NFL Playoffs, Day Three

Big Ben Roethlisberger continues to own the Ravens.
(Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

STEEL the better team


Much like I said they would, the Ravens controlled last Sunday's game against Kansas City by playing strong defense as they do and also scoring on the offensive end. The defense forced five turnovers with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Ravens simply did what they needed to do on offense with a couple of touchdown passes from Joe Flacco and a 25-yard capper of a run by Willis McGahee late in the fourth quarter to finish the game. Billy Cundiff also added three field goals in the effort.

It wasn't exactly a Patriots-esque domination, but rather just a simple domination. The Ravens didn't go off for seven touchdowns and look seemingly unstoppable every time they got their hands on the ball, but they did score and score efficiently to go along with that great defense.

However, this week poses an entirely different challenge for the Ravens. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger currently holds a six-game winning streak over the Ravens dating back to November 5, 2007. (The Steelers have lost all contests with Baltimore with Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon at the helm since that date.) So it seems as if Big Ben is the difference in these rivalry games, at least as of late. The Ravens always have their hands full when Roethlisberger is on the field. Even though Roethlisberger is banged up, he said in an interview earlier this week that he isn't making any excuses. Pittsburgh also still has that famous defense playing on full tilt this year allowing only 62.8 yards per game on the ground (1st in the league). Plus, when Troy Polamalu is in the game, the Steelers defensive strength grows exponentially (he is listed as probable for today's game). With all of this taken into account, I think the Steelers are just too much for the Ravens to handle. The defense is going to force Flacco to throw and Pittsburgh controls the ball on offense extremely well. I think through tough defense and bruising offense the Pittsburgh Steelers will slowly but surely finish Baltimore today.

Steelers 21 - Ravens 10


*Game is on CBS at 4:30 PM EST

Aaron Rodgers will help the Packers run past the Falcons.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The table is being TURNERed


How great have the Packers looked in the past three weeks? Aaron Rodgers has led the team to three wins over three of the NFC's best teams in the Giants and Bears to get into the playoffs and then the Eagles to move on to the next round. Now Rodgers faces the number one seed in the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons.

In their last matchup both teams were neck-and-neck for the length of the game, but the Falcons pulled out a win with a Matt Bryant field goal with nine seconds remaining on the clock. Rodgers was relied on to do it all as he led the Packers in passing and rushing with a touchdown in each. However, now the Pack have a new-found running attack as shown last week against the Eagles. Rookie out of Buffalo James Starks piled on 123 yards on the ground to help the Packers to a 21-16 victory over the Eagles.

If the Packers defense can keep down arguably the most explosive player in the league in Michael Vick, all signs point to them being able to keep the Falcons' offense under wraps today. But let us not forget the great season the Falcons have had. Perhaps the quietest number one seed in NFL history, the Falcons have flown under the radar to gather their 13 wins. Quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown for 3705 yards and 28 touchdowns, Michael Turner 1371 yards with 12 touchdowns, and wide-receiver Roddy White has 1389 yards receiving and ten touchdowns. The Falcons are the best team that nobody has heard of, whereas, the Packers were on a lot of people's radars (including mine) to win the Super Bowl this year. But the Packers had to claw into the playoffs after missing Aaron Rodgers for a couple games after his second concussion of the season. Now with Rodgers back in the lineup and a revamped rushing attack, I think Green Bay has the winning formula to get where a lot of people saw them going at the beginning of the season. So despite the Falcons' terrific season and top ranking, I see the Packers turning the tables on them to move on to the NFC Championship game.

Packers 27 - Falcons 21


*Game is on FOX at 8 PM EST


p.s. My playoff record sits at 2-2.

p.p.s. For the fashionistas reading, I am starting another blog (a fashion blog!) for Ohio University's Thread Magazine. My first post will be up in the coming week.

p.p.p.s. Big win for my Phoenix Suns last night. Let's keep it up, gentlemen.

p.p.p.p.s. For more senseless babble, follow me on Twitter @Bradley_W_Parks.