NFL Divisional round playoff picks

Well, I only went 2-2 in the wildcard round.  3 of 4 home teams won, so I'm counting on that again.

#6 Baltimore Ravens (11-6) at #1 New England Patriots (12-4) : The Patriots were devastating at home this season.  The Ravens defense is good, but can they slow the powerful New England offense?  It seems unlikely.  Joe Flacco has publicly stated that he has a strategy to defeat Tom Brady.  Too bad those two never meet on the field.  The Ravens defense may think they have a solution for Brady, but this is not the same defense that defeated San Francisco two years ago.  Brady had the 3rd best QB rating in the AFC this season, behind Peyton and Big Ben.  Granted, the Ravens beat Big Ben last week, but the Steelers were a bit banged up.  The Patriots have most of their weapons back, which doesn't bode well for the Ravens.  PATRIOTS, 30-23

#4 Carolina Panthers (8-8-1) at #1 Seattle Seahawks (12-4) : The Seahawks had the best run into the playoffs as any team, even the Panthers.  Once again, the Seahawks are a force at home.  They lost a home game earlier in the season, but this team has toughened since then.  There are simply too many weapons for the Panthers defense to stop, and the Seahawks defense is stifling.  SEAHAWKS, 23-13

#3 Dallas Cowboys (13-4) at #2 Green Bay Packers (12-4) : The last time these two met in the postseason was the Ice Bowl in 1967.  The Packers might hope the current Arctic blast would stick around, creating Ice Bowl II, but the front is predicted to be gone by Friday, two days before kickoff.  Still, Green Bay has a decisive advantage.  Physical exertion in extreme cold can lead to cramps.  The Cowboys have no way to practice in such conditions, while the Packers can simply go outside.  There is concern about Aaron Rodgers' injured calf, and cold weather can aggravate that.  Still, with the addition week to heal it, and limited practice time to put strain on it, he should be in decent shape for game day.  Romo has often struggled in cold weather.  While he has spent this season reversing several knocks against him, can he overcome this one?  I don't think so.  PACKERS, 24-17

#4 Indianapolis Colts (12-5) at #2 Denver Broncos (12-4) : This was actually the toughest game to pick.  Peyton was the highest rated QB in the league this season, but he did not look good in the final weeks leading to the playoffs.  Luck has been a major threat this season.  Denver's defense is not great, so the Colts should be able to score a lot.  If Manning cannot return to his earlier season form, the Broncos will lose.  I think Peyton will get it together, but this will still be a close offensive showdown.  BRONCOS, 31-30