NFL Playoff Picks: Divisional Sunday

I was 2-0 yesterday, bringing my Playoff record to 5-1 so far this year. We have two more Divisional games on this Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

I am a bit surprised to see how many people are on the Seattle bandwagon for this one. Yes, the Seahawks have the big game experience. Yes, they have won the NFC two straight seasons. These are reasons I even give them a chance. The Panthers are the best team in the NFL this season. They are also rested. Seattle is coming off a grueling win over the Vikings that was unconvincing. They have another long flight and another early kickoff. I am looking forward to this game, but I think it is a tough one for the Seahawks.

Pick: Carolina

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

I do not think there is a bigger wild card in the Playoffs than Peyton Manning. He was miserable for most of the season. I think we can say with some certainty that he cannot hold up for an entire season any more. He still has shown some last flickers of greatness. After his body has had time to rest, he has put up performances anywhere from solid to very good against the Packers and the Chargers this season. Can the Broncos get three games from him in a five week stretch (including the two weeks leading up to this game)? Can Peyton summon up one last great run? If he cannot, this is a very beatable Denver team. Either way, it is tough to see the Broncos losing today with Pittsburgh missing Antonio Brown and playing a banged up Ben Roethlisberger.

Pick: Denver