Divisional Round Preview

Someway, somehow, Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos are advancing to the AFC Divisional Round after an overtime thriller at home. Sure the Steelers were affected by a large amount of injuries, but the fact of the matter is Denver wasn't even supposed to make the playoffs once they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Along with Broncos, the three other teams who had home-field won each of their Wild Card games, a rare occurrence in the NFL Playoffs. There are 4 GREAT games taking place this weekend, and The NFL Report has everything you need to know about the 2012 NFL Divisional Round!

Tom Brady

Saints at 49ers: There is no better way to kick off the NFL Divisional Round then with an intense game between the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers. The Saints are coming off of a dominating win over Detroit at home, and have not lost a game since Week 9. Unfortunately for MVP candidate Drew Brees, his team will not be playing at the Superdome this weekend, where their record is an outstanding 9-0 this year. Instead, they will play in windy San Francisco against the rolling 49ers defense. San Francisco has done extremely well at home, with notable wins coming against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. The Saints have not done very well on the road, losing to mediocre teams whom they should have beaten. However, due to the fact many of the 49ers have never played in a playoff game, the inexperience may come back to haunt them. Quarterback Alex Smith is not considered to be great at his position, so coach Jim Harbaugh must rely heavily on star runningback Frank Gore and the stellar defense as well. The only way the number one offense in New Orleans can defeat the spectacular 49ers defense is if they can finally do well on the road. Otherwise, Drew Brees will fall short of the Super Bowl once again.
Saints over 49ers 24-13
Stand-Out Performance: RB Frank Gore: 80 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD

Broncos at Patriots: Tim Tebow has shocked the world; last Sunday night, he led his Denver Broncos to win over the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steeler in overtime. Many believed his inexperience would lead to a Bronco loss, but he was still able to defeat the defending AFC Champions. The road to the Super Bowl does not get any easier, as they play New England away from home. The last time these two teams faced off, Tim Tebow began by trampling the weak Patriots defense. However, by the end of the 2nd quarter, Tom Brady took over and led his team to 41-23 win on the road. Luckily for Denver, their quarterback was able to pass for 316 yards and 3 total touchdowns against the stellar Steelers defense. Though the Patriots are not known for their defense, I do not expect Tebow to come out slinging for the second game in a row. Foxboro is not an easy place to play in, especially come playoff time. Brady has not won a playoff game since 2007, but I believe that streak will be snapped on Saturday night.
Patriots over Broncos 33-24
Stand-Out Performance: QB Tom Brady: 315 passing yards, 2 passing TD's


Texans at Ravens: There is no better matchup than when a great defense battles a great defense. Though Baltimore may not be as strong as in previous years, veteran linebacker Ray Lewis has led his team to a 12-4 record and a first round bye. Now, Baltimore will play the Houston Texans at home, a team who defeated Cincinnati last weekend. Houston ranks in the top five in nearly ever major defensive category, especially when it comes to yards allowed. Arian Foster is coming off of an extraordinary performance against Cincinnati, with 153 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. However, Ravens running back Ray Rice is one of the best in the league, most likely better than the running back in Houston. Rice ran for 1,365 yards plus 12 rushing touchdowns in the 2011 season, also having 160 total yards when Baltimore played Houston back in Week 6. In this defensive matchup, Ray Rice along with the Baltimore defense will be too much for the Texans, and Baltimore will go on to play in the AFC Championship Game.
Ravens over Texans 20-13
Stand-Out Performance: RB Ray Rice: 135 rushing yards, 2 Rushing TD's


Giants at Packers: Aaron Rodgers. Every football fan dreads the name, for it means the invincible Green Bay Packers are coming to town. The Packers lost just once this season, coming against the mediocre Kansas City Chiefs. The MVP-candidate Aaron Rodgers had a passer rating of 122.5 this season, a single season record. Though the offense has been great, the defense in Green Bay has been absolutely terrible (ranked dead last in points allowed per game). The New York Giants on the other hand are coming off of a great defensive performance, limiting the great Falcons offense to just two points. Quarterback Eli Manning has been great, one of the 10 passers to throw for over 4,000 yards. Wide recievers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Knicks have both done very well, and are two great options for Eli. When it comes to the rushing game, New York has a large advantage with running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, even though they ranked dead last in rushing yards per game in the regular season. The last time these two teams met, Rodgers and the Packers won thanks to a game winning field goal by Mason Crosby. Unfortunately for New York, they must travel to Wisconsin and try to beat the Packers in Lambeau Field. However, I am predicting an upset on Saturday night, and Eli Manning will come out on top.
Giants over Packers 34-30
Stand-Out Performance: QB Eli Manning: 355 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD