Divisional Playoff Round Man vs. Machine

With the first weekend of playoff action behind us (and with it, the yearly playoff meltdowns of Marvin Lewis, Andy Dalton, Mike McCarthy, Dom Capers and Andy Reid). Like, last week, I will give my take and supplement it with a one-off simulation that I did on whatifsports.com

NFC:

Saints vs. Seahawks

When these two teams played on Monday night football during the season, it looked like it would be one of the more contested and interesting match ups of the season. Instead, the Saints no-showed and the Seahawks won the game in a blowout. The Saints did quell some of their road critics by gutting out a tough win over the Eagles. With that said, I think the Seahawks win this rematch.

My Pick: Seahawks
What If Pick: Saints 30 Seahawks 6

49ers vs. Panthers

The Packers spent all summer fixated on trying to stop Colin Kaepernick and 49ers and FAILED MISERABLY in their attempt to do so. Now they are off to play the Carolina Panthers who have not been in the playoffs since 2008 but are looking to make some noise with Cam Newton. I've gone back and forth on this game but sadly I think the Niners score themselves another playoff win.

Pick: 49ers
What If Pick: 49ers 21 Panthers 13 (Hunter w/go ahead 1 yd td with :54 left)

AFC:

Chargers vs. Broncos

The Chargers defense gutted out a good playoff victory over the Bengals upping Mike McCoy's playoff record to 1-0. While the Chargers did score themselves a nice road playoff win, one concern I have with them was their conservative play calling in the 4th quarter that theoretically could have let the Bengals back into the game (which Ronnie Brown put a stop to). The Broncos have put up some gaudy offensive numbers but Peyton Manning doesn't exactly have the strongest playoff track record. I think the Chargers come in playing like they have nothing to lose and come away with a win.

Pick: Chargers
What If Pick: Chargers 23 Broncos 17

Colts vs. Patriots

Andrew Luck may have not been perfect but he led the Colts from 28 points down in the second half in the first every playoff game I watched with Zeplen. Tom Brady and the Patriots haven't looked dominating at times this year but still found a way to win games. I think the Patriots win this in a game that's an instant classic.

Pick: Patriots
What If Pick: Colts 30 Patriots 17

The What If Simulations I ran predicted the following for the rest of the playoffs:

49ers over Saints (In what would take over the slot for last game ever at Candlestick)
Chargers over Colts

49ers over Chargers

I think the Championship games would go as follows:

Seahawks over 49ers
Chargers over Patriots

Seahawks over Chargers