NFL 2008-2009 Divional Playoffs

The NFL is a league that is filled with parity. The same reason that there has only been one team that finished the season undefeated is the reason that there have only been two teams who failed to win a game. As the saying goes, anything can happen on any given Sunday. The best team in the league can be blown out by a team who has yet to win a game. As the wildcard round of the 2008-2009 NFL playoffs is completed, we find that two of the four favored teams were beaten. This week, as we enter the second round of the NFL playoffs, the parity will be at full tilt. All of the teams have faced off at least once this year and all of the home teams won their first game. Here are my predictions for the divisional round of the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens (12-5) @ Tennessee Titans (13-3) (Saturday, January 10^th at 4:30 PM ET on CBS)

When they met in week 5, the Titans pulled out a close one, 13-10. Both teams have similar make ups. Both have strong defenses, good running games, and a passing game that doesn't make many mistakes. Baltimore's defense is one of the leagues best and Tennessee has been missing some of their big name players on defense. Baltimore's committee approach in the backfield and the Titan's Smash and Dash combo will both give the opposing defense fits. At quarterback, the teams have players who are not likely to win the game, but will probably not lose it either, with rookie Joe Flacco starting for the Ravens and Kerry Collins leading the Titans. In the end though, Baltimore's defense will prevail and the Ravens will win 17-10.

Arizona Cardinals (10-7) @ Carolina Panthers (12-4) (Saturday, January 10^th at 8:15 PM ET on FOX)

Earlier this season, in week 8, Arizona lost to the Panthers 27-23. Since then the teams have taken different paths with Carolina's dominant running game powering over opponents while Arizona won just enough games behind veteran Kurt Warner's arm. The Panthers defense has been very stingy while the Cardinals have just outgunned their opponents in most of their wins. In the end, the Panthers' version of Smash and Dash will have a field day and will lead to the Panthers advancing with a 34-27 victory.

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6-1) @ New York Giants (12-4) (Sunday, January 11^th at 1:00 PM ET on FOX)

These division foes met twice already this season, splitting those matchups. In the first meeting in week 10, the Giants won 36-31. However the Eagles got their revenge 20-14 in week 14. When these teams face off again, it will be all too familiar. The Eagles will hope Brian Westbrook will be effective. Donovan McNabb will run for his life (away from the Giants strong rush). The Giants hope to have Brandon Jacobs at full strength and if he is, they plan to ride him to victory. Since Plaxico Burress was sent to the shower, the Giants have struggled in passing and the Eagles have a strong pass rush, meaning Eli Manning won't have a lot of time to make decisions. In the end, the Giants will end the Eagles season with a 24-13 win.

San Diego Chargers (9-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) (Sunday, January 11^th at 4:45 PM ET on CBS)

When they met in week 11, they played to the first ever 11-10 game in league history, although it should have ended 17-10 because of the admittedly botched call on Troy Polamalu's touchdown on the final play of the game. Pittsburgh has struggled on offense which is fortunate for San Diego's terrible defense. Big Ben is questionable after the concussion he sustained in week 17 against Cleveland, but if he plays and they can get something going, the Steelers will be able to move the ball against this defense. The Steelers defense is the best in the league led by defensive player of the year, James Harrison. The Chargers offense has been very good, but without LT running for them, the Steelers will close the curtain on Darren Sproles and win this game 27-19.

In a league that proves each week that games are decided on the field and not on paper, this is one weekend you don't want to miss. There will be a lot of big plays and some excellent defenses on the field and the eventual Super Bowl teams are out there. The parity will show through, but in the end, may the best team win.