[Jim W N]

Here’s my take...

(Mountain Time)

#3 NE Patriots at #10 Denver Sun 1/24 1:05pm CBS

NE: Denver beats NE in yardage superiority and in every category except in NE’s run defense. On offense, it appears NE’s only weapon is a strong passing game and is met with Denver’s NFL’s top pass defense. This should be a great matchup. Tom Brady will need to be on his game, which he usually is in the playoffs.
On defense, against the run, NE is 9th best and should stop Denver’s mediocre rush offense. Against the pass NE’s mediocre defense should neutralize Denver’s mediocre pass offense.

Denver: Denver’s game is their 4th best scoring defense and their top ranked defense in ydg against the pass and 3rd against the run. They will be tested by NE’s 3th ranked scoring offense, especially NE’s 5th ranked pass ydg offense with hero Tom Brady. Denver’s 3rd place run ydg defense should have no trouble with NE’s almost non-existent 3rd worst run game.
Denver’s mediocre offense may have a slight edge in passing against NE’s equally mediocre defense.

When the team with better scoring stats is not the same team as the one with the better ydg stats, it usually means it will be a close game. The key will probably be Tom Brady who may pull another rabbit out of the hat at the last minute. It’s what he does.

Projected winner: NE

#2 AZ Cardinals at #1 Carolina Sun 1/24 4:40pm FOX

Carolina: It is unusual for the top scoring team in the NFL to have such a low ranking (24th) in passing ydg. Carolina is 2nd in the run and their running effectiveness is enhanced by QB’s Cam Newton’s size and running ability. Carolina should mostly run and will be challenged by AZ’s tough running defense.
Carolina’s 6th ranked scoring defense will be challenged by AZ’s 2nd ranked scoring offense and especially against AZ’s 2nd ranked passing game. Carolina’s tough rush defense should slow down AZ’s rushing attack.

AZ: AZ’s 2nd ranked passing game. fueling the NFL’s #2 scoring offense and aided by their fairly strong running game should challenge Carolina’s #6 scoring defense and 11th ranked pass defense. AZ’s running game will be slowed by Carolina’s tough rush defense.
AZ’s strong pass defense should stop Carolina’s mediocre pass offense. Look for some AZ interceptions. AZ will be challenged by Carolina’s 2nd ranked running game.

Here again we have one team with the scoring edge while the other team has superiority in ydg. This again means it should be a close game with the possibility of an upset. The key may be Carolina’s coaching staff sticking to the run including Cam Newton’s running ability without getting hurt. Should be a close, good game.

Projected winner: Carolina

[Bender2]

.................. Vs .........

Yeah, Jim, I think the Pats will win this but I'd rather see "Epic comeback... starts right here" for sure with Manning Heavy winning!

[catfish1957]

Good observations.

If Karma has her way Brady and Cam lose.

[hugorand]

NE: Denver beats NE in yardage superiority and in every category except in NE’s run defense. On offense, it appears NE’s only weapon is a strong passing game and is met with Denver’s NFL’s top pass defense. This should be a great matchup. Tom Brady will need to be on his game, which he usually is in the playoffs. On defense, against the run, NE is 9th best and should stop Denver’s mediocre rush offense. Against the pass NE’s mediocre defense should neutralize Denver’s mediocre pass offense.

I agree with your picks. If NE can stop the Denver running game, they'll force Manning to throw. If NE can contain Manning's passing, I think they'll hold Denver to under 20 points. The NE offense: If their offensive line plays well, I think NE will score 30+ and win the game.