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Normally we don't make predictions in regards to other NFL games, but considering this is the first weekend that we're sitting in our offseason bath robes, we figure it will be a good battle of debates and wills between our readers. So let's get to our first set of games this Saturday.
New Orleans Saints At The San Francisco 49ers |
Though the Saints are 0-4 on the road during their playoff history (Bengals are a league-worst 0-5 on the road in the postseason), not including neutral sites, it's hard to go against a New Orleans offense that's kept their starters playing with their staggering up-tempo pace. No breaks. No rest. During the Wild Card weekend, the Saints broke a 49-year old record by generating 626 yards of total offense during their 45-28 win over the Detroit Lions.
However the Saints haven't played a team with as strong a defense as the San Francisco 49ers, who rank fourth in the NFL this year. Additionally the Saints lost all three games in 2011 on the road whereas the 49ers are 7-1 at home. It could be close, it could be a Drew Brees dominated blowout. Either way New Orleans will move on to the conference championship game next weekend.
Josh: Saints
Jason: Saints
New England Patriots Host The Denver Broncos |
The game being billed as one that could shatter television ratings, the Denver Broncos head to New England for a rematch after the Patriots beat the Broncos 41-23 in week 15. Though we appreciate the "do whatever you have to" approach to football, the first meeting between both teams this year, though much closer than the score indicates, was played in Denver.
This time New England will host the game where the Patriots finished with a 7-1 home record this season. And really. Does anyone think that Bill Belichick won't be ready for Tim Tebow and the Broncos offense, especially after beating the Broncos less than a month ago?
Josh: Patriots
Jason: Patriots
What are your predictions for this Saturday?