2nd Round of NFL Playoffs: AFC

The playoffs this year have been very intriguing, and in my opinion the best we have had in a long time. Each match up is so unpredictable it is hard to get a handle on which the best team really is.

Denver @ New England:  After last week’s performance from Tim Tebow I think the Broncos have a chance to sneak this one away from the Patriots just like they did against the Steelers. If you watched the game you realize he completed less than 50% of his passes but he had over 300 yards passing! All of those yards were coming off broken plays and play action. You cannot prepare for broken plays they are too unpredictable. A defensive back can only stay with an NFL receiver, one of the most athletic positions in sports, for only so long and even then most of the time you can’t cover them. That is asking way too much for the Patriots defense that was last in the league in almost every category. The only problem I can see hurting the Patriots besides their defense is the offensive line. They are hampered with injuries up front and my not be able to give Brady the allotted time to find his targets. With that being said, I don’t think the Broncos can put up the offensive numbers to keep on pace with New England’s offense. Prediction: Broncos 20, Patriots 31.

Houston @ Baltimore: This will be a show down of two top rated defenses and running attacks. As they clash on Sunday we will see who the “toughest team” in the AFC is.  If the Ravens want to win Ray Rice needs to have over twenty five touches. It does not matter whether they are runs, screens, or swing passes out of the back field as long as he has the ball in his hands, they will be in good shape. Ray Lewis and the defense for the Ravens need to step up like they usually do and have a dominating performance against the run game. On the Texans side they will need to give a steady does of Arian Foster and get the ball to Andre Johnson early and often. If the Texans can keep the defense for the Ravens on their heels by mixing up their game plan with runs and play action at unpredictable times, than it will be in Houston’s hands to either win or lose.                  Prediction: Texans 17, Ravens 24.