2014 NFL Divisional Playoff Picks, Predictions and Upsets

All NFL Divisional Playoff Picks, Upsets

Let’s get to SidelineMOB’s 2014 Divisional Round NFL playoff picks. We’re happy to provide picks from our lead writers (Sean and Steeze), as well as our good friend Tim Balk of College Sports Town and guest columnist and Balls Out Radio contest winner Steve.

Note: All game lines courtesy of Fantasy911.com.

2014 NFL playoffs: AFC divisional playoff picks and predictions

 

Our staff is split 2-2 on the Patriots and Colts.

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. EST

Line: Patriots -7 (53.5 O/U)

Key Injuries: Colts: LaRon Landry (QST), Reggie Wayne (IR). Patriots: Josh Boyce (IR), Aaron Dobson (QST).

The New England Patriots (12-4) enter this game off yet another AFC East division title, seemingly indefatigable in the face of injuries, roster changes, and off-field distractions. The Indianapolis Colts, meanwhile, head into New England after claiming a stunning 45-44 Wild Card victory over the still-reeling Kansas City Chiefs.

The Patriots have hosted every playoff game they’ve competed in (except Super Bowls) since January 12, 2008. Their record in those 8 home playoff games is just 5-3 however, and the Pats are just 3-5 in their last 8 playoff games overall. Meanwhile, the Colts are the most frustrating team to pick of any remaining NFL playoff combatant – they’ve beaten Seattle, Denver and San Francisco and also been blown out by St. Louis and Arizona.

Despite all the focus on Tom Brady and Andrew Luck, the story of this game may become which rush defense breaks down first – both Indy and New England ranked 26th or worse in the NFL in rush D this season. Will the Colts ride emotional momentum, or will Tom Brady prevail at home?

Steeze’s Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 27, New England Patriots 24

Sean’s Prediction: New England Patriots 35, Indianapolis Colts 17

Tim Balk’s (College Sports Town) Prediction: New England Patriots 35, Indianapolis Colts 17

Steve’s Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 32, New England Patriots 24

 

We like Denver to beat San Diego by a 3-1 vote.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Sunday, 4:40 p.m. EST

Line: Broncos -9.5 (55.5 O/U)

Key Injuries: San Diego: D.J. Fluker (QST). Denver: Shaun Phillips (QST).

Before you dismiss the #6 seed here, remember it was the Chargers that handed Denver its only home loss of the 2013 NFL season, 27-20 in Week 15. The Chargers have won 5 consecutive games and 6 of their last 7 dating back to Week 12. Meanwhile, Denver finished with the NFL’s best record at 13-3 and home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Since 2005, #6 seeds are 6-2 against #1 seeds in the NFL playoffs. But is that enough to take Philip Rivers and company against surefire 2013 NFL MVP Peyton Manning, a returning Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas and the high-powered Broncos at home? The key in this AFC West playoff matchup may end up being third-down conversions – the Chargers and Broncos ranked 1st and 2nd in the NFL respectively in offensive third-down conversion percentage.

Steeze’s Prediction: Denver Broncos 31, San Diego Chargers 24

Sean’s Prediction: San Diego Chargers 28, Denver Broncos 27

Tim Balk’s (College Sports Town) Prediction: Denver Broncos 35, San Diego Chargers 28

Steve’s Prediction: Denver Broncos 38, San Diego Chargers 21

2014 NFL playoffs: NFC Wild Card picks and predictions

All 4 of us pick Seattle to beat the Saints.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks: Saturday, 4:35 p.m. EST

Line: Seahawks -7.5 (47.5 O/U)

Key Injuries: Saints: Parys Haralson (QST), Pierre Thomas (inactive). Seahawks: Percy Harvin (QST).

Surely the Saints can’t be as bad in Seattle as they were on Monday Night Football in Week 13, when they lost 34-7… can they? Seattle is nearly indomitable at home, but did lose their first home game with Russell Wilson at quarterback in Week 16 vs. the Cardinals.

If the Saints are to prevail, they must control the ball and convert third downs. It’s a tough task against Seattle, which ranks 1st against the pass and 7th against the run this season. The Seahawks will look to control the clock themselves with Marshawn Lynch and the NFL’s #4 rushing attack. Still, Drew Brees and company dismissed the theory they “can’t win on the road” by winning in Philadelphia last weekend.

Steeze’s Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 31, New Orleans Saints 20

Sean’s Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 28, New Orleans Saints 20

Tim Balk’s (College Sports Town) Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 30, New Orleans Saints 27

Steve’s Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 24, New Orleans Saints 21

 

It’s 3-1 in favor of the 49ers over Carolina.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers: Sunday, 1:05 p.m. EST

Line: 49ers -2 (43 O/U)

Key Injuries: 49ers: Carlos Rogers (doubtful). Panthers: Steve Smith (QST), Quentin Mikell (QST).

In what promises to be the hardest-hitting game of the divisional round, the Panthers host the 49ers in a rematch of their Week 10 game in San Francisco – which the Panthers won 10-9. This is a clash of easily the two hottest teams in the league – the Panthers have won 11 of their last 12 games, while the 49ers have won 6 in a row and 11 of their last 13.

Although Steve Smith is listed as questionable for Carolina, he vows to play against the Niners on Sunday. Will his effectiveness be limited? It’s a big question, as the 49ers secondary will likely still be without Carlos Rogers for this game. Hard-nosed interior rushing and field position should dominate the conversation on Sunday, with Frank Gore and DeAngelo Williams seeing 20+ carries apiece.

Will the 49ers extract revenge in the playoffs for their Week 10 home loss? Or will Cam Newton take a step closer to “elite QB” status by reaching the NFC Championship in his 3rd year in the NFL?

Steeze’s Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 20, Carolina Panthers 16

Sean’s Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 17, Carolina Panthers 14

Tim Balk’s (College Sports Town) Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 19, Carolina Panthers 14

Steve’s Prediction: Carolina Panthers 35, San Francisco 49ers 28