Go hard or go home

Best football weekend of the year, no question. The eight best teams, four great games, with everything on the line. Last weekend produced three snoozers and an instant classic, as well as a 2-2 record for me. This weekend will be better, in both departments. I think I have a good feel for all these games, though we all know anything can happen in the playoffs. Here's my divisional round breakdown, by day.

Saturday

Cardinals at Saints: Remember last week, when I promised that the Green Bay-Arizona game would be the highest scoring of the weekend? It ended up being the most points scored ever in a playoff game. Here's my bold statement for this week: Drew Brees will have 100 or more passing yards than Kurt Warner. Gutsy yes, but I just don't see Arizona doing it two weeks in a row. (Though Mr. Warner does seem to pay his best in the playoffs) Three losses in a row to end the regular season halted New Orleans' momentum, but I see them jumping out early and then holding on for a victory. Saints 42, Cardinals 28

Ravens at Colts: Last time these teams faced off in the playoffs, it was an all field goal battle. That was the old Ravens, with Steve McNair (RIP) at quarterback and no threats to take it to the house. These are the new Ravens, with Ray Rice at running back and recent experience of winning big playoff road games. Indianapolis comes into this game having had the last three weeks off, and I think it costs them. Peyton Manning is amazing and the Colts D isn't too shabby, but I'll take momentum over a team that will be spending the first half trying to recharge their batteries. Ravens 27, Colts 23

Sunday

Cowboys at Vikings: Once again, I will be doing a live chat during the game, so go to NFL Blog Blitz to check it out. (While you're there, read my post on why I hate the Vikings) This is the most intriguing game of the weekend, because there are so many subplots. America's Team vs. America's QB, which is also America's Most Hated Team vs. America's Most Hated QB. Two coaches who looked as if they just awoke from a decade-long comas. Two fan bases who believe their moment for glory is upon them. Two ferocious pass rushes, two dynamic running games, two quarterbacks who NEED this win. I like Dallas for a couple reasons. One, Adrian Peterson hasn't been the real AP for a while now, with seven straight games under 100 yards rushing. That limits what the Vikes can do and increases the chances that DeMarcus Ware will carve up Fave like John Madden's Turducken. Two, because I don't see how the Vikings limit Miles Austin and Jason Witten while also stopping the Cowboys draw play, which has been their best weapon. Felix Jones will break a big one on the Metrodome rug and Tony Romo does enough to not blow it. Cowboys 31, Vikings 27

Jets at Chargers: Could New York be for real? They looked like a squad built for the playoffs last week in Cincinnati, with a fast and physical defense complementing an efficient running game. But that was the Bengals, this is the Chargers. San Diego has a fast and physical defense of their own, plus an efficient running game and a dynamic passing attack. New York can keep it close for a while, and if it gets to the fourth quarter with the score within three points, anything can happen. But I see to much Rivers, Gates, LDT and co. Chargers 28, Jets 17

Last week: 2-2
Season to Date: 169-91