What a fantastic bunch of nailbiters we had last weekend!
Here is a recap:
Indy edges KC in a thriller 45-44.
New Orleans tops Philly with a last-second field goal 26-24.
San Diego throttles Cinci 27-10.
And San Francisco outlasts Green Bay 23-20.
Next up, we have New Orleans at Seattle and Indianapolis at New England on Saturday, followed by San Francisco at Carolina and San Diego at Denver on Sunday.
Game #1: New Orleans at Seattle
Throw the regular season contest, in which Seattle crushed New Orleans 35-7, right out the window. The Saints learned their lesson from that lopsided affair, practicing all week with wet ball drills, overwhelming piped-in noise, and a Seahawks logo painted on their practice field, in order to emulate the atmosphere of Century Link Field. This promises to be a very different game, but it's tough to pick against a talented, well-rested team like the Seahawks. Nevertheless, I will.
My prediction: New Orleans 29, Seattle 20.
Game #2: Indianapolis at New England
New England very rarely loses at home, but I believe in Andrew Luck and his rare athletic gifts. I also believe the Colts are just the right team to exploit the Patriots' banged-up defense.
My prediction: Indianapolis 31, New England 28.
Game #3: San Francisco at Carolina
Carolina just got by San Francisco in their regular season meeting 10-9. It should be a similarly low-scoring defensive struggle, with the Panthers' defense the stronger of the two units.
My prediction: Carolina 17, San Francisco 10.
Game #4: San Diego at Denver
The Chargers shocked the Broncos in week 15, but the Broncos have had two entire weeks to game-plan for them. Even taking into account Peyton Manning's spotty post-season record (eight one-and-dones), I like his chances here.
My prediction: Denver 35, San Diego 24.