NFL Divisional Weekend Preview

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
Spread: Saints, -7
o/u: 57
The Cards had a huge shootout victory last week over the Packers, and they'll need to do it again against the Saints. The Saints D isn't great, but they have one of the NFL's best offenses. They can put up points against anyone, pretty much any way they want. Last week saw an almost complete breakdown of the Cardinals defense. If it happens again, there's no way the offense will be able to keep the score close. If they can play like they did at the start of the game, and keep it up for 60 minutes, the score will be close, but the Saints should still pull it out.
Pick: Saints 41 - Cardinals 31

Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Colts, -6.5
o/u: 44
I've been going back and forth in my head all week about this game. I really think, under normal circumstances, the Ravens could win. Then I remember that QB Joe Flacco is hurt. The Ravens D might hold Peyton Manning to s low scoring game, but no matter how well they play and how well the running game is, they won't be able to compete if Flacco can't show major improvement over last week's 4-for-10 performance. Dwight Freeney and the Colts D-line is too good to let him get away with another perfomrance like that.
Pick: Colts 21 - Ravens 13

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Spread: Vikings, -3
o/u: 45.5
Remember the in Week 15 when Julius Peppers treated Brett Favre like a rag doll? I'm sure Cowboy DeMarcus Ware does. I'm sure he paid very close attention to that game, since this week he'll be trying to do the same thing. And do it he will. The Cowboys are so far the most complete team to play in this season's playoffs. Last week, they ran the ball well, threw it well, played great defense, and came away with a 34-14 win. Another game like that, and they could be the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Pick: Cowboys 31 - Vikings 17

NY Jets @ San Diego Chargers
Spread: Chargers, -7
o/u: 42
The Jets face what is probably their toughest test of the season this week. They haven't faced a receiving corps with the size and ability of San Diego's all season. And if they can cover a group that has a height advantage over every one of the Jets D-backs, they still need to stop LT and Darren Sproles catching passes out of the backfield. It won't be an easy task, but I think the Jets will be up to it. They will also be playing to the Chargers weaknesses. The Bolts have one of the league's worst running defense, while the Jets have the best running game in the NFL. They also won't have to worry about a running game that finished second-worst in the league. It won't be a big win points-wise, but it will be a big win for an organization looking for their first Super Bowl since the 1968 season.
Pick: Jets 24 - Chargers 21