[Sport] NFL playoffs - Divisional weekend

Round two of the NFL playoffs is in the books. The divisional round is done, and the conference finalists are preparing for the final round before the Superbowl. Who was hot, and who was not? And how did my predictions stack up to reality? A quick disclaimer before I go on - I didn't manage to watch any of the games this weekend, so my analysis is based solely on the highlight packages on the official website.

Game 1: Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos

Well I got this one wrong. In what appeared to me to be a classic game, with the teams trading scores all the way through to take it the match to overtime, it turned out that history does indeed repeat itself. Once again, interceptions kill Peyton Manning in the playoffs. It happened in the Superbowl against the Saints, and it happened again in this game. Admittedly he didn't seem comfortable with the cold, and having to wear gloves was a new experience, but he adapted quickly enough. But the gamebreaker was just a poor decision, and a poor throw. Shame, as the rest of the game he'd been great, if not spectacular, and kept to short throws. That interception in overtime though let the Ravens win the game. But he shouldn't have been in that position in the first place. At the end of the game they had 31 seconds on the clock, a couple of timeouts, and Peyton Manning at quarterback. They needed a field goal to win, and could easily get there, but they took a kneel to go to overtime. What were you thinking?

Not to take anything away from the Ravens though, because they played superlatively. Flacco was on fire, and his receivers were making huge efforts all over the place. Some of those throw and catches were magical to watch. But it's interesting that despite that, and despite how poorly (compared to the rest of their season that is) that the Broncos played, that the Ravens had to come from behind still. Ray Rice was also not really a factor for much of the game from what I saw, which has to change.

Dejected Peyton is dejected. As well he should be. (Credit: keepingscore.blogs.time.com)

Game 2: Green Bay Packers vs San Francisco 49ers

I got this one wrong too. In fairness though, my pick was more to do with team loyalty than anything else as I thought it would be close. It wasn't. The Packers were lacklustre, and the 49ers were brilliant. Colin Kaepernick was godlike all game it seemed, and had the ability to run all over the pitch at will. I love watching him run - he's like a gazelle, and doesn't even seem as though he's trying. His throws are also fun to watch, and in this game he was on the money every time.

Game 3: Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons

Three games in, and three wrong picks. Oh dear. Still, this one was a classic. The Falcons pulled out a lead and really looked like the playoff team that they've pretended to be for the last few years. The Seahawks in contrast were hesitant in the redzone, and weren't as powerful as in the previous round. Their defense was still singing at times though, and it could have looked much more bleak than it did. Then in the second half the Seahawks started rolling. An almost carbon copy of an interception from last week got them back in the game, and they started racking up touchdowns. Suddenly they were ahead with only a few minutes left, and it looked like the Falcons would falter in the playoffs again. But  not this time - they rallied round, and won it with a field goal. The situations was similar to that faced by Denver, but the Falcons had a coach who believed in giving his quarterback a chance to try.

A great game, and the Seahawks showed the nerve, strength, and ability that had got them so far this seasons. Russell Wilson again showed himself to be a great leader and quarterback, and I think we'll see a lot more of him in the future. The Falcons though; what can you say. They finally got the monkey off their backs, and I'm really pleased for them. They'll be dangerous I think.

Happy Matt is happy. As well he should be. (Credit: usatoday.com)

Game 4: Houston Texans vs New England Patriots

I actually got one right! This was the easiest one to call though, and it was everything I thought it would be. The Patriots shut down Arian Foster for most of the night, and therefore shut down the Texans attacking power. In contrast, Tom Brady looked like he could do basically whatever he wanted. Even after Gronkowski broke his arm again (they'll miss him), he was essentially throwing to people at will. Not even close; better luck next time Texans.

So next up are the Conference Championships.

San Francisco 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons are at home, and therefore indoors. That will help them a lot I think. But I'm going to have to give the nod to the 49ers here.

Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots - A rematch from last year! It was close last year, and the Ravens only lost because Billy Cundiff missed his field goal. They've got a new kicker this year, and are playing for Ray Lewis. On the other hand, the Patriots actually have a running game this year. It will be close, but I think the Patriots will win again.