Divisional Weekend

Last week wasn't so good. The experts here at We're In This Thing have a little egg on their faces, as their picks went 1-3 over wild card weekend. However, when at first you don't succeed, just remind Frankie that his Steelers lost to Tebow. I think that's how the idiom goes anyway. Either way, we'll have a good weekend of playoff football ahead of us, and though you may not want to take these picks to Vegas, here's what we see coming this weekend.



Note: If I turn up with black eyes somewhere, it is because Frankie has tracked me down. Do not call the authorities, we'll have sorted it out.

Patriots 30, Broncos 27

Hopefully, we won't see that again. I really don't think the Broncos can stop Tom Brady and the Pats. With Gronkowski and Hernandez leading the charge, the Patriots and their weak defense should be able to sneak by the Broncos. Tebow will still do his thing and Denver will put up more points than their accustomed to, but New England will sit in a cover two with a middle linebacker spy, and not allow the big play. Enough Denver mistakes will be made that the Pats will seize and ultimately turn into the win. I hope Tebow doesn't prove me wrong.

Baltimore 23, Houston 20

The Bengals burned me last week with their turnovers. It would have been a much different game had they held onto the ball a little longer. Baltimore won't make the same mistakes, and they have a much stronger defense. Terrell Suggs will try to get to TJ Yates early and knock him off his game, and though Arian Foster and Ben Tate will still run to their hearts' content, Ray Rice and Joe Flacco will methodically move the ball the other way enough to send the Ravens to the AFC championship.

Green Bay 38, New York 36

Green Bay's defense will do just enough to outlast the Giants. Aaron Rodgers will be hurried all day, but it won't matter too much, as the world will see the discount double-check at least four times on the afternoon. Look, Aaron isn't allowed to lose, especially against Eli Manning. As good as the Giants looked against Matty Ice and the Falcons, the Falcons are not the Packers, and the sheer level of firepower they wield will be enough to keep the Giant defense at bay. It's going to be a close one, but just like their first meeting ended, Aaron will do enough at the end to save the day for cheeseheads everywhere.

San Francisco 24, New Orleans 23

In a matchup for the ages, Alex Smith grows up right before our eyes and defeats Brees and the Saints. But it really won't be Alex, or Frank, or Vernon, or Crabtree, but it will be Patrick, and Aldon, and Justin and company. The 49er defense will show why it has carried this team all season, forcing turnovers that result in points. Brees will have the chance for the last second drive, but Carlos Rogers will jump the out route, and seal the 49er victory. Call me a homer, and I may eat these words on Saturday, but the 49ers will get to the NFC Championship.

Next week, Pitts.... I mean Baltimore @ New England, and San Francisco @ Green Bay.

It's going to be another fun ride this weekend, and I'm sure we'll see a few classics. Be ready.

Song for your listening pleasure, and probably what they should use for every montage ever: