Tardy 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview

I meant to make a post featuring my predictions for this year's NFL playoffs, but last week was crazy, and so I am late to the game. Unsurprisingly, Wild Card weekend was insane. Let's just say I was only one for four with my picks for this round (I had Cincinnati over Houston, Pittsburgh over Denver, New Orleans over Detroit, and Atlanta over New York).

As things stand now, here are my predictions from here on out.

AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow may get in a few horrendous albeit miraculous plays in on this terrible New England defense, but he's up against the best QB in the AFC by far in Tom Brady, who will reign supreme.

New England 34, Denver 20

Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans

In spite of Houston's unfortunate quarterback situation, Andre Johnson's triumphant return and Arian Foster's ridiculous numbers against Cincinnati bode well for these playoff virgins. Baltimore is relatively unpredictable and have lost to some terrible teams (like the Jacksonville Jaguars), but their defense and Ray Rice should dominate this particular matchup.

Baltimore 27, Houston 14

NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants

I have a very slight, inexplicable bad feeling about the Packers' chances of making it all the way to the Super Bowl, and perhaps some weaknesses will be revealed in this particular game. BUT, Green Bay was still the best team in the NFL this year, and the nail in the coffin will be something along the lines of Charles Woodson intercepting a misinformed Eli Manning pass and returning it for a touchdown. Also, Aaron Rodgers will be Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay 30, New York 21

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

This year's San Francisco 49ers have played a lot like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, who went all the way to win a Super Bowl with a mediocre quarterback who made minimal mistakes and a historically good defense. However, the Saints are obviously the hottest team in the game, and though there's a chance they may have peaked a little too early, Drew Brees should be way too much for this 49er defense.

New Orleans 27, San Francisco 17

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice will run like crazy, but Tom Brady will do just enough to reach the Super Bowl for the fifth time in his career.

New England 24, Baltimore 21

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints

This season has sort of put the kabosh on the theory that it's very difficult to beat a time twice in any given season. However, this rematch of the 2011 opening day shootout will unsurprisingly be a doozy. I hate to say it, but Darren Sproles will be the difference-maker in a game that I will be sort of shocked if the two teams don't combine for 1,000 yards of total offense. This will be the greatest conference championship game every played.

New Orleans 37, Green Bay 35

SUPER BOWL

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints

Overall, I think the Green Bay Packers deserve to be this year's Super Bowl champs a little more than the New Orleans Saints (they did go 15-1, after all). But, you can't argue with destiny, and though Aaron Rodgers should barely edge out Drew Brees for MVP, Brees is THE GUY right now. He is making zero mistakes, and he also has a few more weapons than Rodgers (albeit Rodgers' are a little more dangerous). None of matters, because in this game, Brees will face a New England defense that will easily surrender to every whim. Sure, Tom Brady should throw up some incredible numbers too, and this should be the highest scoring Super Bowl we've seen in some time. The Patriot D needs to get a lot better, though, if Brady is going to win them one more championship before he retires.

New Orleans 41, New England 34