SB Nation bloggers representing all eight teams still alive in the 2012 NFL playoffs made their picks on the weekend's games.
Jan 14, 2012 - The divisional round of the 2012 NFL playoffs schedule is here and there are four games to be played this weekend. The 49ers host the Saints and the Broncos visit the Patriots on Saturday while Sunday's games feature the Texans vs. Ravens and the Giants vs. Packers.
SB Nation's NFL bloggers representing the eight teams still alive made predictions on all the games and every blogger picked their own team to win. Last week, seven of the eight bloggers picked their team to win.
Here's a look at all the divisional round predictions from SB Nation's NFL bloggers:
Niners Nation: The 49ers offense can get points on the board against the Saints defense, but they will need to prevent big plays by the Saints offense, and also contain them in the red zone. The 49ers have given up big passin games several times this year, but it was usually yards between the 20s ending in field goals. They need to hold the Saints to field goals. The 49ers win 27-23.
Canal Street Chronicles: I don't think this one will be as close as everyone expects. The Saints defense surprises everyone. Saints win 35-10.
Mile High Report: I picked the Broncos to beat the Steelers, so why stop now? It's going to be cold, and while Tom Brady has proven he can play in weather, receivers don't like the cold. I think the Broncos pass rush is in Brady's head a bit as well. The biggest play in Week 15 may have come when the game was already decided - Elvis Dumervil crushed Brady with a 4th quarter sack - a hit that Brady admitted he was feeling days after. If the Broncos can get Brady to play with happy feet, they could get him to make some mistakes. The Broncos run to win - 27-26
Pats Pulpit: The Patriots have the upper hand when it comes to coaching and quarterback play, and you could argue that they have even more on the line considering their three straight playoff losses. The Broncos haven't been the same defensively since losing their leader and "defensive quarterback" Brian Dawkins, and I see the Patriots offense being able to put up some points. Prediction: 31-20 Pats.
Battle Red Blog: I've gone back and forth on this one because I do expect a close, physical, run-heavy, defensive-minded game between these two. I hate to delve into the intangibles, but there's something magical about what Houston's done this year. They've truly rallied together as a team in the face of everything they've had to overcome, and I've come to believe in this team. I do expect their run to continue: Texans 20, Ravens 17.
Baltimore Beatdown: The Ravens should be able to "out-tough" the Texans, with Ray Rice softening up their run defense, while Joe Flacco finds his clutch receivers to keep the chains moving and control the ball and the clock, ultimately pulling away when Yates is forced to throw to play catch-up, which will be out of his comfort zone. Ravens 27-13
Big Blue View: I am expecting a high-scoring game much like the 38-35 victory the Packers got when the teams met in the regular season. Only this time the Giants get the ball last and Eli Manning leads the winning drive. Giants 34, Packers 31.
Acme Packing Company: The Packers offensive line will contain Pierre-Paul well enough that it won't hinder the offense. The receivers sparked by the return of Greg Jennings will lead the offense to another big game performance. Packers 42, Giants 28.
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