Playoff Picks, Round Two

After a dreadful start to week one of the NFL playoffs, the Packers and Ravens helped me save face. This weekend's lineup of games is tough to pick, but as always I remain unafraid! Here's how I see round two...

• Ravens over Steelers: I wouldn't even bet a nickel on this pick, as it's way too close to call. However, Baltimore was my preseason Super Bowl selection, so I'm not backing off now. Summer predictions aside, I really like the balance of the Ravens offense--great running game, solid quarterback, depth at the WR/TE position, and a reliable kicker. The X factor might be Steelers' receiver Mike Wallace, who can stretch the field with the best of them. This should be a tight, entertaining game that goes down to the last two minutes. I'll toss a coin and take the Ravens, 24-20.
• Falcons over Packers: Green Bay is loaded with talent, but the Falcons just don't lose at home. Atlanta's running attack will help them win the battles for field position and time of possession. Look for "Matty Ice" to get an early lead and force the Packers to play catch up. This should be another close call, with Atlanta holding on 34-28.
• Bears over Seahawks: First of all, who in his right mind would have picked Seattle over New Orleans last week? That performance was beyond shocking. Lightning can't strike twice, right? Well maybe it can, but it won't, not in Chicago anyway. The Bears are simply better at almost every position. Unless Jay Cutler craps himself, which is certainly possible, Seattle's playoff run is over. Cutler comes through and the Bears win, 30-16.
• Jets over Patriots: This is a painful pick both ways, as I can't stand either team. The only thing more annoying than Rex Ryan is the way America's sports media kisses Tom Brady's ass. The good news is that the game should be wildly entertaining, partly because of the bad blood between everybody involved. I know the Patriots are really really good, but I'm not ready to hand them the AFC just yet. New York still has the advantage on defense, even with New England's infusion of young talent. If the Jets can run the ball effectively, and if Mark Sanchez can eliminate turnovers, the game will be there for the taking. Jets pull the upset, 27-24.