Divisional Round Recap

Another round in the NFL playoffs finished, another week the shock waves keep on coming. 3 of the 4 teams who won this week were the away team. That means three of the four teams who lost had a first-round bye, and were most likely the odds-on leader to make it to the superbowl. This right here is a clear representation on how the teams who win in the playoffs are the teams that are playing well at the best at the present time, not the best throughout the season. The Steelers proved it 2 years ago, the Giants proved it last year, and the Eagles and Ravens (also the Cardinals) are proving it this year. However, the 2008-2009 playoffs bring something extra. Both number one seeds were knocked out of playoff contention this weekend in the divisional round, the first time that has happened in NFL history. Here are some weird things to consider about the 4 teams remaining in playoffs.

 NFC Championship: Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona Cardinals: Lost 47-7 to the New England Patriots this season, a team who did not even make the playoffs in the AFC (although they did finish 11-5).

Philadelphia Eagles:  Tied the 4-11-1 Bengals this season, and lost twice to the Washington Redskins, a team who did not make the playoffs in the NFC.

AFC Championship: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers: Beat the Ravens twice by a combined 7 points.

Baltimore Ravens: Their 5 losses have all been against playoff teams.

Head to Head Matchups between the teams

1. Steelers beat the Ravens by scores of 13-9 and 23-20 

2. Eagles beat the Steelers 15-6

3. Ravens beat the Eagles 36-7

4. Eagles beat the Cardinals 48-20

So who's the favorite to make it to the Superbowl? Furthermore, who's going to win it? 

My predictions to come this week.

2008-2009 Playoff Prediction Record: 6-2