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HTTN’s predictions on the second week of NFL playoff action

-written by Geoff Lowe

Wild-Card weekend lived up to its name: the Giants shut out the Falcons’ offense, Drew Brees scorched the Lions’ defence and the Texans ran over the Bengals.

As for Tebow…

That must have been a miracle.

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

This game features the league’s best offense, arguably ever, against one of the most stifling defenses the NFL has seen in years.

The Saints will need to run the ball effectively. New Orleans’ ground game made Drew Brees’ job easier last week, contributing 167 yards and three touchdowns against the Lions’ defense. If the Saints do that again and they’ll win.

But it’s not going to be that easy this time: San Fran allowed only 77 yards per game on the ground and only three rushing touchdowns all season. If the 49ers are able to shut down the Saints’ run game, they’ll have a shot at winning this game.

I don’t see it happening. New Orleans is favoured by four in this game and I’ll take the points.

New Orleans – 27
San Francisco – 20

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

There is no doubt what happened in Denver on Sunday afternoon was awesome. But I have to retract my previous statement: it wasn’t a miracle.

The Steelers were hurting on both sides of the ball, Roethlisberger was clearly struggling on that injured ankle and the absence of safety Ryan Clark on defense decided that game.

What the Broncos will face on Saturday night is a different beast entirely. New England’s offense, like the Saints’, is one of the best ever: the team is averaging almost 430 yards a game on offense and Tom Brady is having his best season since 2007.

If Denver wants any chance at stopping the Pats, they’ll need to pressure Brady. Getting in his face is the only way they’ll slow him down.

If they do that, Tebow will do the rest.

But I just can’t pick them — I’m going to take New England and the 14 point spread.

Denver Broncos – 21
New England Patriots – 38

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

In this game the defense and rushing game will shine.

Houston ranked second overall defensively this season, allowing only 286 yards a game and Baltimore fell in right behind, allowing 289.

Houston had the 2nd best running game in the league. They averaged 153 yards on the ground per game while the Ravens ranked 10th with almost 125 a game.

There’s no doubt this game will be gritty. But let’s be frank, the outcome will depend on Joe Flacco. Flacco regressed this season, falling in all major quarterback categories compared to last 2010:

● Total touchdowns (20 in 2011, 25 in 2010)
● Interceptions (12 in 2011, 10 in 2010)
● Quarterback rating (83.9 in 2011, 93.6 in 2010)
● Passing percentage (57.6 in 2011, 62.6 in 2010)

If the Ravens want to win this game, Flacco cannot make mistakes. He doesn’t need to win it alone but he must throw accurately and not turn the ball over.

Even though Flacco is inconsistent, the Ravens will win, but they won’t cover the nine point spread.

Houston Texans – 14
Baltimore Ravens – 20

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers

The Giants’ defense is playing out this world: they held the Falcons to only 247 total yards in their 24-2 victory and basically shut them out, as Atlanta’s only points came on a safety.

There’s no doubt that Aaron Rodgers is the league’s best quarterback, but if the Giants defense can pressure him, Eli Manning will get chances to burn the Packers’ defense.

Although they own the league’s best record, the Packers also own the NFL’s worst defense, which allowed more than 410 yards a game. Last time the teams met in week 13 (the Pack won 38-35), Manning threw for 447 yards.

I’m picking the upset and obviously not taking the nine point spread in favour of the Packers.

New York Giants – 27
Green Bay Packers – 24

-Post written by Geoff Lowe, journalism student at the University of King’s College, Halifax (@lowry1721)