Paul's Playoff Picks Paul Fountain, Fantasy Football Senior Staff Writer Jan 2, 2004 | More

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to prepare this week's Under the Microscope the way I wanted to.  I was planning to pick my all-playoff fantasy team which would serve as my entry for the Swim With the Sharks contest.  But it's already very late Thursday night, (Friday morning actually) so I only have time to give you my picks for the playoff games.  Under the Microscope will return next week with a full rundown of the best remaining players in the playoffs, and just for fun I'll review how I did with my picks.

Wild Card Games
Baltimore 20, Tennessee 16: Ravens' defense beats up on opponents at home.
Denver 31, Indianapolis 14: Broncos match up well on both sides of the ball against the Colts.
Carolina 28, Dallas 10: Cowboys have had a nice turnaround this year but it ends here.
Green Bay 34, Seattle 22: Packers are hot and the 'Hawks defense just can't stop Brett Favre and co.

Divisional Games
New England 21, Denver 13: Patriots are just too tough at home in January.
Baltimore 28, Kansas City 3: Ray Lewis records 30 tackles against a bewildered Chiefs team.
St. Louis 44, Green Bay 38: A wild one, but Faulk and the Rams are simply too much for the Pack.
Philadelphia 23, Carolina 6: When the Eagles stop Stephen Davis, Panthers can't get anything going.

Conference Championships
Baltimore 7, New England 0: A replay of the snow game but this time Brady fumbles and gives up the game's only score.
St. Louis 27, Philadelphia 7: Another stinker in a Championship game for the Eagles.

Super Bowl XXXV.. um .. II ... something (isn't it about time to stop using the roman numerals?)
St. Louis 30, Baltimore 21: The Ravens give another physical performance but the Rams simply match up too well and attack from too many directions.