Daily Madden: John's First Round Playoff Picks
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- They'll be playing away from home on Lambeau Field's frozen tundra, but John Madden likes the 49ers in Sunday's first round NFC playoff game against the Packers.
"This weather is tough to play in," Madden told the KCBS Radio morning crew. "But I think when you have big offensive linemen, strong running backs and a good defense, I think you have the advantage playing in this weather."
Madden thinks the Eagles' home field will tip the scales in their favor when they meet the Saints in Philadelphia Saturday. "The Saints are a team that is built to play indoors," John said. "They're going to have trouble outdoors. I think the up-tempo of Philadelphia will give them problems. I think that New Orleans is a better team, but I think when you take the other factors into it, I think Philadelphia is going to win."
Madden said Saturday's AFC match-up between the Chiefs and Colts is tough to call. "(Chiefs coach) Andy Reid is a friend of mine. I like the Chiefs, I like what he did, and I kind of root for them. I think (Colts QB) Andrew Luck is going to be tough playing there at home. He's something special, so I think the Colts are probably going to win that one."
John said the Bengals should beat the Chargers. "The Bengals are the better team and they have home field advantage. I think the Chargers are lucky to be in the playoffs... They beat Kansas City last week just barely and Kansas City didn't play any of their starters."
As of Friday morning, three of the four playoff games this weekend aren't sold out. "Going to the live game, the experience isn't quite the same as sitting at home and watching it on TV. TV has gotten so good. And then going to the game is expensive... I hear that from a lot of people, that it's easier and sometimes better to just stay home and watch it on TV than go to the game." (7:50)
(Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM. And catch John's extra report at 9:15 am Mondays and Fridays on KCBS during the NFL season.)
Daily Madden
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