Mattie T’s Divisional Playoff Preview…
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on January 8, 2009
This is the round that higher-seeded teams need to be very cautious in!! I say this because in each of the last 3 seasons, a home team has lost during the Divisional Round.
We all saw last January when the Colts & Cowboys lost at home on the same day.
I think that this trend will reach 4 straight years. So who will be victim…the Titans, Steelers, Giants, or Panthers?
You’re about to find out shortly!
Ravens/Titans: (3:30 pm CST on Saturday, CBS)
Baltimore Ravens playoff history: Have lost their last 2 Divisional Playoff appearances dating back to 2001.
Tennessee Titans playoff history: Have not won a home Divisional Playoff Game since 2002.
This should be an excellent matchup of teams that rely on strong run games & great defense. I know that Kerry Collins has the advantage over Joe Flacco based on experience alone at quarterback, but Collins’ career January numbers are frightening: 60.4 rating in 3 games with 2 touchdowns & 6 interceptions.
This game will come down to which team has more success running the football. Baltimore actually outplayed Tennessee in almost every major stat category during their Week 5 meeting, but mistakes reeled them in as they committed 11 penalties for 91 yards. I feel that this will be a very close & physical game, but as long as the Ravens limit their mistakes, they have a realistic shot of knocking off the top-seeded Titans.
Mattie T’s Prediction: Ravens 16, Titans 10.
Cardinals/Panthers: (7:15 pm CST on Saturday, FOX)
Arizona Cardinals playoff history: Have lost all three of their previous Divisional Playoff Game appearances.
Carolina Panthers playoff history: Have won all three of their previous Divisional Playoff Game appearances.
Arizona is about to suffer a fatal blow offensively, as wide receiver Anquan Boldin could miss Saturday’s game with a groin injury.
That would open up a starting spot for Steve Breaston, who caught 9 receptions for 91 yards during the Cardinals’ Week 8 loss to Carolina.
However, Arizona’s lack of a running game could end up costing them a trip to the team’s first NFC Championship Game appearance in franchise history.
I think Carolina’s running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart will eventually wear down Arizona’s front seven. Steve Smith will be a factor also…in Week 8, Smith hauled in 5 receptions for 117 yards, with two of those receptions going for touchdowns. Points will be scored aplenty on both sides, but the Panthers’ offense is more consistent & can control the time of possession .
Mattie T’s Predicition: Panthers 33, Cardinals 24.
Eagles/Giants: (12pm CST on Sunday, FOX)
Philadelphia Eagles playoff history: Have won 4 of their last 5 Divisional Playoff appearances dating back to 2001.
New York Giants playoff history: Have won their last 2 Divisional Playoff appearances dating back to 2000.
Even though the Eagles are flying high heading into Sunday’s game, the Giants are finally healthy for the first time since early October.
Brandon Jacobs should be a huge difference-maker, as the Giants have won their last 6 games when Jacobs has received 20 or more carries.
Donovan McNabb will have to step up for a second straight week if Philadelphia plans to make a Giant-sized upset. McNabb has just a 75.9 rating in 8 road games this season with 8 touchdowns & 8 interceptions.
Brian Westbrook is the Eagles’ most dangerous player, but 6 of Westbrook’s 9 touchdowns on the season came at Lincoln Financial Field.
I expect for this game to be close early, but look for the Giants to pull away late with a big dose of their Earth, Wind & Fire combo, which runs behind the best offensive line in the NFL.
Mattie T’s Prediction: Giants 24, Eagles 16.
Chargers/Steelers: (3:30 pm CST on Sunday, CBS)
San Diego Chargers playoff history: Have won 2 of their last 3 Divisional Playoff appearances dating back to 1995.
Pittsburgh Steelers playoff history: Have won 4 of their last 5 Divisional Playoff appearances dating back to 1997.
After providing a heroic effort during the Chargers’ Wild Card win over the Colts, 5’6 running back Darren Sproles will now have to carry the load against Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense without the help of LaDainian Tomlinson. (Tomlinson is doubtful for Sunday with a torn tendon).
The Steelers figure to send a lot of pressure at Philip Rivers, so Sproles should be used in as many draw & screen plays as possible on Sunday to try & confuse Pittsburgh’s aggressive defense.
Here is my concern regarding Sproles: As dangerous as a weapon he can be with his speed & ability to make guys miss, Darren has never had back-to-back games of 20 carries or more in the NFL. San Diego’s only other healthy running back is Michael Bennett, who has only rushed 11 times all season.
With Sunday’s weather forecast expected to bring snow showers, this should be another low-scoring game. I know that Pittsburgh is favored to win, but something in me sees Philip Rivers leading the Chargers to a late score to cap off a stunning road upset.
Mattie T’s Pick: Chargers 14, Steelers 10.
In-game blogs will again return for all 4 Divisional Playoff games, starting with Saturday’s Ravens/Titans matchup.
