NFL open thread, Saturday divsional playoffs

Thankfully, after going 0-2 on my Saturday picks last week, my Sunday picks brought me back to 2-2.  Today’s games involve my favorite teams still left alive in postseason, so I’ll be picking more from the heart today:

• Ravens at Steelers – I’ll have to miss this game today because of my granddaughter’s birthday party (she’s 2 now), and that may be for the best — because these Ravens-Steelers games are hard on the blood pressure.  The teams split the series this year, including a come-from-behind victory by Pittsburgh in Baltimore that proved the difference for the division title.  The Steelers have had a week to heal up, while Baltimore has a short week and has to play on the road.  Otherwise these two teams are so evenly matched that a pick would be almost impossible, and it’s very likely that the game will come down to the last drive — or maybe the last turnover.  Steelers edge Ravens, 17-14.
• Packers at Falcons – The Packers are not a good road team, but they beat the Eagles and Michael Vick in Philadelphia, and showcased something they didn’t have when they played the Falcons last: a running game.  James Starks has come out of nowhere to become a big threat for the Green Bay offense.  The Falcons have only lost one game at home all year, a 17-14 stunner to New Orleans two weeks ago.  Green Bay just barely lost 20-17 the last time the two teams played, and while it’s tough to pick against Atlanta at home, I think Green Bay surprises them and wins 24-17.