After an opening round of the NFL playoffs that featured only one really competitive game, things are sure to be interesting next weekend with a great slate of games.
The Divisional round of the playoffs kicks off with a great contrast of styles, when the San Francisco 49ers host the streaking New Orleans Saints. The 49ers earned an opening round bye after finishing the regular-season 13-3 and winning the NFC West. New Orleans put together a dominant performance in a 45-28 win over Detroit in the opening round of the playoffs. The Saints have now won nine straight since a surprising loss to the St. Louis Rams.
The other matchup in the NFC will see the New York Giants visit the Green Bay Packers. The Giants defense was tremendous in a 24-2 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the opening round. Green Bay finished the regular-season 15-1, including a 38-35 win over the Giants in week 13.
The AFC Divisional round begins on Saturday night when the Denver Broncos visit the New England Patriots.The Broncos advanced to this game after a thrilling 29-23 (OT) victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game has no shortage of headlines, as it will feature Josh McDaniels against his former team. In the regular-season meeting between these teams, New England cruised to a comfortable 41-23 win.
Baltimore hosts the Houston Texans in the other AFC playoff game. The Texans advanced to this game after a 31-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC after winning the AFC North. These teams faced off in week 6, with the Ravens picking up a 29-14 home win.
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