Divisional Round 2011

So, here are the picks for this weekends playoff games.

Saints over 49ers. The spread is 3.5, in favor of the Saints and I would take the Saints.
Reasoning -- at the very least, the Saints will win by a touchdown. They say offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. That principle has had a lot of influence on the picks this week, because several of these match ups show a heavily offensive team with a heavily defensive one. Regardless, I think the Saints offense is too much for the 49ers defense in this case. Saints by a touchdown.

Patriots over Broncos. The spread is 13.5 in favor of the Patriots. I want to say Denver will beat the spread.
Reasoning -- Tim Tebow. If he can continue the upward trend, he has a chance to keep this game close. The defense will have to play better than they did in the last meeting. Remember, Denver owned the first quarter last time. They did fall apart, but they showed they have the potential. Don't be surprised if Denver wins this one -- the Patriots haven't won a playoff game since 2007.

SUNDAY GAMES
Ravens over Texans. The spread is 9, in favor of the Ravens. Take the Ravens. TJ Yates is going to have a long day.
Reasoning -- The Ravens are playing at home. They're strongest there. TJ Yates is a rookie quarterback, who has definitely impressed me, but he's still a rookie. He's got a lot of learning to do here, and it's not going to be pretty. With a week off, Baltimore is rested and prepared for this.

Giants over Packers. The spread is the Packers favored by 8. Take the Giants.
Reasoning -- Remember 2007. Please. This Giants team reminds me so much of that one. Yes, the Packers are an offensive powerhouse. But the Giants can bring the pressure like no one else in the NFC. I would not be surprised to see them win, as they almost did in week 13. So, I'm just going to go out on a limb and pick them. Sorry, Packers nation.