NFL Playoffs - Wildcard Weekend

So the NFL playoffs are here. Twelve teams fighting for football’s ultimate prize. And it’s been quite the wacky season this year, but when it’s all said and done, it should make for a great postseason. Let’s take a look at this weekend’s action.


AFC Wildcard


Jets (5) at Bengals (4)
Sat 4:30

Background – One of three of the same games from Week 17, only this one is the only one that switches fields. Both teams rely heavily on their defenses, behind defensive head coaches in Rex Ryan and Marvin Lewis. The obvious matchup to watch (perhaps the only reason to watch) will be Chad Ochocinco (maybe Johnson now) versus Darrelle Revis.

Pressure’s On: CARSON PALMER. You may think the pressure is on opposing quarterback, and rookie, Mark Sanchez, but that’s not the case. Palmer is the one with the pressure on him, as he is the key to the Bengals’ success in this game. The Jets’ run defense is going to force Palmer to have to make plays through the air, something not many have been able to do against the Jets secondary, and not something he did last week when he completed just one pass.

Prediction – JETS: 17, BENGALS: 10. This, to me at least, is the easiest game to predict. We saw what happened when these teams played just 6 days ago, in the cold. And guess what. They’re meeting again. In the cold. Palmer could not get anything going last week, and I don’t see how he’ll be able to get something going this week. Meanwhile, Sanchez and the Jets’ offense have to now more than ever play smart. It doesn’t matter if your defense makes your coach think you’re super bowl favorites if you turn the ball over and give the other team free points.


NFC Wildcard

Eagles (6) at Cowboys (3)
Sat 8:00

Background – Yes, these teams also played on Sunday, and it also was not a memorable game. But this is slightly different, as this is a matchup between divisional foes. These teams are very familiar with each other. The first matchup was won by the Cowboys 20-16, while the second was won 31-0. Both teams expect this game to be more like the first matchup, which was very physical and went down to the wire. Something to think about: Philly has never lost their first round playoff game under Andy Reid.

Pressure’s On: TONY ROMO. How could it not be? The team hasn’t won a playoff game in more than a decade, and the team worked on making the offense easier for Romo, cut troublemaker T.O., and gave him 3 dynamic running backs to work with. The offense is squarely on Romo’s shoulders. Romo has played sensational in his past 6 weeks, but there’s only one thing that matters in Dallas, and that is how he fares in the playoffs.

Prediction – EAGLES: 23, COWBOYS: 21. This one (as are the entire NFC playoffs I might add) is extremely hard to predict. So many teams gearing up and resting players, and then there’s teams like the Packers and Cowboys who both look sensational going into the playoffs. As far as this game goes, I think that the safe bet is that it will be close and go down to the wire. But if Dallas gets behind early, they might start to head into “here we go again” mode, and not put up much of a fight. So, naturally, I went with Philly winning close, which I don’t think will happen because if Philly wins I think it’ll be a blow out, and if it’s close I think Dallas wins. Make sense?


AFC Wildcard

Ravens (6) at Patriots (3)
Sun 1:00

Background – Hey, you actually DIDN’T see this game a week ago! These teams played back in October, but a lot has changed since then. The Patriots are without go-to receiver Wes Welker, but the Ravens are without both of their starting cornerbacks. Tom Brady had a fairly good stat line against the Ravens back in week 4, but the loss of Welker will likely make that go down. The Ravens were in position to win that game, if not for a 4th down drop by Mark Clayton.

Pressure’s On: RANDY MOSS. With Welker out, the #1 WR has to actually play like a #1 WR. Yes he has the talent, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will utilize it. Moss will have to make the most of a depleted Ravens secondary, as it is clearly their weak point defensively. Doing so in turn will add to the pressure on Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

Prediction – RAVENS: 20, PATRIOTS 27. Not as easy to predict as the other AFC game, but the Patriots in the playoffs are about as cool as the other side of the pillow. That plus the Ravens’ D not being close to what it was in years past, and the home field advantage of Gillette Stadium, means we’ll be seeing the rematch of Classy San Diego versus “They have absolutely no class” New England.


NFC Wildcard

Packers (5) at Cardinals (4)
Sun 4:30

Background – Chances are you didn’t see this game last week, but that’s not because it wasn’t played. It was just god-awful. The thing is this game will most likely be the best game of the weekend. The Packers are looking as strong as ever, winning 5 of their past 6, with the only loss being the wacky game against the Steelers. The Cardinals chose to rest QB Kurt Warner in their game last week. Arizona last year went to the Super Bowl in a similar situation last year, making them a difficult team to gauge. They have been a seesaw team all year too, so there’s nothing to say that can turn it around in a week and beat Green Bay.

Pressure’s On: AARON RODGERS. It’s his first playoff game. You know who else is in the playoffs? BRETT FAVRE.

Prediction – PACKERS: 31, CARDINALS: 28. Two very talented offenses, particularly in the passing game, but it will most likely be whoever’s defense can make a stand that ends up winning. Charles Woodson has been very impressive all year having the best year of his career, and that’s enough for me to (after going back and forth) end up with the Pack in a close one.