Division Round Playoffs - Who Ya Got?

CraigW · Post by **CraigW** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:25 pm

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:
The Wild Card round is over, now it's time to bring on the big boys in each conference for their first playoff games. There are some great potential matchups coming up next weekend. Here's what I think:

NFC
Saints over 49ers
Packers over Giants

I've been harping on Alex Smith's inability to win a big game with his arm for weeks and I think this is where the point gets driven home once again. I just can't see Smith doing enough in the passing game to top the red-hot Drew Brees - even at home.

The Giants are one of the few teams that put up a real fight against Green Bay this season and I think they'll do so again. But ultimately, being at home and being healthy will prove to be the differences for the Packers.

AFC
Patriots over Broncos
Ravens over Texans

It's Brady-Tebow Redux. TV ratings set records the last time these two met and I expect plenty of eyes glued to this game as well. We know by now it's foolish to bet against Tim Tebow, but this is Tom Brady and even with a deplorable defense I think that's all the Pats need to beat the Broncos.

The Ravens-Texans is the one matchup I have little interest in. Baltimore beat Houston earlier this season with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson both at 100%. I can't see the Texans winning in Baltimore with T.J. Yates.

Who do you guys like? Arm and legs today TK!!!! Hate on that....WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:22 am

Hell of a game by Smith. I did not see him besting Drew Brees in a shootout. He played very well and he had to because Brees delivered as expected. This was what I said Alex Smith had to do to win a big game - make big plays in the passing game. He got it done yesterday. That was a great game.

CoMoHusker · Post by **CoMoHusker** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:35 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:
Hell of a game by Smith. I did not see him besting Drew Brees in a shootout. He played very well and he had to because Brees delivered as expected. This was what I said Alex Smith had to do to win a big game - make big plays in the passing game. He got it done yesterday. That was a great game. Tom, do you think that with Smith's performance yesterday the 49ers will bring him back on a multi year deal? He has clearly had his struggles and up until his improved play this year, had never justified being the #1 pick seven years ago. In his defense, he has had a different OC each year and marginal talent in most years at the WR position. With that being said, as a 49ers fan, I'm not sure how I feel about Alex Smith long term.

He did play an amazing game yesterday though!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:39 am

I'm not sure what to think of him long-term either. I can't say I totally trust him even after what he did against the Saints. Nearly every QB in the NFL can pull a big game out of their behinds at one time so the fact Smith did it doesn't mean he's definitely the guy long-term. I think we'll learn a lot about Smith next week against the Packers or Giants. If he plays well again, even in defeat, I think the Niners have to commit to him. I think they probably will anyway but if it was me, I'd feel better doing it if he delivered two quality playoff games in a row.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:46 am

Davis' TD catch was very reminiscent of the game-winner Terrell Owens made to beat the Packers in the 1998 playoffs. That turned out to be Mike Holmgren's final game as Green Bay's head coach. As was the case yesterday, the team many expected to win (Green Bay) was playing on the road and had the lead late only to be bested by the 49ers. One of the differences was TO had played a horrible game up to that point, dropping several passes. But Darren Sharper blew the coverage on the TD and Owens made the big catch.

I was covering the Packers at that time and my reaction in the Candlestick press box then was similar to the one I had in my living room yesterday. Complete shock. Never saw TO and the Niners winning that game just like I didn't see Smith and the Niners winning yesterday.

That really was an end to an era in Green Bay. Holmgren left after that season and the Packers didn't get back to an NFC Title Game for nearly a decade. I doubt we'll see any regression with the Saints. They remain an offensive juggernaut. They just need to make some significant improvements to their defense in the offseason.

[ January 15, 2012, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: Tom Kessenich ]

BLACKHAND · Post by **BLACKHAND** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 4:29 am

Originally posted by THE_BLACKHAND:
quote:Originally posted by The Franchise:
Every road team has a shot in winning this week, but I actually think Houston and the Saints will be the only ones to pull it off. love the ravens this week. they are a different tam at home. i hope the saints win BUT when 8 out of ten pick the saints it makes me nervous. line opened at 3.5 saints. 49ers get no respect. [/QUOTE]ALWAYS HAPPENS.when everyone goes one way , most of the time the bookies win. line went to 4.5 half hour b4 kickoff. everyone was on saints.