It’s crunch time for the final eight as they go into battle this weekend to determine the divisional champions who will go forward next week in the penultimate Conference Championships games that will determine who goes to the big dance in Dallas on Sunday, February 6, Super Bowl XLV.

Exciting times we live in for me at any rate and for a host of NFL fans in Jamaica and around the world.

Before we get to this week’s confrontations, let’s look at the crazy Wild Card Weekend that transpired. Firstly, let me admit right here and now that had I not picked the Baltimore Ravens (under advice from my football junkie friend DJ Archie) to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, I would have been a pathetic 0-4.

As it is I’m 1-3 as are most of the pundits everywhere. Three of the visiting teams emerged victorious; the Baltimore Ravens, as mentioned before, who beat up on the Kansas City Chiefs; the Green Bay Packers, who shocked the Eagles and ended Mike Vick’s storybook tale with a game-ending interception; and the New York Jets who sent home Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. The amazing Seattle Seahawks were the only home team to win as they put it to the reigning champs the New Orleans Saints in what was, if not surprising, a convincing win.

So the table is set for the divisional play-offs as the teams that had a bye last week face their opponents who fought battles instead. I mentioned this because most people assume that the home field advantage is key at play-off time and so is a bye week to rest up and heal and get ready. This may or may not be the case and time will tell.

Divisional Play-off Games

Saturday, January 15

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers — AFC

Pittsburgh favoured by 2.5, under/over (the total number of points expected to be scored in the game) 36.5

These teams split their regular season series 1-1 and each has one of the league’s toughest defences. This one could be a real slug-fest. I give the Steelers the edge.

Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons — NFC

Atlanta favoured by 2.5, under/over 43.5

This is a match-up of two very good offences, but the Falcons have more balance, and can run the ball much better. But Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is hot and the Packers as a whole are a dangerous team. I give them the edge.

Sunday, January 16

New York Jets @ New England Patriots — AFC

New England favoured by 8.5, under/over 44.5

These teams split their regular season series at a game apiece, with the Patriots embarrassing the Jets in their last meeting 45-3. This one won’t be so one-sided, but with Tom Brady leading the Patriots offence, they’ll win convincingly.

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears — NFC

Bears favoured by 9.5, under/over 41.5

The Bears defence is one of the best in the league and will put an end to the Seahawks’ fairytale run so far in the post-season.

BETTING HANDICAPS compliments of JUSTBET.

Trash talk and mind games

It’s all a part of the things players will do to get on their opponents’ case. It works sometimes, other times it plain backfires. The Jets head coach Rex Ryan says this game is personal between him and the Patriots head coach Bill Bellichick. The latter has ignored him and told his team to shut up and not comment. I’m most interested to hear Ryan’s comments after the Patriots demolish the Jets on Sunday. The Ravens Terrell Suggs says the game between his team and the Steelers will be like World War Three. A bit far-fetched, don’t you think? He went on to say that the winner of that match-up will be the Super Bowl Champs. So, the other guys may as well lie down and play dead. Highly unlikely, this is the NFL and this is the Play-offs and those who made it this far are going to let it all hang out on game day. Enjoy the games and enjoy the NFL Divisional Play-offs.