[Sylvanfan]

I think this injury to Clemons could be huge for the Seahawks. Atlanta has those two big time wide receivers, and if Seattle can't get pressure from both ends it might give Ryan that extra second to get the ball to his open receiver. If they have to scheme up a bunch of blitz packages to compensate, Ryan can quick release it to Tony Gonzalez, or hit either guy on a slant. The way to attack the Seahawks is to run right at them, but still have the threat of the pass. Atlanta isn't a great running team but with Gonzalez and the duo of receivers plus Harry Douglas they have multiple options in the passing game. Ryan isn't a particularly mobil guy and doens't throw so well on the run. But if he can stand back there for his 3 step drop he is effective. I'll say 21-20 for the Falcons in a close one, somewhere in this game a PI penalty extends a Falcons TD drive.

Green Bay at San Francisco reminds me a lot of last years Saints at Niners game. I think it could go either way, key thing will be can Kaepernick make big plays against what is an improved Green Bay defence. Although Green Bay didn't have to worry about defending a particularly good passing attack last week. So the Niners may not seem that scary...but it's a massive upgrade from what they saw the past two weeks. I think I go with the Packers here though...tough to win 2 games against another good team twice in the same season, but really it's a pickem to me. Lets try 28-27 Packers as Akers misses a key FG and the Packers don't need Crosby to kick any.

In the AFC same final 4 as last year but the matchups get changed up. I suppose next year it will be Bronco's/Texans, and Pats/Ravens in the Division round. These games are somewhat unique because these teams all played each other quite recently and both games were pretty lopsided. I think the Bronco's and Patriots are good enough to pull off the sweeps, but in closer games. I'll say Patriots win 27-17 over the Texans and the Bronco's take out the Ravens 24-16.