MIKE KAYE

Last Week: 3-1 / Season: 158-84 (65%)/ Playoffs: 3-1 (75%)

The wild cards were literally few and far between last week as all the home teams won their games. The divisional playoff weekend is normally considered the best weekend of play for the NFL and with the battles this year, it seems like history is set to repeat itself. Most of  the games are going to be close and since all of my colleagues are giving scores, Take it to the Bank is bringing you scores as well. Let’s Take it to the Bank.

NFC Divisional Round

Saints @ 49ers

Pick: 49er 31-27. This game is probably the most interesting match-up on the docket this weekend. The Niners are a great rushing team who hold onto control of the clock and have a defense that can shutdown opposing rushing attacks. On the other hand, the Saints are perhaps the most high-octane passing attack in the league. The reason to like the Niners in this game is their ability to stay away from turnovers and control the clock. If the Saints put the game in the 40’s they will win easily but the Niners’ run-defense will make Brees throw. You may be thinking that is a good thing, but with Aldon Smith in the game, Brees will get hit. Shake a passer up (I don’t care who they are) and they will be off their game.

NY Giants @ Packers

Pick: NY Giants 28-24. While the Packers have been terrific this season, the loss of their offensive coordinator (who tragically lost his son last week) is going to be tough to get over. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t taken a snap since Christmas and the Giants pass-rush is catching on, so  New York may be hard to handle. The Pack luckily have Greg Jennings returning to the lineup against a horrible Giants’ secondary, but it’s hard to throw when a formidable pass-rush is heading your way. Victor Cruz and Hakim Nicks have the ability to stretch the field and Eli Manning is playing the best ball of his career. The Giants get the upset win in a close one.

AFC Divisional Round

Texans @ Ravens

Pick: Ravens 23-10. The Texans played a great game last week but they are entering the Thunderdome this weekend. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are healthy and are ready to bring Baltimore to another Super Bowl (Kelly Clarkson anyone?). T.J. Yates has constantly been praised on Take it to the Bank, but now he plays a great defense with one of the best coaches in the league. The Ray Rice show (he is the pride of New Jersey) will hit the ground running (literally), opening up passing lanes for Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith and most importantly, allow Joe Flacco to dictate the game. Baltimore is moving on to fight another day.

Broncos @ Patriots

Pick: Patriots 27-17. Pittsburgh got caught with their pants (or coverage) down last week, but it’s hard to think Bill Belichiek will face the same fate this weekend. New England has an awful defense but Tom Brady is still the truth. Tim Tebow needs to throw the ball to succeed in this one, but 6 for 10 passes ain’t going to do it. The Broncos need to hold New England to 17 points to win this game and it’s hard to see them doing so. The Pats win by two scores.

Photo: AP

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