NFL 2013 Divisional playoffs

I haven't done so well picking the playoffs so far, going 1-3 in the wildcard weekend.  Still, we'll see how I do this weekend.

Saturday games
#6 New Orleans Saints (12-5) at #1 Seattle Seahawks (13-3) : The Saints won their first road playoff game in five tries, and now face another one.  This one won't be as easy, though.  The Seahawks' defense is much tougher than the Eagles', and Seattle has proven to be a difficult place for visiting teams to win this season.  New Orleans has a strong offense, and Rob Ryan has rejuvenated their defense, but the Seahawks just seem to play better.  Drew Brees will pass more than Russell Wilson, and will accumulate more passing yards, but the Seahawks have the edge in the running game.  Moreover, I trust the Seahawks defense more than the Saints.  This may be close, but Seattle is used to pulling out close games this season.  SEAHAWKS, 27-23

#4 Indianapolis Colts (12-5) at #2 New England Patriots (12-4) : The Colts came back from a huge deficit to win last week.  They come into this game very confident, but New England is no stranger to big comebacks -- remember the Denver game earlier this season?  Both teams rely more on offense than defense this season.  Patriots QB Tom Brady had to get used to many new targets this season, but he quickly established connections with them.  I think the Colts have better offensive weapons, but I still have to give the edge to the Patriots.  After all, when it comes to playoff success, it's hard to beat the Brady-led Patriots.  PATRIOTS, 34-31

Sunday games
#5 San Francisco 49ers (13-4) at #2 Carolina Panthers (12-4) : The 49ers are the only visiting team with a better record than the home team, which would seem to give them an advantage.  However, this might be the easiest game for the home team to win.  The Panthers have one of the stiffest defenses in the league, and Colin Kaepernick has shown that he struggles against tough defenses.  I think Carolina will give the 49ers offense a tough time.  Carolina will rely on their ground game, chewing up yards and clock on their way to win.  PANTHERS, 23-20

#6 San Diego Chargers (10-7) at #1 Denver Broncos (13-3) : This match-up has the largest difference in record, so Denver would seem to have this game in hand.  However, this is the only one where I truly feel the visiting team has a shot, mainly because the Chargers have already beaten Denver at home this season.  The Chargers have the best momentum of any playoff team, and the Giants have shown the importance of momentum.  I'm very tempted to pick San Diego, but the Chargers beat them when the Broncos were missing some key players due to injury.  With most of them back, that powerful offense may be just a bit too much.  BRONCOS, 34-30