Dan Caesar’s Sunday NFL divisional playoff picks
Kickoff: 10:05 a.m. TV: Fox 28
Line: GB by 6 O/U: 53
Overview: First Dallas postseason trip to Green Bay since famous “Ice Bowl” game on New Year’s Eve 1967, but temperature is to be much warmer than the minus-13 figure at kickoff time then. The big question here concerns Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a calf injury two weeks ago, so a first-round bye was welcome. He didn’t practice until going through limited workouts Thursday and is set to start. But mobility – a key part of his success – could be affected.
He fuels an attack that averaged 39.8 points in the regular season at home, where the Pack were 8-0.Meanwhile, Dallas was 8-0 away from home, where it scored an NFL road-best 34.4 points. QB Tony Romo had his best season and works vs. the No. 10 pass ‘D.’ And the Cowboys’ DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing, gets to face Green Bay’s 23rd-rated unit here. Pick: Packers 31-27
Colts at Broncos
Kickoff: 1:40 p.m. TV: CBS
Line: DEN by 7 O/U: 54
Overview: Indianapolis isn’t particularly strong against either aspect of Denver’s offense, ranking 12th vs. the pass, and its 18th-rated run ‘D’ has especially struggled recently. However it’s aerial attack is the NFL’ best, as the Andrew Luck-led unit churned out 305.9 yards per game in the regular season. But Denver was ninth against the pass and Indy is one-dimensional, as it ranked 22nd on the ground so look for the Broncos to try to harass Luck. Broncos key TE Julius Thomas (ankle) is getting better and could be a big factor. Manning is 1-1 vs. his former Indianapolis team, and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if Indy not only kept this one close but pulled the upset. Pick: Broncos 33-24
Dan Caesar, St. Louis Post-Dispatch