A quick look at the divisional round. Washington (11-6) @ Seattle (13-3): WAS +10/under 41.5

The Redskins proved last week that they could beat a backup quarterback, rookie running back and defense that is not what it used to be. There, now that we have that out of the way. Hasselbeck is getting his third shot at the playoffs and trying for his first win. Alexander is the reigning NFL MVP. Yes, the Seahawks do not have a shut down defense, but they have much more of a shut down crowd than the one at Raymond James Stadium. If you question this ask the Giants. It has not always been pretty at home, with three narrow escapes by just a field goal. However, 8-0 is 8-0 and this is a game for winners. Brunell should not be bothered by the weather too much seeing as he did play his college ball in this city, but the anemic offense last week proved how limited they are when weapons are taken out of the game. Can Seattle neutralize Santana Moss? In this weather I think they can. Portis is a gritty running back, but he is hurt. Betts can do some things in home games against bad times. This is neither. I like what Gibbs is doing for the 'Skins, but Holmgren has his team in place to win once and be ready for Detroit. That is what they will do, ugly as it may be: Seattle 19, Washington 13

New England (11-6) @ Denver (13-3): NE +3/over 44

One thing runs through my mind as I look at this game. The networks will go nuts if they get a Broncos at Colts contest for the AFC Championship Game next week. Conspiracy theory? Maybe, but it sticks in my head. The truth is that Jake Plummer is going to have to win this game much in the same way Eli Manning was cornered into trying to pull the Giants out of a hole against Carolina. New England's secondary is not great, but their line and linebackers are. Those are the ones who will wreak havoc on him. On the other side, Denver's defense is improved but not where it counts the most which is the guys covering receivers. Brady is a guy who succeeds by assessing the coverage, going through his reads and making the best choice. They will probably not be able to run the ball much, but that might not be a bad thing. I know home field is a factor, but not a big one. Both are cold weather teams and if a team was going to be intimidated this is certainly not the one. I have stuck by the Broncos all year when people said they stink. They don't, but this is a game they will not be able to win unless they get a lot of breaks. The Patriots do not allow their opponents breaks. That is their speciality: New England 24, Denver 23

Pittsburgh (12-5) @ Indianapolis (14-2): PIT +10/under 48

The only storyline that needs to be talked about is the breaking one. Indy corner Nick Harper’s wife took a knife to him this weekend and he will not play. Losing a defender hurts a team that took advantage of Big Ben’s immobility the first time these teams met. The Steelers are going to be more prepared this time around. Rust will not be a factor for the Colts. They are a well oiled machine. Just like the regular season, I feel like Indianapolis is intent on winning the game more than blowing out their opponent. Once they get ahead, which they should do early, I am not going to be surprised to see them start trying to run the ball and use short passes to keep the ball away from the Steelers. This sounds strange, but it makes sense. Nothing will stop Indy from winning this game: Indianapolis 27, Pittsburgh 19

Carolina (12-5) @ Chicago (11-5): CHI -3/under 31

Rematches bore me to tears. Steve Smith went off the first time around and it didn’t matter. They are playing a much tougher opponent this week and will not push the Bears around like they did the Giants. Rex Grossman is going to make some mistakes though, the same way Eli did. I expect a really tough game where points are at a premium. Turnovers will definitely lead to scoring for Carolina, whose defense is pretty good if no one has noticed. I could make an argument for both teams to win this game. I was burned on the weather last week when going against the Panthers. This time, I have to repeat my thought process that Foster will be unable to run successfully or finish the game healthy. Without him, they have to lean on Jake more. He is going to make mistakes. At least Rex knows his limitations. That is really the difference I see here: Chicago 17, Carolina 13