Divisional Playoffs NFL Gridiron Guide
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees throws during the second half of a game against the Detroit Lions. (Jan. 7, 2012) Credit: AP
SUNDAY
Packers by 7 1/2; O/U: 53
TV: Ch. 5. Radio: WFAN (660)
Has the Atlanta offense scored yet? Did the Falcons even get off the plane last week? Yeah, I know, I know. I picked against the Giants last week, my worst selection of the season. Mea culpa. It's amazing what momentum can do in the NFL. A month ago, the Giants' playoff hopes were hanging in the balance. Now, they have a legitimate shot at reaching the NFC title game, though a formidable foe stands in their way. The G-Men gave the top-seeded Packers everything they could handle in Green Bay's 38-35 win on Dec. 4. Big Blue is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games overall, and 6-0 ATS in their last six road playoff games. But the Packers, who covered all four games in last season's Super Bowl run, are 15-5-1 ATS in last 21 games as a home favorite.
THE PICK: Packers, 34-24
SATURDAY
SAINTS at 49ERS, 4:30 p.m.
Saints by 3 1/2; O/U: 47 1/2
TV: Ch. 5. Radio: WFAN (660).
The only divisional game in which the two teams did not meet during the regular season. I think this will be the best game of the weekend featuring the Niners' stifling defense vs. the Saints' high-powered offense. To me, it comes down to which QB you trust more in a big spot: Alex Smith or Drew Brees. No contest there.
THE PICK: Saints, 31-20
BRONCOS at PATRIOTS, 8 p.m.
Patriots by 13 1/2; O/U: 50 1/2
TV: Ch. 2. Radio: WFAN (660).
So much for Tim Tebow's demise, huh? Still, I think the Mile-High Miracle ends here, as the Patriots end their three-game playoff skid.
THE PICK: Patriots, 41-17
SUNDAY
TEXANS at RAVENS, 1 p.m.
Ravens by 7 1/2; O/U: 36
TV: Ch. 2. Radio: WFAN (660).
Call this the Black & Blue game. Two great defenses, two great rushing offenses. Ravens QB Joe Flacco is the difference vs. Texans' T.J. Yates.
THE PICK: Ravens, 24-13
STAFF PICKS
John Boell
122-129-9 (8-10 best bets)
Packers Saints Patriots Ravens
Bob Glauber
127-124-9 (8-7-3)
Giants Saints Patriots Ravens
134-117-9 (9-8-1)
Giants Saints Broncos Ravens
Roderick Boone
127-124-9 (14-4)
Packers Saints Patriots Ravens
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
