Saints at 49ers
Saturday, 4:30 PM
This matchup features the best defense left in the playoffs vs. the most explosive. It's Drew Brees vs. the Niners secondary and it's Patrick Willis vs. Darren Sproles.
The 49ers went on a magical run this season under the tutelage of 1st year head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has turned Alex Smith into exactly what he should be: a game manager. Smith has only thrown 35INTs, which is a miracle since Alex Smith had thrown 53 picks in 54 games previous to this season. He was about to be labeled a "bust" but Harbaugh, with a little help from the Niners D and Frank Gore, saved him from the depths of the 1st overall pick moratorium that includes JaMarcus Russell, Tim Couch and Ki-Jana Carter to name a few. But the 2011 49ers are known for their swarming D consisting of a phenomenal linebacking core and dominant defensive line. The Niners have been so good that they can't even call Patrick Willis, a perennial all-pro, their best defensive player. That title goes to NaVorro Bowman who racked up an astounding 111 solo tackles on the edge and has made their run defense an immovable object. The Niners key in this game won't be their run defense, but their pass defense as we know how much Drew Brees likes to sling it around. Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown will have their work cut out for them if they want to shut down the high-flying Saints.
For New Orleans it's been a season of offense, offense, and more offense. Led by Drew Brees' record setting passing season, and an explosive year from speedster Darren Sproles. I'd like to go ahead and label the Saints offense unstoppable, but I think they've done that for themselves. They hung up 45 points in their game against the Lions last week, and have done that a total of 5 times this season. With Drew Brees smashing of Dan Marino's passing record soaking up much of the spotlight, Darren Sproles' play making ability has taken a backseat. But while his 1,300+ yards from scrimmage and 9 total TDs, aren't awe-striking, his individual plays are. He is a difference maker for the Saints and will have a big impact on the game against the 49ers. I think a couple big plays from him will be exactly what the Saints need to break through agains the stout San Francisco defense.
Now while the 49ers offense isn't anything special and the Saints defense has been burnt a ton this season, I think that this matchup will be way more important than vice versa. If the 49ers can keep up with the Saints offense then I think they'll have a chance. However, I don't trust Alex Smith as far as I can throw him. His and Jim Harbaugh's playoff inexperience will be a big problem if this game remains tight into the fourth quarter. If anyone out there is worrying about the Saints playing outside, don't. It's supposed to be 66 and sunny on Saturday; the Saints won't miss a beat. I'm not a hundred percent sure the Niners defense can impose it's will on a Saints offense that abuses even the best of defenses( they hung 40 points on the Texans.) Game will be close for a half, but I expect Drew Brees and co. to make a couple big plays to and dance their way to the NFC Championship game.
New Orleans 31, San Francisco 14
Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
Saturday, 8:00 PM
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| Bill Belichick's reaction to the Broncos OT victory in the Wild Card round. |
It has been a bittersweet ride for the Denver Broncos, winning several games in ridiculously dramatic fashion, and really igniting the country. Or at least those that love their gun slinger, Tim Tebow. Thanks to Mr. Tebow the Broncos had the best running game in the league, but truly based on the fact that Tebow opts to run it way more than he throws it. The Broncos are nothing special and that's what has made their run to the Divisional Round so special. They barely escaped a JV schedule thanks to a Week 17 loss by the Oakland Raiders to win the frail AFC West and they don't have a single player found on your fantasy team. Some say it's better to be lucky than good and the Broncos have been more than lucky, they've been miraculous. Miracles is about all the team has going for them, and if they beat the Patriots, which they won't, it'll be another miracle. The key to the game for the Broncos doesn't have to do with the players on the field, the coaching staff, or the organization, it all depends on if the football gods want to continue to bless the hell out of this team.
Even though the Patriots are a 13.5 point favorite, as they should be, they are not a classic Belichick team. Tom Brady and co. still believe they are playing Madden, albeit playing it well. But, New England's defense is god awful, I'm talking head-in-the-trashcan awful. This defense will eventually spell doom for the Patriots, whether it be this week, next week or in the Super Bowl. But for now the Patriots can lean on their offense while they play a seriously inferior opponent. Not one player on Denver's offense is as good as a player on the Patriots offense, and that right there is reason numero uno to why the Pats will have a field day against the Denver Tim Tebow's. Unless of course some higher power says otherwise.
I know the NFL isn't played on paper, and anything can happen. But Tim Tebow's run is going to end, and potentially embarrassingly come Saturday. If it wasn't for the Pats brutal defense, I'd have this one down as a 45-0 victory, but I'll give Tebow a TD or two.
Patriots 35, Broncos 10.
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