Will this be upset weekend in the 2012 NFL Playoffs? Does Tim Tebow prove once again that he can win in the playoffs? Can the No. 2 seed San Francisco 49ers keep away Drew Brees and his aerial attack with the New Orleans Saints? Picks and predictions for the weekend's games:
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers - Saturday, Jan. 14, 2:30 p.m. MT, FOX - Both teams are 13-3, but the Drew Brees-led Saints are playing on the road against the 49ers. Sure, the Saints are favored by three points, but the 49ers are 7-1 at home this season, which bodes well for them. The Saints defense won't be able to hold up well in this game, giving the Niners just enough space to win this game. PICK: 49ers
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots - Saturday, Jan. 14, 6:00 p.m. MT, CBS - Tim Tebow arrives in New England nearly one week after Denver found a miracle on the opening play of overtime. The last time these teams played, just a few weeks ago, the Patriots jumped out to an early lead and Tebow wasn't able to overcome that. This time the Broncos defense is ready and Tebow is carrying over his improvements in the passing game. Time for an upset. PICK: BRONCOS
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens - Sunday, Jan. 15, 11:00 a.m. MT, CBS - Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates has his first road playoff game for the Texans, which is also playing in its first road playoff game. But the Ravens have one of the top defenses in the league and have home field advantage. PICK: RAVENS
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers - Sunday, Jan. 15, 2:30 p.m. MT, FOX - The Giants took the Packers to the brink during the regular season, only to see Mason Crosby kick the game-winning field goal as time expired for the 38-35 victory. This is another matchup that could result in the Packers' juggernaut turn out to be naught. But probably not. PICK: PACKERS
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.