NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Predictions

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I was impressed by Baltimore's win last week.  I know a lot of people are down on KC, but they were a good team this season.  The Steelers are also impressive, but mostly because of Polamalu.  Without him they have struggled, especially their leader Big Ben.  Flacco has also had issues this season, but with the Ravens riding the wave from this last win I feel they are in the better position to make a splash.  This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Ravens

Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons

Green Bay has had some pretty easy wins as of late, I think the trend stops here.  Atlanta's pass rush is great this season, and I'd wager the Packers' line will have trouble keeping them at bay.  The defense will definitely pose more of a challenge than Philadelphia's, and I doubt we'll see anywhere near the rushing success by Green Bay that we did last week.  Michael Turner is also one of the hottest runners in the league right now, and Matt Ryan has what it takes to lead the birds to a conference game.  Finally, Atlanta never loses at home, I think the Falcons have a clear upper hand in this one.
Prediction: Falcons

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

There are games that, as a fan, you know could not have been won.  The Patriots game against the Bears this season comes to mind.  Then there are others that absolutely kill you because you know they could have been won, like the game against the Seahawks.  Don't get me wrong, it was an ugly game by the Bears, but an ugly game they still could have won.  Nothing makes me angrier than seeing corner blitzes work on a consistent basis like they did against the Bears, pass to the blitzing side for Christ's sake!  This is a different Bears team, though, and I think Mike Martz will have a few new wrinkles for the Seahawks to deal with.  Lynch and Williams present matchup problems, rushing defense has been a strength for the Bears yet Lynch is one of the few backs who can do damage against our defense.  Still, I doubt we'll see a repeat performance by this Seahawks offense.
Prediction: Bears

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

I talked about Baltimore being hot, well despite having a week off New England is even hotter.  Brady is a man on a mission right now, and rookie ballhawk Devin McCourty could present real problems for green quarterback Mark Sanchez.  The Jets will have tight coverage, but if anyone can get through it Tom Brady can.
Prediction: Patriots