RealGM Football: The Red Zone - Divisional Playoff Predictions

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Divisional Playoff Predictions

Authored by Andrew Perna - 10th January, 2006 - 1:23 am

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Last week?s Wild Card predictions didn?t go quite as well as planned. After one round of playoff action my record stands at a respectable 2-2. The Patriots and Panthers prevailed as I predicted, while the Redskins and Steelers made me regret my picks of the Buccaneers and the Bengals.

Oh von Oelhoffen.

I?m hoping for a winning record this week as I predict the outcomes for this weekends Divisional playoff match-ups. Picking the winners of these games will only get harder as the playoffs go on, but I feel pretty confident about these selections.

Washington Redskins (10-6) at Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

With Hasselbeck and Alexander on offense the Seahawks will be hard-pressed to lose this Saturday. Seattle is 8-0 at home, while Washington is a dreary 4-4 on the road this season. I was surprised the Redskins were able to eliminate the Buccaneers last week, but the Seahawks are a different caliber of football team. While both Gibbs and Holmgren will have their troops will prepared, Holmgren has the better playmakers.

Prediction: Seahawks 28, Redskins 17

New England Patriots (10-6) at Denver Broncos (13-3)

The Patriots have not been given the credit they deserve this season. While they had the fewest wins of any playoff team, they also faced the most adversity. Tom Brady kept the team afloat while key components of both their offense and defense where being carted off the field. Denver?s only chance to win this game would be if Jake Plummer had a career-day, and against New England?s experienced defense I just don?t see that happening.

Prediction: Patriots 24, Broncos 13

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) at Indianapolis Colts (14-2)

In the past I would have questioned Indianapolis?s defense and their ability to come through in the clutch. Their 13-0 start, which included a 26-7 win over these Steelers, has changed many people?s perception of the once soft Colts. Not only is their offense leaps and bounds above Pittsburgh?s, but their defense is superior as well. The Colts will cruise in this one setting up a historic battle against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Prediction: Colts 35, Steelers 17

Carolina Panthers (11-5) at Chicago Bears (11-5)

No disrespect to the Bears and their incredible defense, but the Panthers have always been a team who takes their play to another level in the postseason. Steve Smith and DeShaun Foster are game breakers on offense, while guys like Chris Gamble and Julius Peppers will pace the Panthers on defense. The Bears are sending several defenders to the Pro Bowl, and have Brian Urlacher who was named the NFL?s top defender last week. However, it?s Carolina?s superior offense that will be the difference in this one. Tough game, but the Panthers will head the NFC title game.

Prediction: Panthers 13, Bears 10

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