NFL Playoff Picks; Divisional Round

Last week's wild card round picks were about the number two for me.  I went 2-2 and learned two things.

One is never bet against Andrew Luck, even when he's down 28 points in the third quarter against one of the best defenses in the league while missing his top wide receiver.  Luck has officially been added to the "never pick against him" list, joining Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Aaron Rodgers.

The other thing I learned from last week, never bet on the Bengals.  No matter how talented their players are they will always be the Bungals.  It's been 24 years since their last playoff victory.

Overall this season I am 169-90, a 65% winning percentage.  Here are my picks this week.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks win.  It's well documented that Drew Brees isn't the same player and the Saints aren't the same team on the road and in the elements.  It's also well documented how great the Seahawks are at home.  Seattle wins comfortably.

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: Patriots win.  Two great quarterbacks face off that no one should ever bet against.  You have to pick against one and even though the Patriots are plagued with more injuries than the Colts I just can't go against Tom Brady at home in the playoffs against a second year QB.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers: 49ers win.  This will be the most physical contest of the weekend.  Both defenses are dominant and both QBs play a similar style.  I'm giving this to the 49ers based on experience and the 49ers having better offensive weapons.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Broncos win.  The Chargers have the Broncos number and it's cold outside so Peyton might not play as well.  The Chargers are hot, but this isn't the Bengals they face this week.  This is Peyton in the playoffs at home trying to cement his legacy during his historic season.  Broncos win, even if Philip Rivers wears the bolo tie.

My winning percentage suggests I'll go 3-1 this week, but you never know at this time of year.  And in my Pick 'Em league I'm up 8 games, there's only 7 left, so I clinched the title meaning I really don't mind my opponents reading this.  Good luck.