NFL Divisional Playoff weekend

[Ray Barnes]

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers - I don't really know what to predict on this game. In spite of amassing 636 yards at home against the Lions, it was a close game until into the 4th quarter. The weather forecast is good. The official line is Saints by 3. The 49ers have not had a playoff game for awhile, and their regular season success against mostly a very weak NFC West Division is no guarantee of playoff results. I'll take the Saints in a close game.

Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots - I haven't seen many giant killers achieve repeat success in one post season. The Patriots have not won a playoff game since their perfect run to the Super Bowl ended on Feb. 4, 2008 with the Giants and some miraculous plays. After failing to make the playoffs, and losing to the Ravens and the Jets (not necessarily in chronological order), I think they are due for a win. Due to the Pats' defensive problems, combined with Tebow having nothing to lose, it should be a close game.

Houstan Texans at Baltimore Ravens - Last week, the Texans' rookie quarterback prevailed over the Bengals' rookie counterpart. They have a much tougher job against the stingy and very tough Raven defence. I like the Ravens - and this could become the most lopsided game of the weekend.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers - The forecast calls for partly cloudy and temperatures in the high 20s with little wind. Dissapointing. The Giants are playing well, and fully deserved their win last weekend, but the defence will have its hands full with Aaron Rogers. This could turn out like the Packers game against the Lions. I'll take the Packers by 7 points.

Last weekend 2-2.

[Ray Barnes]

Part of the reason why I am rooting for the Packers is because I am not looking forward to the prospect of an NFC Championship game being played in either San Francisco or New Orleans. If I were in charge, this game would be played in Green Bay, regardless of which teams were on the field. I would also reserve the right to delay the game in the event of clement weather.

[Glenn E.]

in the event of clement weather.

[Ray Barnes]

The latest heard on local sports talk radio is the game time temp in Green Bay will be 24F with a wind chill value of 17F. That's looking a little more like it.

[Glenn E.]

I just ain't the frozen tundra unless the tundra is actually frozen!