Towson Picks the Playoffs

Just two games separate the Baltimore Ravens and a trip to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl.

On Saturday, the New Orleans Saints face the San Francisco 49ers while the New England Patriots host a Saturday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. On Sunday, it's Ravens-Texans in Baltimore and the New York Giants at Green Bay. Check out the NFL playoff bracket.

We asked locals to share their thoughts on how the weekend's games would shake out. We also want to know what you think. Vote in our poll and talk about this weekend's games in the comments.

Mike Waddell, athletic director

Saints over 49ers

"I have to go with the road Saints and the hottest quarterback in the game, Drew Brees.  The QB has all day in the pocket because he has an All-Pro Left Tackle——protecting him at all times. I love the way that Jim Harbaugh has turned the 49ers around but feel that the Saints are Super Bowl-bound. I go NOLA +4 with the road win in the best game of the weekend."

Ravens over Texans

"No way I pick against the Ravens, though I have mad respect for the Texans defense. Defensive End Connor Barwin is a heck of an athlete who sometimes goes unnoticed by the opposition, which can prove costly for Joe Flacco. Ravens Nation will have M&T Bank Stadium hopping for the first playoff game in a long while so it’s hard to not think that Baltimore takes this by +10 at home."

New England over Denver:

"The Patriots will win this one going away. Tebow is going to struggle in the Foxboro chill, which should be about 25 degrees come game time. Pats are easy +17 winners at home."

Packers over Giants:

"Packers are the defending Super Bowl champs and are playing at Lambeau Field. Temps in the low 20’s are a big advantage for the Cheesemen and QB1 Aaron Rogers. Packers have a great running game too and I like their momentum at this time to take this one +8 at home."

David Kosak, Greater Towson Council of Community Associations president

Ravens over Houston

"They're just awesome at home. There's something about them when they play at home. They're a better team than they have been in the past. They're a more elite team, and I think it's just their time. I think that Ray Lewis and the defense understand that this is their year to get it done, that that window is closing."

Green Bay over Giants

"That Giants defense is incredible, so I don't think the Packers are going to light up the scoreboard like before and I'm curious to see what's going to happen with Aaron Rodgers getting hit, because he hasn't really been hit this year. But I think that team has what it takes to get back to the Super Bowl."

New England over Denver

"I can't believe the Broncos are still there ... They're not going to beat New England. I just don't see that happening. I don't think the magic is going to be there when they go ahead and play up in New England."

New Orleans over San Francisco

"Although I think it would be great to see a Harbaugh brothers Super Bowl, I think the Saints are going to win. I just think Drew Brees finds a way to win and he's also been there before, where the 49ers are making their resugence and sort of coming back."

Kathy Harden, owner

Denver over New England

"I dont know, Tebow's looking pretty strong. I'd like to see Tebow do it."

Ravens over Houston

'I think we're a stronger team than the Texans and I think being at home we're going have so much fan support."

New Orleans over San Francisco

"I think they're battling back from all the tragedy that they've had."

Giants over Green Bay

"The Giants look pretty good this week."

Brian Recher, Recher Theatre/Rec Room/ owner

Ravens over Houston

"'Cause they're gonna kick their [tail]."

Broncos over New England

"The Patriots' defense sucks and the Broncos are playing big... their defense is playing incredible."

New Orleans over San Francisco

"'Cause [Drew] Brees is the man. They're so good."

Giants over Green Bay

"'Cause my friend Peter likes the Giants and that's why I'm rooting for them."