NFL Playoff Picks: Giants-49ers, Ravens-Patriots On Tap For Sunday

by Joel Thorman on Jan 19, 2012 11:39 AM CST

The AFC and NFC Championship games are both on Sunday afternoon and we have two terrific games (as you could imagine now that we're down to the final four). The New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants go on the road to face the San Francisco 49ers.

I've made my picks on the game, which are posted below.

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots: Do you pick the elite offense or the elite defense? That's the question here and my answer is offense. I think the Patriots ultimately win this game but I expect it to be very, very close. The Ravens are known as a defensive team because, well, they have an elite defense but their offense is a little underrated. Ray Rice can carry your team and Joe Flacco is good enough in my opinion. Unfortunately for Baltimore, he won't be good enough on Sunday. The Patriots defense plays a complete game and New England wins, 30-27.

New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers: Another top 10 offense agains a top three defense. The 49ers are the surprise team in this year's field making the playoffs for the first time in nine years. They have a solid combination of an attacking defense and a running game that can control the clock. Alex Smith doesn't need to star in this offense. That said, I don't think the 49ers have enough magic left to beat New York. The Giants seem to be on a similar run as the one back in January 2008 that resulted in a Super Bowl title. I think the Giants win, 24-20.

Who ya got this weekend? I think if I had to root for anyone, it'd be San Fran. Gives hope that the Chiefs can turn this thing around quickly.

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Giants vs. Patriots II

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.
Hammerfisting my own balls since 2006

by KingChief on Jan 19, 2012 11:45 AM CST reply actions

agreed.

Giants seem to have that “swagger” again and the Patriots have Tom Brady.

What's the difference between jelly and jam?

by WestonK on Jan 19, 2012 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

That would be exciting

And what will be said of Eli if he makes a fourth quarter comeback against Brady and the Pats? What will be said of Brady if he loses to Eli and the Giants twice!

Likewise, what will be said of the two if the Pats win this matchup?

A Giants v. Pats SB part II would be exciting!

by JMagsKC1 on Jan 19, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

that who I picked at the beginning of the playoffs

And it looks to be true, but in the NFL you never know

by Bigcherokeechief on Jan 19, 2012 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

49ers and Ravens

And not just because of the Harbaughs!

The Giants-49ers will be a close game, tough one to call, but I think the 49ers will pull through the way they have all season by stopping the Giants recent, hot run game and forcing the Giants to play through the air (scary with how Eli is playing).

The Raven-Patriots game is another tough one, but the Ravens D will come out blazing and keeping the game as close as you can against Brady. Flacco may not be the most impressive but if the Ravens can keep Brady off the field and overwork the Pats D early on, Flacco can finish out doing what he does best, being a game manager.

by JMagsKC1 on Jan 19, 2012 11:48 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Niners all the way

I will be at the game in San Fran, was at the divisional game last Saturday, Candlestick is an old school stadium and it was rocking. Its not nearly as loud as Arrowhead, its much smaller, but they packed the place and were going nuts.

I have to say it does make me pretty mad that there are two native Kansans who played college football within 65 miles to KC who are on the 49ers roster. The Chiefs can’t even see talent when its in their own backyard…

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."

by bigbe on Jan 19, 2012 11:51 AM CST reply actions

They weren't in position to draft Aldon

and I don’t remember what year Justin was drafted so I’ll give you that one

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.
Hammerfisting my own balls since 2006

by KingChief on Jan 19, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

Ok they have 3 including Aldon

The other two played at Washburn University. Joe Hastings and Mike Wilhoite.

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."

by bigbe on Jan 19, 2012 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

Justin is a beast, but he's from Missouri

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."

by bigbe on Jan 19, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

This comes down to two predictions, who I think will win and who I want to win.

I think it’ll be Giants vs Patriots II. Patriot’s defense will bend but not break against Ravens and Brady and the TEs will beast on the Raven’s D. Giants are hot and I think it comes down to Eli vs Alex. Gotta take Eli there.

That being said, I’m cheering for 49ers vs. Patriots. Cheering for the Mizzou Smith’s in SF and Waters in NE.

2012 Chiefs Draft Picks by Falcon58: G DeCastro 1st round, NT Ta'amu 2nd round or OT Adcock 2nd/3rd round, TE Egnew 3rd round, RB Ganaway 5th/6th, QB Case Keenum 5th/6th. Resign: Carr, Bowe, Orton, McClain, Gordon(in that order). Trade Dorsey for picks, promote Gordon to DT/DE.

by Falcon58 on Jan 19, 2012 11:55 AM CST reply actions

With Goodell doing his best to turn the NFL into the Arena League

would love to see the two defensive teams get in.

by ArrowDread on Jan 19, 2012 11:59 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

I agree

My only worry is that the Chiefs see this and decide they can keep mediocre players at QB.

by ValkRider on Jan 19, 2012 12:57 PM CST up reply actions

Pioli already decided that long ago

by ArrowDread on Jan 19, 2012 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

True enough

Guess I should have said Chiefs fans

by ValkRider on Jan 19, 2012 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

Brady has beat pressure his entire career for the most part

and Ray-Ray will be no match for Gronk & Hernandez in coverage. Pats D gives up yards but not many points. Pats get the line or more.

Giants-9ers is real close, Willis & co. will stop the run, but Eli can put it on his back and Alex Smith will be throwing into coverage a lot more since Gmen can get pressure w their front 4 alone. Giants come out on top.

D-Bowe says: "THAT'S MY BIKE, PUNK!!!!"

by reedeasy on Jan 19, 2012 12:01 PM CST via Android app reply actions

yes its the two TE's that make NE

difficult to defend.

by Bigcherokeechief on Jan 19, 2012 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

Ravens +7.5 is a great bet.

It is time to anoint the Stanzi. He is The One.

by neiowakcfan on Jan 19, 2012 1:16 PM CST up reply actions

Niners? Pats? Giants? Ravens? I hate them all.

My earliest Chiefs memories are watching guys named Dawson, Podolak, Taylor, Thomas, Bell, and Buchanan. So, yeah...I'm kind of an old fart.

by Scott B. on Jan 19, 2012 12:10 PM CST reply actions

Pats, Giants, Ravens I can understand

But how you hate the 9ers?

by ArrowDread on Jan 19, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions

because they aren't the Chiefs?

Twisted Lord of AP Color Commentary (H/T - Loco)
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly!

My earliest Chiefs memories are watching guys named Dawson, Podolak, Taylor, Thomas, Bell, and Buchanan. So, yeah...I'm kind of an old fart.

by Scott B. on Jan 19, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

I do enjoy a good sports wager here and there,

and I do purely love the NFL playoffs, but I’m just extremely happy that Ben Rapelisberger and the Steelers and His Tebowness and the Donkeys are no longer playing. Can’t wait for the day when I can put a bet down for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

I hope Mr Pioli treats this off-season for what it really is...a huge chance to prove himself to the fans and to Mr Hunt.

by crazychiefsfan on Jan 19, 2012 12:14 PM CST reply actions

And you still get to hear all about Teblow

His Tebowness and the Donkeys are no longer playing

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.
Hammerfisting my own balls since 2006

by KingChief on Jan 19, 2012 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah...wasn't CBS going to bring him into the studio this weekend?

My earliest Chiefs memories are watching guys named Dawson, Podolak, Taylor, Thomas, Bell, and Buchanan. So, yeah...I'm kind of an old fart.

by Scott B. on Jan 19, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

oh please no!!!

I hope Mr Pioli treats this off-season for what it really is...a huge chance to prove himself to the fans and to Mr Hunt.

by crazychiefsfan on Jan 19, 2012 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

1) Tebow declined the invitation
2) stop bashing the guy for doing what he does … he’s never done anything but play hard and become a leader for his team

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks. Had not heard that.

1) Thank God
2) No bashing for me. Just get tired of hearing about the guy.

My earliest Chiefs memories are watching guys named Dawson, Podolak, Taylor, Thomas, Bell, and Buchanan. So, yeah...I'm kind of an old fart.

by Scott B. on Jan 19, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

With all due respect...

I didn’t bash anyone. I never said I didn’t like Tebow. From what I hear, I think he’s a great person, but definitely not a great QB…and I’m simply sick of hearing about him.

I hope Mr Pioli treats this off-season for what it really is...a huge chance to prove himself to the fans and to Mr Hunt.

by crazychiefsfan on Jan 19, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

agreed he's not a great QB, hell he's not even a GOOD one, though he is a great athlete and competitor

as for the media … well, blame THEM for all the stories, except then you have to think about this: the media isn’t going to do all that writing and keeping him in the limelight if people didn’t love it and read it and want those stories, etc etc

nobody forces anyone to read anything about the guy … right?

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

I've never seen anything like it in my lefetime...that's for sure.

My earliest Chiefs memories are watching guys named Dawson, Podolak, Taylor, Thomas, Bell, and Buchanan. So, yeah...I'm kind of an old fart.

by Scott B. on Jan 19, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

right, so there ya go ... it's this week's news story, or this year's story

until Brady becomes the next man of the moment … unless it’’s the Giants

or the Harbaugh Brothers

or …

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

Seriously?

Please tell me you don’t really believe the media only publishes what the people want to know about. It may have been more true when you and I were young men, but the gossip machine that passes for journalism these days is the new opiate of the masses, saturating the public with unfounded innuendo and warm fuzzy bullshit.
As for being forced to read—it’s pretty hard not to when that’s all you see.

Ancora imparo.

by midcalchief on Jan 19, 2012 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

If the media didn't make him look like the second coming of Jesus and Montana

I don’t think people would hate on him so hard. Reggie White was a preacher and never got this kind of coverage.

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.
Hammerfisting my own balls since 2006

by KingChief on Jan 19, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

Reggie Whilte never led his team to win in 6 or his first 7 games, coming from behind yadda yadda yadda

and nobody is comparing him to Montana … the thing the media is saying, and everyone else, is that he’s done what he’s done DESPITE being a horrible QB … ie, he’s leading as a competitor, an athlete, and a leader for his team keeping them confident

all that despite having zero talent as a QB at this level

blame the media, fine … no issues with that, but don’t bash they guy (and do remember that there are guys a LOT more religious than Tebow … and he’s never once said god has ANYTHING to do with what he does on the field … in fact, he denies it every chance he gets)

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

They compared him to Brady, my bad

and White was a dominant player and one of the best of all time at his position.

I don’t bash him or blame him for what the media is doing, but there are far better players who help their team win games and are just as religious and charitable and you don’t hear about them.

I just been tired of the Teblow talk since his Florida days

Men succeed when they realize that their failures are the preparation for their victories.
Hammerfisting my own balls since 2006

by KingChief on Jan 19, 2012 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

they are/were both homophobes

not role models for my kids.

D-Bowe says: "THAT'S MY BIKE, PUNK!!!!"

by reedeasy on Jan 19, 2012 12:44 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

except for that

throwing the ball end over end stuff, but yeah, playing hard makes up for that.

It is time to anoint the Stanzi. He is The One.

by neiowakcfan on Jan 19, 2012 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

jealousy is so unbecoming

by upamtn on Jan 19, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

Pick: Giants-Patriots

Want: 49ers-Patriots

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by Tarkus on Jan 19, 2012 12:18 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Seems we share the same thought there, Tark.

by Falcon58 on Jan 19, 2012 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

Scary, huh?

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by Tarkus on Jan 19, 2012 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

You may just want it...

But I’m actually going to pick it.

by misterbrain on Jan 19, 2012 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

I hope the 49ers go

because that’ll be one less team in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

Predictions:
I'm going to stop predicting positive things

by jmcgoblue on Jan 19, 2012 1:10 PM CST reply actions

Hmmm...the 49'ers

Weren’t they in the laughing stock division a few years ago with a sub .500 record & are now in the NFC championship game? Back then we would’ve laughed at comparing us to them & argued we were years ahead of them in aming it this far.
This year a rookie QB in Denver did something a KC QB hasn’t done since ’93….win a playoff game. What a funny,funny game.

ROOT with your heart.
ANALYZE with your head.

by THE_TRUTH on Jan 19, 2012 1:22 PM CST via mobile reply actions

*coming

not “aming it”

ROOT with your heart.
ANALYZE with your head.

by THE_TRUTH on Jan 19, 2012 1:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

If by a few years ago

you mean last year, yes.

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by Tarkus on Jan 19, 2012 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

After picking all four games last week

it appears I’m the only idiot on here that thinks we’ll get the HarBowl.

The Patriots haven’t played a team the quality of the Ravens all year, and that is why Ravens +7.5 is the best bet on the board. I doubt it will be more than a three or four point game… but I am concerned about being on the road for the Ravens, they are not the same. The two TE’s seem to be everyone’s focus, but I’m not sure the Ravens can neutralize Welker enough. They’ll need a huge game out of Ray Rice, and they’ll need to get to Brady. That’s the only way to make him look human. If they can do that with their front four and drop seven, they have a chance. A lead would help immensely.

Giants/Niners is a coin toss, but the home field and potentially the weather plus Eli being sick could turn the tide to the home team.

At any rate, I’m playing with house money, but my only wager this weekend in Ravens +7.5

It is time to anoint the Stanzi. He is The One.

by neiowakcfan on Jan 19, 2012 1:23 PM CST reply actions