Ah, the NFL playoffs are here. And hopefully, like me, you're excited. The winner of the Super Bowl could quite possibly be one of these 8 teams playing this weekend and not the 4 teams kicking back, maxing, relaxing all cool.In fact, recent history says the Super Bowl champ is coming from the wild card position. The Giants, Colts and Steelers were either a 5 or 6 seed in ther conference. So teams like ATL, PHI, IND and BAL have to be smiling a little.
But enough chatter, how about some predictions right? Well, then here ya go.
University of Phoenix Stadium - Glendale, AZ
4:30pm Saturday - NBC
Talk about two teams that many didn't see making the playoffs. The Falcons have been left for dead since Michael Vick put on an orange jump suit. And the Cardinals have been written off every year because, well, they were just bad. But now, both teams boast a team capable of scoring points and making a run.
The Falcons come in winners of their last 3 so they are hot. Led by a rookie head coach and rookie QB, it's amazing they are where they are. But this team believes in themselves and their running game, led by Michael Turner. The defense can be suspect at times but with good ball control, that may not matter.
The Cardinals won what many call the NFL's worst division and have a defense that could play in the Big 12. Thankfully, Kurt Warner and the offense save the day by scoring a ton of points with an aerial attack we haven't seen since last year's Patriots. (Yea, not that long ago). But just like the Falcons, this team isn't full of playoff vets.
In the end, I think it will come down to which defense slows the other's offense. And the Cardinals have been unable to really stop anyone. The Falcons are playing inspired football right now and despite their lack of playoff experience and some cases, talent, they'll pull a victory in this one, and make Michael Vick proud.
Prediction: Falcons 34, Cardinals 24
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
8:00pm Saturday - NBC
At the beginning of the season, most would have felt this would be the AFC Championship. But the Colts were stuck behind the Titans and San Diego started slow so now, we are treated to a dandy in the wild card round.
The Colts are coming into the game blazing hot, winners of their last 9. NFL MVP Peyton Manning is already in playoff form, leading his team to multiple comebacks during the win streak and the team is failr healthy too. And unlike years before, the team doesn't have a bye week to rest, so staying hot won't be a problem.
The Chargers are coming in with a win streak of their own. They won their last 3, including last week's "playoff' game against the Broncos. Injuries may be a factor though for SD. LT and Antonio Gates have been hurting all week. The game is at home so they will have the crowd on their side.
As much as I admire how the Chargers fought their way into the playoffs, there's something to be said about how the Colts fought back from 3-4 and rattled off 9 in a row. The Colts are clicking on all cylinders while the Chargers tend to sputter every now and then. Plus, I hate betting against Peyton Manning in the playoffs.
Prediction: Colts 30, Chargers 14
Dolphin Stadium - Miami, FL
1:00pm Sunday - CBS
Of all the matchups, this is the one that I am the most unsure about. You have a team like the Ravens with a stout defense and a team like Miami, that has played above expectations every game. And it's a battle of rookie coaches with teams that won a combined 6 games last season.
The Ravens actually beat the Dolphins 27-13 back in Week 7 but a lot has changed since then. Both teams have had time to get better and for the Ravens, mroe time for Joe Flacco to get more comfortable under center. The rookie QB may have never been in the playoffs but if he plays mistake-free, the Ravens D may be able to carry them through.
The Dolphins are winners of 5 straight and only lost one game since that Ravens loss. Chad Pennington has been a rock for them. He's come up with big throw after big throw while Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams provide a pretty potent backfield. Mad props to Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells for this turnaround.
What this game will come down to is stopping the big plays. And if that's the case, I liek Baltimore's defense. It is on the road but the Ravens had a winning record on the road, so obviously, that doesn;t detract them from playing their best ball.
Prediction: Baltimore 20, Miami 14
H.H.H. Metrodome - Minneapolis, MN
4:30pm Sunday - FOX
This should be a fun one as you have two teams that had to scratch and claw their way into the playoffs and now, are playign each other. Not to mention Brad Childress was the former offensive coordinator for Eagles coach Andy Reid as pupil faces off against teacher.
The Eagles dismantled the Cowboys in Week 17 as Donovan McNabb and company just played possessed. They know they have the talent to beat the Vikings. But with this team, it's all about emotion. When they want a win, they get it. And no matter what calls Andy Reid makes, this team can execute like no other.
The Vikings are sort of an enigma. At times, it looks like they can take any game over, especially with a RB like Adrian Peterson and deep threat like WR Bernard Berrian. But they've been shaky. QB Tarvaris Jackson has played well and needs to again against a good Philly defense.
The Vikings defense is where I think this game will be decided. The Eagles will run the ball a lot and if the Vikes don't stop it, it will make for a long afternoon of football. If they hold the Eagles under 100 rush yards, then they have a good shot of winning. But I don't see that happening.
Prediction: Philadelphia 24, Minnesota 17
Alright, those are the picks. Yep, I picked all road teams. Call me crazy or stupid but I like their chances. Hoping to do a wild-card playoff recap but we'll see just how much time I have. Until then, enjoy the football everyone.
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