New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens
If Brady were playing, I wouldn’t think twice, but alas, he’s out for this round. The Ravens have an elite defense with headlined by the big names of MLB Ray Lewis, FS Ed Reed, and CB Chris McAlister. They might have a rookie QB but I think it’s a low scoring affair and RB Jamal Lewis helps grind this one out after a couple of forced turnovers by the home team. Ravens move on to the next round.
Ravens 17, Patriots 13
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Raiders are red hot, winning their last 6 games to propel them into the playoffs, including a week 17 victory over the Jags. Although Raiders HB Casey Moore went off with 190 yards with 2 TDs in that matchup, Jags’ HB Fred Taylor is clearly the better back, and I think it’s his turn this time around. I also believe the Jacksonville defense better limits the big plays (2 70-yard TDs given up last game) and 2nd round WR Maurice Mann makes a splash play of his own as well after that disappointing 2 catch, 15 yards performance at Oakland.
Jaguars 30, Raiders 23
Carolina Panthers @ St. Louis Rams
It appears both teams will just end up fodder for the divisional round opponent, primarily due to the loss of starting QB Kurt Warner and WR Torrey Holt of the Rams, two elite players in the PTF. Backup QB Marc Bulger has been meh but it was still enough to win 4 of the last 5 games and win the West. I believe having high AWR veterans like HB Marshall Faulk, WR Derrick Mason and LT Orlando Pace(who I would slide to RT for Julius Peppers as it’s free) will prove especially valuable for the postseason. If newly acquired WR Santana Moss makes a big play, I think they take it easily.
Rams 27, Panthers 13
Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys
Of course Apolo goes from one of the worst if not the worst roster in the league to playoff berth the following season. I’m pretty sure it’s witchcraft behind it all. That being said, I believe the difference will be the matchups between Dallas’ secondary and the Packers’ elite WR trio. Edge to Green Bay, despite the elite year CB Ray Buchanan is having. Losing WR Joe Horn is going to show up here vs the Pack as I don’t think anyone left if worthy of WR2. Dallas’ best chance comes with vet HB Corey Dillon getting the starting nod and controlling the clock to win with their defense. I don’t think it happens though. Favre goes up early and they’re playing catch up, erasing that strategy.
Packers 23, Cowboys 17
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