San Francisco vs. Baltimore

After a long season of interesting story lines, fantastic performances, and a few blown calls, the big game is here. The Harbowl features teams that are throwbacks to a time when defense won championships. Brothers Harbaugh have improved the offenses on both the 49ers and Ravens — they now take advantage of big plays produced by the defense as well as generate game-changing plays on their own. Without the big arm of Baltimore’s Joe Flacco and the swift feet of San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick, neither team would have made it this far. So what will decide SB 47? Recent history shows the game never goes quite as expected and the spectacular happens frequently. Sunday’s winner will likely be the team that puts more pressure on the quarterback and wins the turnover battle. The 49ers have the overall talent advantage… except at kicker. The Ravens won as underdogs against both Denver and New England — driven by the inspiration of the retiring Ray Lewis and the ascension of Flacco. Expect a tight, low-scoring game, but superior talent and the play of the dynamic Kaepernick will lift the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl title.

49ers 22, Ravens 17

San Francisco (11-4-1) at Atlanta (13-3)

For the second year in a row, the 49ers are back in the NFC championship game. This time, young, dynamic Colin Kaepernick is running the show instead of steady Alex Smith. Kaepernick’s record-setting performance last week against Green Bay showed why coach Jim Harbaugh made the switch. Kaepernick’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs is something every team, especially Atlanta, has trouble defending. The Falcons’ ability to contain Kaepernick will be one of the main keys Sunday. Atlanta is playing at home with nothing to lose — a dangerous combination. Matty Ice won his first playoff game last week, beating Seattle with a spectacular late drive. Ryan used all his weapons effectively. Atlanta will need to get its running game going to keep the 49ers defense honest. The Falcons must give help to whatever side of the field Aldon Smith is rushing from. Last year, a fumbled punt cost the 49ers in an OT loss to the Giants. They won’t make the same mistake again.

49ers 24, Falcons 21

Baltimore (10-6) at New England (12-4)

The Ravens return to Foxborough for a rematch of last year’s AFC championship game. John Harbaugh’s Ravens would have gone to the Super Bowl if Lee Evans holds on to a catch in the end zone… or to overtime if Billy Cundiff subsequently makes a 32-yard field goal. The Ravens try again — fueled by last season’s loss and inspired by Ray Lewis’ impending retirement. The Pats will be ready as always. Tom Brady leads a more diverse offense that features an excellent rushing attack to go with a dangerous passing game. Unfortunately, TE Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots’ most explosive weapon, is out with an injury. Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez have stepped up. The biggest question: Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense. Ray Rice needs a great game but Flacco must make big plays. Flacco should get time behind Baltimore’s excellent offensive line play, and with the loss of the Pats best pass rusher Chandler Jones. Expect Bill Belichick’s defense to stop the big play and force the Ravens to sustain drives. Which quarterback and coach do you trust more. I’m going with Brady and Belichick.

Pats 31, Ravens 28

Last Week: 3-1

Season: 61-28

SATURDAY

Baltimore (10-6) at Denver (13-3)

Baltimore started the playoffs as it usually does — with a win. Now Ray Lewis and Co. head to Denver to meet old foe Peyton Manning, who now sports a Broncos jersey. While everyone is in love with Seattle and New England, it is hard to argue that Denver is not the hottest team in the NFL with 11 straight victories. One of those wins came against the Ravens in Baltimore, at a time where they looked helpless. With Lewis back in the lineup last week against the Colts, the defense looked sharper and hungrier. It will need to be both again in order to stop Manning, whose ability to move the ball is just as good as it was before he missed a season with injury. Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who was solid in last week’s win, must show that he can perform better on the road than during the regular season (a terrible 74.9 QB rating). This game will be won by the team that can effectively move the ball without turning it over. In Peyton Manning I trust. It was a great run Ray, but at least you will go out against a worthy opponent.

Broncos 28, Ravens 17 

Green Bay (11-5) at San Francisco (11-4-1)

This is the playoff game we have been waiting for. Two excellent teams evenly matched but in different ways. The Packers with their high-flying offense, led by Aaron Rodgers, the best quarterback in the NFL against the 49ers with their dominant defense. The classic unstoppable force versus immovable object. But this game will be determined by the less ballyhooed sides of the football. Charles Woodson’s return to the Packers defense restores the field general that has been missing most of the season. Add LB Clay Matthews and DT B.J. Raji, and the Packers defense has more bite — that it will need to counter Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers young gunslinger. Kaepernick’s ability to make big plays with his arm and legs will be the determining factor. Alex Smith was wonderful when the teams played week 1 at Green Bay. Kaepernick will not be quite as good. He has much to learn, and Rodgers will give him his first playoff lesson.

Packers 24, 49ers 17

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Last Week: 4-1

Season: 58-27

Saturday

Cincinnati (10-6) at Houston (12-4)

In a rematch of last year’s Wild Card game, Cincinnati heads back to Houston for a little revenge for last year’s blowout defeat. The Bengals have won 7 of their past 8, and been dominant on defense. The Texans have lost three of their past four, and have not looked like the same team that started the season strong. This game may come down to who wins the battle in the trenches. The Bengals’ defensive front has made the difference in the second half of the season, but Houston’s J.J. Watt could be the league’s defensive MVP. Look for the Texans’ offensive line to hold up better against the pressure, opening up the running lanes for Arian Foster. Houston will focus on getting pressure on Andy Dalton to cover up a porous secondary. The Texans will grind out a victory.

Texans 20, Bengals 17

Minnesota (10-6) at Green Bay (11-5)

This has a familiar feel. After a playoff-saving win last week in Minnesota, the Vikings try to beat the Packers again –in Green Bay. Green Bay didn’t want this rematch, primarily because Adrian Peterson averaged nearly 200 yards per game against them this season. AP will be a huge factor again. The Vikes want to control the game on the ground and keep QB Aaron Rodgers off the field. Minnesota also wants to minimize the role of QB Christan Ponder, who has been ineffective on the road. The Packers have a more cutting edge at home, and will benefit from the likely return of both Randall Cobb and Charles Woodson and a healthier Jordy Nelson.

Packers 27, Vikings 18

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Last Week: 2-3

Season: 54-26

Chicago (9-6) at Detroit (4-11)

Megatron is amazing, breaking the receiving record with one game left. Now, he goes for 2,000 against the Bears. Chicago needs a win and help from the Packers to make the playoffs. A returning Brian Urlacher boosts a defense that gained confidence with last week’s strong performance. QB Jay Cutler has been nothing to write home about in the second half of the season. The Lions can’t get out of their own way, losing seven straight. The Bears will win, then wait to learn their playoff fate.

Bears 21, Lions 18

Baltimore (10-5) at Cincinnati (9-6)

The streak is broken! Last week, the Bengals won their first in 10 against the Ravens and Steelers combined while knocking Pittsburgh out of the playoffs and securing the sixth seed. The Ravens also got a huge win against the Giants to win the AFC North division. With both teams locked into their respective seeds, only pride will be on the line.  After being embarrassed early in the season by the Ravens, the Bengals seek revenge as they hope to make it seven wins in eight games. Baltimore will look to establish the running game, but it is unclear how much Ray Rice will play. Look for Cincy to come out more focused with the Ravens looking ahead to the playoffs. Mark another one up for the not so bumbling Bengals.

Bengals 24, Ravens 21

Houston (12-3) at Indianapolis (10-5)

There have been many excellent stories in the NFL this season, but nothing tops the Colts and Chuck Pagano’s successful fight against leukemia. The Colts played with inspiration and made the playoffs, and Sunday Pagano returns to the sidelines. Rookie QB Andrew Luck has led the Colts to a record seven comeback wins. The Texans, who have lost two of three, need a victory to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. J.J. Watt needs 2 sacks to reach the record of 22 1/2. Emotions will be high and the Colts will give Pagano the homecoming he deserves.

Colts 27, Texans 25

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota (9-6)

This game is at the center of several NFC playoff scenarios. If Green Bay wins, they get a first-round bye and give numerous teams a chance to get in. Minnesota makes the playoffs with a victory that could drop the Packers to the No. 4 seed. The Packers have been great of late. They look very much like the team that won the Super Bowl two seasons ago. The Vikings are tough and rugged, driven by machine-like Adrian Peterson on offense and Jared Allen on defense. They fought off the tough Texans last week with an excellent defensive effort. Peterson was held under 100 yards but still has a shot at 2,000 yards (102 yards) and the Eric Dickerson’s record 2,105 yards (208 yards). The Vikings need Peterson to carry the offense and the defense to hold QB Aaron Rodgers at bay. Peterson will hold up his part of the bargain — reach 2,000 but fall short of the record — but Rodgers will prove too much for the Vikings defense.

Packers 28, Vikings 25

Dallas (8-7) at Washington (9-6)

Oh Dallas, how you build us up only to continually let us down. The Cowboys blew a great opportunity last week, losing to New Orleans, and now must beat the Redskins to win the NFC East and make the playoffs. Tony Romo has been in this situation before and has failed multiple times. DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer take on RG3, and both need to be great. But RG3 is the most electric player in the NFL. Sunday night, the charismatic rookie will show that the division title will go through Wasington for a long time to come.

Redskins 31, Cowboys 28

Last Week: 3-2

Season: 52-23

New Orleans (6-8) at Dallas (8-6)

On roller-coaster that is the Dallas Cowboys, the team is at another high point following tough wins against the Steelers and Bengals. The Cowboys now can take the division if they take care of business the next two weeks. The Saints look to finish a lost season on a strong note after beating the Bucs last week. Both teams can score in a variety of ways, and this game will be decided by turnovers. Drew Brees leads the league in picks while Tony Romo has woken from his midseason slumber. Edge to the Cowboys.

Cowboys 28, Saints 25

Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7)

The AFC North has seen the biggest division shift as the season progressed. Both the Ravens and Steelers have stumbled after strong starts, leaving the division wide open to the surging Bengals. Cincinnati makes the playoffs with a win while the Steelers are eliminated. The Steelers need to get Big Ben going early with play action down field to speedy Mike Wallace. That will help Pittsburgh’s run game. The Bengals feature a balanced offensive attack led by A.J Green and the Law Firm, and an exceptional defensive line. Continual pressure on Big Ben and a focus on getting Green the ball to exploit an injury-riddled Steelers secondary will give the Bengals their first against either the Ravens or Steelers in the last 10 meetings. All streaks are meant to be broken.

Bengals 24, Steelers 21

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Last Week: 3-2

Season: 49-21

NY Giants (8-5) at Atlanta (11-2)

New York beat Atlanta 24-2 in last season’s NFC wild-card playoff game on its way to a Super Bowl title. This year’s Giants haven’t looked quite as explosive, until last week against the defenseless Saints. The Falcons are struggling to finish the season after starting strong. The Giants need the victory, while the Falcons are playing for pride. The motivated Giants, with a renewed commitment to the running game, rate a slight edge.

Giants 31, Falcons 28

Green Bay (9-4) at Chicago (8-5)

Gotta love this inter-divisional slopperknocker. Chicago has slid out of the NFC North lead after losing four of its last five. QB Jay Cutler has either not played or been ineffective, and the Bears’ defense has not been able to produce the turnovers that led them to dominate in the first half of the season. Green Bay over the same time has been able to pull out tough wins with a more balanced offensive approach. The Packers will take advantage of the Bears’ porous run defense while testing a secondary without Tim Jennings. The Bears are a prideful team that will keep it close with RB Matt Forte.

Packers 21, Bears 17

Denver (10-3) at Baltimore (9-4)

Life in Baltimore could get wired out quickly over the next few weeks. The Ravens have lost two straight and now face three more tough match-ups to finish the season. Injuries have hurt the Ravens’ defense so much it may not even be considered middle of the pack. The offense has failed to pick up the slack with inconsistent play-calling and Joe Flacco playing like… Joe Flacco. Denver is overflowing with eight wins in a row. Peyton Manning is back to MVP form and RB Knowshon Moreno is playing like a first-round pick after being recalled from the practice squad. Denver’s  suffocating pass rush and playmaking offense will make the difference.

Broncos 28, Ravens 27

Indianapolis (9-4) at Houston (11-2)

The Texans are angry after a humiliating loss in Foxboro. The Colts have become the upstart in a division they ruled for so long with Peyton Manning. Rookie QB Andrew Luck has stepped in and proven to be a tough competitor his teammates can rally around. Houston has an advantage at almost every position, defensive star J.J. Watt and the home field. The Texans would love to smack their division rival. The Colts have conjured moments of magic all season, but this game won’t be one of them.

Texans 24, Colts 21

San Francisco (9-3-1) at New England (10-3)

Sometimes you just get it wrong. Last week, the Pats made a lot of people look bad, especially the Texans. Tom Brady followed Josh McDaniels’ excellent play calling to rip apart Houston’s defense. Vince Wilfork led a defense that stifled RB Arian Foster. The 49ers, who bounced back with a solid win against the Dolphins last week, need a victory in their quest to stay ahead of Seattle in the NFC West.  QB Colin Kaepernick gives the 49ers an additional rushing threat to keep the Pats thinking and the Smith brothers, Aldon and Justin, could give Brady nightmares. Bill Belichick loves game-planning against young quarterbacks and will force Kaepernick into mistakes. That will give New England a chance to get up early and the 49ers are a terrible team playing from behind.  The Pats are not in a giving mood this time of year.

Pats 25, 49ers 20