NFC Divisional Round Predictions: Saints/49ers and Giants/Packers
By Blake Lovell
We’re only a few days away from divisional round action in the 2012 NFL Playoffs, which of course means that it’s time for us to make our predictions!
First up, we hit the NFC matchups. Let’s get to it!
SATURDAY
#3 New Orleans Saints at #2 San Francisco 49ers – 4:30 PM ET, FOX
Josh Sanchez – We’ve got one of the most prolific offenses going against a stingy, well-coached defense. This has the makings of an impressive chess match. The Saints will have to overcome traveling across the country, but I don’t expect it to be a problem. The Saints have been there before and they are really rolling. San Francisco has been impressive this season, but Harbaugh has gotten the team as far as he can in year one. Brees will not light up the box score like he has in the past, but I fully expect him to lead the Saints on to the NFC Championship.
Prediction: Saints 24, 49ers 10
Blake Lovell – No one expected the Niners to be in this position this early under Jim Harbaugh, but they’ve proven time and time again this season that they have what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they’re going up against a Saints team that is scoring points at will right now. Had the Saints struggled with the Lions last weekend, I might have given the Niners more of a chance. It should still be a good game since it’s in San Francisco, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Harbaugh will have his guys ready. But it’s the Saints move on to the NFC title game.
Prediction: Saints 27, 49ers 20
SUNDAY
#4 New York Giants at #1 Green Bay Packers – 4:30 PM ET, FOX
Josh Sanchez – This game has upset written all over it. In my opinion, the New York Giants are the team to beat in the NFC bracket this postseason. They gave the Packers one of their toughest matchups in the regular season and it has given the team the confidence they need going into this week. The Giants defense should pressure Aaron Rodgers all game and slow down the Packers passing attack. Eli Manning has been playing lights out and should continue as New York pulls off the stunning upset.
Prediction: Giants 17, Packers 13
Blake Lovell – Probably the most interesting matchup of the weekend, in my opinion. The Giants are coming off of a dominant win against the Falcons while the Packers have to worry about rust following a week off. This is going to be the kind of game that goes right now to the wire, and although I love what the Giants have been doing as of late, it’s hard to pick against the defending champions at Lambeau. It comes down to the final drive, and Mason Crosby hits a field goal to win it for the Packers.
Prediction: Packers 20, Giants 17
Well there’s our picks. Now we want to hear what you have to say! Hit us up on our Facebook page and let us know who you think is victorious in this weekend’s NFC matchups.
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