NFL Playoff Picks

So far this playoffs I'm 7-1, with the Peyton Manning's choke job being the only blemish. This week gets tougher because I think both games could go either way. Only one team, the '85 Patriots, have ever won three playoff road games to get to the Super Bowl. This week Pittsburgh and Carolina are both trying to equal the feat.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) at Denver Broncos (13-3) 3:00 pm, CBS, Global

I don't know what to make of this game. Is Pittsburgh really that good, or did Indy really play that bad? Is Denver better than they showed last week despite beating New England? I think the latter is the more important question because Denver has home field, and yes, they are better than they showed last week. The Steelers can't be as blitz happy as they were last week because QB Jake Plummer is mobile and is more effective rolling out of the pocket. Denver's offensive line is also better than the Steeler's defensive line, which means the 'Broncs will return to their vaunted running game this week. If the Steelers decide to come out throwing and let QB Ben Roethlisberger win the game they will win. But I don't think coach Bill Cowher will be smart enough to do that and the Steelers will fall to 1-5 in conference championship games under him. Denver 28, Pittsburgh 20.

Carolina Panthers (11-5) at Seattle Seahawks (13-3) 6:30 pm, Fox, Global

It has finally stopped raining in Seattle which helps Carolina. WR Steve Smith will be able to run down field and get open and they won't have to rely too much on their running game. Which is good because they have to go with their #3 running back due to injury. The Panther defense has played well the past two weeks but has been inconsistent all year. Not having Julius Peppers at 100% is going to be tough to overcome because the Seahawk offensive line is great. With RB Shaun Alexander expected to play, the edge in this game has to go to Seattle on home turf. QB Matt Hasselback also showed last week he is ready to be recognized as on e of the top QB's in the league. Carolina's best shot is if their QB, Jake Delhomme, already recognized as one of the game's best, carries them past Seattle. In the end I think going for three in a row on the road is too much to ask though. Seattle 24, Carolina 17.