The Great NFL Pigskin Pick 'Em: The Divisional Round

The Divisional round of the playoffs is upon us and the match ups promise to have a little bit of everything for everyone. 

Redemption stories, underdogs, former champions, current champions, the master and his successor. We would be hard pressed to find eight better teams at this point. NFC South notwithstanding. 

With all of the interesting plots there’s a great chance we have a classic game or two. The Divisional round has produced unbelievable games in the past. Most of my readership is probably too young to remember Roger Staubach but his heroics in the 1975 NFC Divisional game gave birth to the term, “Hail Mary”. 

Maybe the most famous play in the history of the Divisional games comes from the 1972 matchup between the Raiders and Steelers. I’ll just leave this here. Not sure I can build up the highlight anymore than it already has been for the past 40 years. 

I don’t want to give you the complete history of the second round of the playoffs but there was also the Fog Bowl in 1988 and recently, the wild game between the Saints and 49ers in 2011 that saw a series of devastating hits and a quarterback sweep that will forever go down in 49ers lore. 

But enough about the past! I’m going to look into my crystal ball and tell you exactly what’s going to happen this weekend. You should believe me, I kind of nailed last week.

Playoff Record: 4-0

-Cowboys @ Packers

Song: Missing Reward by Mt. Royal

How much do you like Tony Romo versus Aaron Rodgers? How much do you like the Cowboys defense versus Rodgers? While the defense has been better than last year’s historically weak effort, Rodgers has a knack for cutting up and exposing the soft underbelly of teams hiding their deficiencies. I’m not expecting a shootout, but the resurgent season for Romo and the ‘Boys ends here.

-Colts @ Broncos

Song: Reputation by Guilty Simpson

Is this when the student becomes the teacher? Where the samurai slays his master? I like the narrative but I don’t think it’s happening this week. Not with the possibility of Peyton Manning finally being able to further enhance his legacy. Which I still find preposterous, by the way. Dude has over 500 touchdown passes and a Super Bowl ring, but whatever. 

-Ravens @ Patriots

Song: Skills by Gang Starr

We’ve been down this road before but this time Baltimore comes into this year’s matchup without a ferocious running game. A good one? Of course, but nothing like they had in past playoff victories over the Patriots. Plus, I know better than to declare Tom Brady dead. I’m sticking with the Evil Empire. 

-Panthers @ Seahawks

Song: Experts by Skism

Maybe the easiest game to pick of the weekend but if the Panthers win it’ll be on the legs and arm of Cam Newton. In other words, if the Panthers win expect an unforgettable performance. Don’t hold your breath, though.