Saints' QB Drew Brees Throws a Pass

In last week’s predictions, I was 2-out-of-4. Saturday was a good day, but Sunday didn’t go so well. Here are my predictions for this week’s matchups.

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – Saturday 4:30

The Cardinals won last week’s shoot out with Green Bay, but if that same defense shows up this weekend, this game won’t be close for very long. The Saints finished the year weakly, but will be fresh and ready to go after the off week. Quarterback Drew Brees didn’t play in the Saints’ Week 17 loss to the Carolina Panthers while running back Reggie Bush had just five carries. The Saints will have to shake off any rust immediately since the Cardinals are in full swing after last week. The Saints’ defense has had holes at times this season and the three consecutive losses to end the season are alarming. Meanwhile, Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner had an excellent game last week. This game will come down to scoring. I’m going with the Saints again, because I think their defense will step up and hold the Cardinals to a reasonable score. Warner proved me wrong last week, but I’m saying the Saints win 35-24.

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts – Saturday 8:15

The Ravens upset the Patriots last week in a dominant performance that left many NFL fans in awe. Baltimore’s defense was just overpowering last week. Ray Lewis led the defensive attack and the Patriot offense had no answer for it. The Ravens’ offense played strong as well, putting up 33 points on a New England defense that isn’t nearly as good as it was in years past. Like the Saints, the Colts finished the year badly, losing their final two games while resting most of their starters. Even so, quarterback Peyton Manning had a terrific year. However, the Colts’ rushing attack was weak with no one rushing for over a hundred yards in any game this season. The Colts will be home where their only loss came to the New York Jets, but Baltimore proved that they have no trouble winning away from home after the destruction of New England this past week. I’m going with an upset here with Manning struggling to find his game and the Ravens win 24-17. Continue reading “2010 Divisional Playoff Preview” →