is banged up and this may enable the Giants’ vaunted pass rush to have an equal degree of success. And don’t overlook Eli and the offense. They are well-balanced with the run and the pass.  The Giants are peaking at the right time and are hardly intimidated by the prospect of going to Lambeau and taking out the Packers. This game should be a really tough test for the Packers.

Projected Final Score: Green Bay 28, NY Giants 24