NFL Playoffs- Divisional Round

Ok, last Friday I gave you my take on the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. I correctly picked three of the four games. My predicted scores were close, but not quite accurate. Let's see how I will do this week. So, without delay, here is my take on this weekends games, which are all rematches from earlier games this season:

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (-9 1/2; o/u 41) In Week 4, at Washington, the Redskins eeked out an overtime win vs. Seattle, 20-17. It will be very different this time. Washington had less than 150 total yards of offense in last week's win at Tampa Bay. They'll have to do much better against one of the league's better offenses, featuring MP RB Shaun Alexander. QB Matt Hasselbeck leads a potent offense. Seattle is undefeated at home this season. They'll stay that way, despite a strong game from Washington's defense. Expect a close game with a late touchdown giving Seattle a deceptively large margin of victory. Discount the fact that Seattle hasn't won a playoff game since 1984. That was a lifetime ago.
My Prediction: @ Seattle 20, Washington 10
Actual Score: @ Seattle 20, Washington 10 WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START THE WEEKEND!!

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (-3; o/u 44) In Week 6 at Mile High, Denver jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead and led 28-3 before the Patriots closed the gap to only lose by 8, 28-20. That was a different New England team. So many key players missed that game with injury are back now, including Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Corey Dillon, Kevin Faulk and Troy Brown. The Patriots gave up three plays of over 55 yards and allowed Denver 178 rushing yards. In their last 11 games the Patriots run defense has improved dramatically. Expect a close game all the way through. But don't discount this: since 2001, the Patriots under Bill Belichick have not lost to the same team twice in the same season and are 6-0 in such games. Until someone beats the champs in the playoffs you have to pick them to win. It will be tough, but the Patriots will do it.
My Prediction: New England 27, @ Denver 23
Actual Score: @ Denver 27, New England 13 TURNOVERS WILL KILL YOU EVERY TIME.


Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (-3; o/u 30) In Week 11, Carolina went to Chicago and lost 13-3. Carolina's quarterback was sacked 8 times by the Bears excellent defense. Expect the game to be another defensive struggle, with points and field position at a premium. Don't expect another sack happy performance, but do expect the Bears to contain the Panthers WR Steve Smith. Rex Grossman, Chicago's QB wins his first playoff game, managing a tidy, low scoring game. However, this game would not surprise me if Carolina pulled off the upset. Still -
My prediction: @ Chicago 17, Carolina 13
Actual Score: Carolina 29, @ Chicago 21

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (-9 1/2; o/u 47) In Week 12's Monday night game which Indy won 26-7. Pittsburgh fell behind early and got away from their running game. If that happens again, Pittsburgh will lose bigtime. The Colts haven't played a meaningful game in over a month. Will they be rusty? I don't think so. Not many players prepare as thoroughly as Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning does. Pittsburgh will keep it close in the first half, but Indy will pull away in the third quarter.
My prediction: @ Indianapolis 40, Pittsburgh 17
Actual Score: Pittsburgh 21, @ Indianapolis 18 WHO SAW THIS ONE COMING? not me.