The Crystal Ball, Divisional Weekend

It's divisional playoff weekend... and after looking at these games, I've decided flipping a coin might be just as useful when it comes to prognosticating the outcomes.

Yes, there are four very intriguing match-ups this weekend.  Here's where That Damn Sam picks 'em all wrong...

Saturday's games

New Orleans 24

San Francisco 27

Over the Christmas holiday, my father-in-law asked me who I thought was going to play in the Super Bowl.  I bravely (or stupidly) answered, "Niners and Patriots."  So it's time to man-up and stick with that prognostication.  I am more convinced than ever that defense wins championships and San Francisco has got one of the best in the league.  But is it good enough to beat the Saints?  Hey, I've doubted the Niners all year long and they keep proving me wrong.  Why stop now?

Denver 17

Patriots 51

And just like that, Tim Tebow is overrated, he doesn't belong in the NFL and Denver needs to find a "real" quarterback next fall.  That's what the talking heads are going to be flapping their jaws about on Monday morning, because you're not allowed to have bad game - especially if you're Tim Tebow.  I think the magic comes to an end Saturday evening.  Josh McDaniels knows Tebow as well as anyone and will help Bill Belichick dismantle him.  Denver's defense will have no answer to Brady, Welker, Hernandez, Gronkowski and Deion Branch - who always seems to play his best in the post-season.


Sunday's games

Houston 29

Baltimore 21

Football is all about resiliency, and Houston has been the epitome of the word this season.  One starter goes down, the next in line steps up and plays lights out.  It's a team effort and I just have a vibe about Houston.  I know the Ravens beat the Texans earlier this season, but beating a team twice in one season is difficult to do, especially a team with the kind of talent Houston has.  Houston has a very underrated defense and if Andre Johnson and Arian Foster stay healthy, I think Houston wins this one.  

NY Giants 28

Green Bay 31

I am sooooooo tempted to take the Giants in this one.  Oh, Temptress, leave thy presence!  The Giants are getting hot at the right time, but I still don't think they can catch lightning in a bottle twice.  I think this will be a very entertaining game to watch, and I won't be shocked if the Giants actually win.  Besides, I despise the Packers.  Always have.  Always will.  And I hate that I'm picking them to win.  But I am.