Heading out of the first round of the playoffs for the NFC into the divisional round; we see New Orleans going to San Francisco and the New York Giants going to play the Green Bay Packers over in Lambeau Field.

Previewing this real briefly on this big weekend; I see the Niners beating Drew Brees and the Saints and it coming down to the wire as I got the Packers winning.  And here’s why.

Saints/Niners:

Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s single-season passing record this year, (5476 yards) and threw 46 TDs.  This will rein supreme against the Niners 16th-ranked pass defense.  I favor the Saints here.

But defensively the Niners are fourth-ranked overall which will probably help the Niners stay in this game and maybe win it off of their 26th-ranked, (8th-ranked running game), offense.  On top of that, Patrick Willis and the defense will be rested and healthy enough to go up against this high-octane offense.  If they somehow shut Drew Brees and in my opinion, this 1D offense, down; then the Niners will be in it to win it.

Statistically the Saints are better on paper.  But the Saints have proven this season to struggle outside of a dome-environment, (in which they played over half their games this season), to be at 13-3.  I favor the Niners in this department.

Giants/Packers:

Classic match-up between two of the oldest franchises in the NFL.  I wish I could see this in the NFC Championship game.  Giants (formed in 1925) and the Packers (formed in 1919, but joined the NFL in 1921).

I see the Giants staying along with the Packers until about the late 3rd/early 4th quarter. I don’t see their defense holding the Packers to under three, maybe four touchdowns.  Aaron Rodgers is too good passing and their running game with Ryan Grant is good.

I believe that the Giants defense staying in it if they can take advantage of the Packers banged-up offensive line with a few blitzes here an there.  The Packers will be a bit healthier up front in that department with the week off but most of the guy’s there getting back haven’t seen live action in a few weeks.

The Giants will have to thrive on Eli Manning; but that’s if he’s on his A-game.  The Packers front seven will probably shut down Brandon Jacobs and their running game; even though I think Brandon Jacobs will average three to four yards a carry against them due to his 260+-pound frame.  Eli will get his shots to make something happen with their secondary, but he won’t have much time to really do anything with how talented the Packer back four are.

I believe that the Packers will open up the game in the fourth quarter as the Giants will get tired and win the game and advance to the NFC Championship game.

My Prediction for the NFC Championship Game:  Green Bay vs. San Francisco.