NFL PICKS - Divisional Playoffs

Wildcard Weekend NFL Results: 2-2
NFL Results Season to Date: 122-145-4

College Football Season Results: 38-23-1

Mark My Words Wildcard Weekend Results: 2-2
Mark My Words Results Season to Date: 36-32-1

Divisional Playoff NFL Picks (winners in parentheses):

At New Orleans -7 Arizona (Arizona)
At Indianapolis -6 Baltimore (Indianapolis)
At Minnesota -2.5 Dallas (Dallas)
At San Diego -7 New York Jets (San Diego)

Mark My Words:

Here's how I'd bet the first round of the NFL playoff games, and why:

Arizona +7 over New Orleans - New Orleans has been a shaky bet against the spread the second half of the season, although it's possible that the Saints realized that they were playoff bound and wanted to work on establishing the run instead of showing opponents their prolific passing attack. The fact that the Saints re-signed franchise favorite Deuce McCallister this week just to go along on their playoff ride almost makes it appear as if they know something that the rest of us don't. In any event, I think Arizona is one of three or four teams that can keep up with New Orleans if they come out throwing, so I'm going to take the 7 points in this one.

INDIANAPOLIS -6 over Baltimore - I know that Baltimore hung with Indianapolis during a 17-15 loss in week 11. I don't just don't think that Joe Flacco or his injured hip will be able keep pace with Peyton Manning.

Dallas +2.5 over MINNESOTA - Dallas started clicking this year when Anthony Spencer finally emerged as a pass rusher to play opposite DeMarcus Ware. Ware's mismatch against Brian McKinney should allow Dallas to force Brett Favre outside of the pocket, which is where he makes his mistakes. Look for Dallas to give Flozell Adams all kinds of help against Minnesota DE Jared Allen. Minnesota's defense should be vulnerable to the screen pass.

SAN DIEGO -7 over New York Jets - Even though the Jets should be able to run against San Diego, I don't think that the threat of Mark Sanchez passing the ball will be enough to prevent the Chargers from putting eight defenders in the box. Look for San Diego to take the bootleg away from Sanchez and make his throw from the pocket, which is his weakness. While the Jets will likely put "Revis Island" on All Pro wide receiver Vincent Jackson, Phil Rivers should be able to pick on Lito Shepard with his remaining stable of big receivers.