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Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - This is a tough one. The Patriots are always a seasoned veteran team, and you cannot underestimate Tom Brady at quarterback, or Bill Belichick at head coach, finding ways to devise a way to victory. Yet, the Ravens feel like the kind of team that could get hot and go very far. They are a dangerous team. Honestly, whatever the result, it will not be all that shocking. Both teams are cold weather teams, so that will not be a factor. Both teams could get hot, and both teams have extensive recent playoff experience. Almost a toss up. But I will give the nod to the home team.
My pick: New England
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Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks - These are two very tough, physical, defensive teams. The offense on both features mobile quarterbacks that can kill you with either their arm or their legs. In many ways, these two teams are mirror images of one another. However, I think that the Seahawks have the better running game, particularly with Marshawn Lynch. Plus, they have home field advantage, and are well rested. Add those things up, and I suspect that this should all benefit Seattle, although Carolina's five straight wins as they are peaking at the right time make me nervous about this pick. Still, how can you go against the defending champions, when they are playing this well? How long has it been since we have seen a defense this dominant?
My pick: Seattle
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Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers - Another tough game to call. Dallas is one of the hottest teams in the playoffs right now, having won five straight. Romo is enjoying a banner season, and DeMarco Murray is enjoying the same with his running. The offensive line is one of the elite units in the league, and the defense is playing quite well. Also, they are undefeated on the road, and historically, that bodes well in the playoffs. The Packers, in the meantime, won their fourth straight division title and are in their sixth straight playoffs. They had a strong 12-4 record, largely behind the magical arm of Aaron Rodgers, who let us not forget is a Super Bowl winning quarterback. The Packers are dominant in Green Bay, and this game is obviously being played at Lambeau Field. That is a tall order for anybody. I suspect that the Cowboys will have their chances and keep it close early. However, in the end, the Pack should pull through.
My pick: Green Bay
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Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos - Two hot teams right now, and both have quite a bit of recent playoff experience to boot. Andrew Luck has his finest year yet, and notched another playoff win under his belt last week. There are question marks on Denver's side about Peyton Manning's health, and those are a source of concern. But the Broncos look like a well-balanced offense this season. Not as explosive as they were at this point last season, but confidently getting the job done behind the scenes. With home field advantage, I do think that they have enough to get past the Colts, who are not a really great road team.
My pick: Denver
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