Damn, 2 for 2 yesterday. Pretty close on all of the scores (besides Indy sucking that bad) and right on the key players. Now that I've said that my predictions today will probably be completely wrong. Lets find out...
#5 San Francisco 49ers
v.
#2 Carolina Panthers
This game is going to be a street fight! Both of these teams are well-rounded, young, physical teams. This is going to be playoff football at its best! Just sit back and enjoy the game.
KEY PLAYER
In the playoffs, when two teams are as evenly matched as these teams are, it always comes down to Quarterback play. Both of these Quarterbacks are young players trying to advance to the next level of Quarterback play in the NFL. Cam Newton is having his best year of his career and he easily could have been the Key Player, but it has to be Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick has already reached a Super Bowl and had a lot of expectations on him this year. Unfortunately, he responded to those expectations with an up-and-down season. Luckily for the 49ers, his play has greatly improved as the season has gone on. He is making better decisions and is showing his composure in tough situations. I see this game coming down to Kaepernick and the plays he either makes or doesn't make.
PREDICTION
I have faith in Kaep and 49ers. It's going to be a great game!
Final Score: San Francisco 24 Carolina 21
#6 San Diego Chargers
v.
#1 Denver Broncos
If history has taught us anything, it has taught us how dangerous San Diego can be. Every year a Wild Card team catches fire and wreaks havoc upon the other playoff teams. San Diego's defense has awoken and even held this very Denver team to 20 points in Denver. Granted, Wes Welker didn't play that game, but although Denver has improved on offense, their defense has been reduced to nothing. With the loss of Von Miller, Denver's defense is a non-threat.
This is going to be another great game, 2 great Quarterbacks, 2 great coaches, and 2 teams looking to stay alive.
KEY PLAYER
I know most people are going to say it needs to be Ryan Matthews, Danny Woodhead and the rest of the Chargers Runningbacks, but they'd be wrong. Yes, those guys are going to be impactful in controlling to the clock and limiting Denver's offensive chances, but Peyton's play is going to determine who wins this game.
If Peyton plays an average game and only leads a few scoring drives then Denver will lose. But if Peyton plays like Peyton and leads scoring drives on most of his drives, then it doesn't matter if San Diego controls the clock. Limiting Peytons scoring chances is important, but if he still scores on most of them, then it does nothing.
PREDICTION
I'm going with the underdog here. Peyton's arm strength looks like it is dwindling and Denver looks vulnerable with this terrible defense. Mike McCoy will find a way to pull this game out.
Final Score: San Diego 27 Denver 24
I hope everyone enjoys the last 2 games of the divisional round. Check in around Wednesday/Thursday for the next post. Have a great week!
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