NFL Picks Against The Spread, Divisional Playoffs: No More Tebow And Picking Against Green Bay

The NFL playoffs continue with the divisional round and the top four teams who had a bye return to action. While there has long been debates about whether the bye is a good or bad thing for football teams, teams like the Green Bay Packers benefit because of the injuries they have suffered. However, we all know that anything can happen in the playoffs, which is how the Denver Broncos can move on and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Knowing that makes picking against the spread a bit more difficult. But that doesn't stop us. See our picks after the jump.

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers (+3.5): The Niners are suffering for a lack of respect, but with good reason. Drew Brees has been nothing short of unstoppable. Now the Niners are a team built to slow down and stop high-powered offenses, but they will have to play the perfect game to pull off a win. Bress is money in big games, though, so I don't see this happening. Plus, red zone touchdowns will be absolutely necessary against New Orleans and San Fran is dreadful in the red zone. Pick: Saints, -3.5.

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots (-13.5): While Denver had a surprising win last week at home and New England's defense is suspect, we need to remember one thing -- New England covered against the Broncos and did so in Denver. Playing in Foxborough is a different story. The amazing story will come to an end when Tom Brady shows Tim Tebow how a real quarterback does things. Pick: Patriots, -13.5.

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens (-7.5): Baltimore is the most complete team built for the postseason. They can run, they defend and Joe Flacco can, despite criticism, produce in the passing game. However, Houston is also built the same way, only with a rookie third-stringer in T.J. Yates at quarterback. There is something to say about the adversity that the Texans have faced and still manage to win. Rookie QBs on the road are a tough pick, but Houston's defense and their ability to run the ball will keep the game close. Pick: Texans, +7.5.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (-7.5): Aaron Rodgers returns after three weeks of time off, and he gets Greg Jennings back, as well as a healthy offensive line. The Giants have caught fire and are on a roll. Their pass rush will give Rodgers trouble and if they can run the ball the same way they did a week ago, they will be very tough to beat. Somehow this Giants team looks like the 2007 team that lost at the lost minute during the regular season against the Patriots, only to end their season with a loss. Pick: Giants, +7.5 (but we have them winning outright).

We invite you to follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and like us on Facebook