NFL Divisional Round Day 2

So the Patriots can officially book their tickets to Phoenix. There is no chance they lose next week to either the Colts or the Broncos. Joe Flaccooooo made a horrible decision throwing it deep on the Ravens last drive. He was probably just hoping for a pass interference call but it wasn't a great choice. The Patriots earned that win coming back from a 14-point deficit twice. Their nickel and dime offense was unstoppable in the second half. I was rooting against the Patriots but I will say this, thanks to them I do not have to hear about Joey FLACCOOOO being ELITE. The Ravens are out and Flacco cannot match Big Ben's two Super Bowl titles. That's the good news. The bad news is Billy B and Lord Brady still have a chance to match Chuck Noll's and the original TFB's (Terry Bradshaw) four Super Bowl titles.

As for the Seahawks/Panthers game. The Panthers gave them a good shot. They hung around in that game much longer than I thought they would. Unfortunately for them the three turnovers killed them. Also they had to play against Kam Chancellor. That guy is a freak of nature. The block field goal attempts to end the first half was remarkable. Then the 90-yard pick six sealed the deal. I really don't see the Seahawks losing next week. Rusty Wilson threw some dimes and like usual didn't turned the ball over. I think we are destined for a Patriots vs. Seahawks Super Bowl.

Now it's time for the picks...

Cowboys 23, Packers 21 --- DAL +5 First off, I think the call in the Cowboys/Lions game should have stayed a pass interference. It was an iffy call to begin with but if you throw the flag and announce it to the crowd you have to stick with it. As far as conspiracies go, sure Roger "The Goods" Goodell probably wanted to see the Cowboys play the Packers but I doubt anything fishy went on.
Onto this game, I think the Cowboys have something special going on. To survive and advance like they did last week, they should have some momentum today. The Packers are rested but Aaron Rodgers has a calf injury that could hinder his ability to move around. I'm going to take the Cowboys because they are 8-0 on the road, so going into Lambeau shouldn't scare them. Also, and I hate to say it but, Romo needs to avoid the big mistake. I know he has been great this season but the reputation of him being a Brett Favre gunslinger is going to be with him forever.

Colts 41, Broncos 36 --- IND +8.5 and Over 53.5

My reasoning for this pick makes no sense. All year I've doubted the Colts and said they really haven't beaten anybody good, especially on the road. But then Sergio Brown came along and made me believe in the Colts. It may be irrational but I am all in. Give me two claps and a Ric Flair. 

In all seriousness though, I really the Broncos are ripe for the picking. Peyton Manning has not looked great over the past few weeks. He's always thrown ducks but recently every throw seems shaky. The Broncos are going to need to run the ball very well if they want to win, and they just might. I just think Andrew Luck could have a day today. It would be pretty special for him if he could defeat the greatest QB in Colts history in the playoffs. 

As far as the over goes, I'm guessing there will be some turnovers which will lead to quick points and if anything, the Colts fall behind early to force Luck to fling it often. 53.5 is certainly doable. 

Enjoy the games people.