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nfloffseason:

Divisional Preview: Texans at Ravens

@Dangerghost - Houston Texans

Do not write the Texans off. About the only thing they have going against them (other then the Baltimore defense) is a rookie QB playing in the 6th game of his career. Technically, TJ Yates has already proved he can win in the playoffs after taking care of the Bengals 31-10. The not-so-secret thing about the Texans is the supporting cast. Without a doubt, they have the league’s top 3 wide receiver in Andre Johnson and the league’s top 3 running back in Arian Foster. Let’s not forget their questionable defense has been pimped out by Wade Phillips this year. The Wade Phillips who made his name from coordinating defenses and who turned down the Tampa Bay Bucs head coaching gig this week, so he could focus on the post season.

Are the Texans going to breeze through Baltimore? Of course not. However, you do them a disservice to immediately count them out. Yates and his mates are coming off of a big win in Cincinnati that was from playing all-around good football against a young and spirited team. If they can continue to play at that level, and come out hitting, there’s no doubt they can take all that the aging Baltimore team gives them.

@steven_lebron - Baltimore Ravens 

My playoff preview counterpart Nick Hall will be at the game today, so I’m sure he’ll be happy to know that I’m siding with the Ravens. I’m also the one who believed New Orleans to be the superior team, and for the Broncos to keep it close against the Patriots and possibly pull off the upset.

First, a few realities to accept about the Ravens: their defense is more reputation at this point than actual results. Their quarterback still has to show that he’s capable of being relied upon consistently in the big moments.

Strip away their record, and did this team improve from previous year’s versions aside from finally beating the Steelers to win the division and earn a home playoff game?

These are questions that I think we’ll think about this week. The defense still has the knack for big plays, and they’ve already handled the Texans once this year. I fully expect Ray Rice to wreck havoc on the field in both the rushing and passing game. And the home field advantage will come into play especially with a rookie quarterback on the road.

There’s an urgency to the core of this defense to try to add a second championship, and I think an inspired performance will carry the Ravens to a win at home.

nfloffseason:

Divisional Preview: Giants at Packers

@nhall - New York Giants

I’m so glad you wanted to take the Packers.  I’m all in on this Giants team. I think my favorite part of the playoffs thus far (besides Tebow knocking out the Steelers, duh) is New York allowing only 2 points last wek.  Yes, that high flying Falcons offense could not find the end zone against the Giants. What did I say last week? They are getting a tremendous amount of pressure by rushing only four guys. And on top of that the Green Bay offensive line is far from healthy. What they need to worry about is how the secondary will cover all of Green Bay’s receivers. It could get ugly but now if they keep constant pressure on Rodgers.  The best secondary could be a good pass rush. On the opposite side of the ball they just need Manning to keep doing what he is doing.  He hasn’t been turning the ball over and he’s been deadly in the fourth quarter. Yes, Eli Mannin.  Deadly.  He could keep it up, who has this Packers defense stopped this year?  When was the last time Clay Matthews made a play?  I’m trying to remember.  I’m not hating on the Packers, it’s impossible for to dislike this team but the Giants are exactly the type of team who can catch them. They’ve been here before going in as underdogs to Lambeau field. They thrive on this stuff.  I’m with JPP, a win is guaranteed.

@steven_lebron - Green Bay Packers

Does anyone still remember Aaron Rodgers? What with the past few weeks of Drew Brees and his own back-up Matt Flynn setting records. The pursuit of a perfect season ended in Kansas City, and it’s been weeks since Rodgers took the field. But let’s not forget the masterpiece he’s been orchestrating all year long. If Greg Jennings returns for this game, I see it getting out of control early in a blow out.

UPSET ALERT

The #3 Tar Heels found themselves in a hostile environment as they took on Florida St. in Tallahassee. The Seminoles led 38-26 at the half and opened the second half on a 30-8 run and never looked back. Senior guard Deividas Dulkys poured in a career high 32 points as he led the Seminoles to victory against the Tar Heels. Harrison Barnes scored 15 points and Tyler Zeller also chipped in 14 in a losing effort. The 90-57 loss was the worst loss under coach Roy Williams and the most lopsided conference loss since 1963, where they loss 104-69 to Duke.