NFL Playoffs- Wild Card Predictions

Here are my quick predictions for NFL Wild Card weekend.

Saturday:

4:30- Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans

You may remember that last year, the Bengals went into and got trounced by the Texans.  Not only were they able to dominate them physically and force Andy Dalton to throw 3 interceptions, but they also allowed TJ Yates and Arian Foster to control the game tempo.  There isn't any reason to think the Bengals will fair better today.  First, the Texans are on a bit of a losing streak, just like they were last year.  That should make them even hungrier to win.  Next, we have the fact that the Bengals have never won a playoff game under coach Marvin Lewis.  He could buck the trend this year, but I just don't see that happening.  JJ Watt had his coming out party in this game last year, and I don't think the Bengals can stop him any better this season.  If the Texans are able to come out and once again establish Foster and that running game as a consistent threat, they should be able to win.  Of course, if they try to sling it all over the field and ignore the running game, everything could change.  Still, give me Houston at home, 24-21.


8:30- Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field will be just that tonight- frozen.  The forecast has Green Bay at a chilly 26 degrees at kickoff, with flurries and a windchill that makes it feel like 15.  Not exactly the best weather for a dome team to play in.  Still, the Vikings have Adrian Peterson, who seems to be able to dominate an opponents defense in any conditions.  The real key to this game is if the Packers D can stop AD, and if Christian Ponder can take advantage of 8 or 9 men in the box defensive fronts.  This one could be another squeaker, just like last week in the MetroDome.  But I think the home field advantage, the inexperience of Ponder, and the pure QB awesomeness that is Aaron Rodgers will be a little too much for Minnesota.  The Pack are 7-1 at home, and the Vikings only 3-5 on the road.  I think Peterson will get over 150 yards rushing, but the Packers will win in fairly dominant fashion, 31-17.



Sunday:

1:30- Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

I like the Ravens a lot.  They are close to where I live, a model franchise that I wish the Redskins would try to emulate a little more, and they draft Syracuse players.  But there is something about these Colts that is impossible not to root for.  Andrew Luck has been an amazing leader, and is one of the best late game QBs in the league already.  They entire Chuck Pagano situation makes them the best story in the league.  Also, because everything has to be about Cuse, they have my boy Dwight Freeney.  The Ravens limped into the playoffs, while the Colts dominated the Texans in their last game.  What will be the difference?  Ray Lewis.  Not even his play in the game, but his presence.  This week, Lewis announced that this playoff run will be his last, retiring at the end of the season.  I can't see the rest of his teammates, much less the city of Baltimore, allowing him to lose in his last home game.  Give me the Ravens in a close one, 17-14.


4:30- Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins

This will be a battle of running games and rookie QBs.  Marshawn Lynch vs Alfred Morris.  Russel Wilson vs Robert Griffin III.  Not the best passing offenses in the league, and both defenses have been playing well recently (though Seattle's has been much better the entire season).  The Redskins last two playoff games?  Losses to Seattle in Seattle.  I am not sure if the home field advantage will help.  Last time the Hawks went across the country, they hung 50 in the Bills.  I am not sure that the Skins' secondary can keep track of Sidney Rice and Golden Tate all day.  I am not sure how healthy RG3 is, and what those huge Seattle defenders might do to him if they catch his blindside.  But, since I live in the DC metro area, since I am a Redskins fan, and since I am afraid the Skins hoodie I am wearing might strangle me if I say they will lose, I have to pick them.  Third time is a charm, and the Redskins advance 23-20.


Enjoy the games!