NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions

AFC

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots

The Jaguars come into this match-up after a big win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. The Jaguars dominated most of the game with the dual rushing attack of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, but gave up an eighteen point lead in the fourth quarter. However, late in the fourth quarter, the Jaguars were able march down the field to set up a field goal to win the game, with the help of a fourth down scramble by David Garrard. Although the Patriots have not looked great their last few games, they have found a way to win, and were able to finish the perfect season. In this game, look for Jacksonville to continue to run the ball, and if the weather is bad, the Jags will gain a big advantage. Although the Jaguars have a chance in this game, the Patriots are going to win this game because of their tremendous passing attack of Tom Brady and Randy Moss, as well as their dominant defense.

San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts

The San Diego Chargers were able to defeat the Tennessee Titans in their first round game. Although they won, their weakness was shown; stop the run and make them pass. The Titans were able to shut down LaDainian Tomlinson, thus forcing them to pass, and quarterback Phillip Rivers had a very spotty performance. The Chargers were able to seal the victory when Tomlinson leaped into the end zone in the fourth quarter. The Colts have had a somewhat quite year, flying under the radar, which may be a good thing. With a healthy Marvin Harrison, the Colts air assault led by Peyton Manning will be back in full force and tough to stop. The Chargers may be the hottest team in the NFL, besides the Patriots, but Indianapolis will win this game because of their ability to put points on the board.

NFC

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

After New York was able to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they look to upset another team. Giants quarterback Eli Manning had a great game against the Bucs, and was able to win his first playoff game. Now that the pressure is off him, look for Eli to have another stellar game. On the other end of the spectrum, Tony Romo, the Cowboys quarterback, has not looked great, possibly because of romance with pop star Jessica Simpson. This isn't the only problem the Cowboys face; top wide receiver Terrell Owen may be sidelined due to an ankle injury. Look for the Giants to continue their playoff run, by exploiting Dallas' problems.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers

The Seahawks had the most decisive victory in the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Washington Redskins by twenty one points. They go into Green Bay with a tough task; defeating the great Brett Favre in the playoffs, and this task is especially hard due to the fact that Favre is coming out of his best season, even at the age of 38. Even though Seattle's quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is having great year as well, he will have to face the great Packers secondary, and will need help from struggling running back Shawn Alexander to lighten the load. In this game, the Packers will come away with a win over the visiting Seahawks because of the balance they have both on offense and defense.