NFL Wild Card Weekend: Day 2; Fearless Forecast

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots:

Quarterbacks:

There's really no question who was the edge when it comes down to the quarterback play. Tom Brady has three super bowls, and is one of the greatest playoff quarterbacks of all time. Joe Flacco was impressive in his rookie season and will be looking to duplicate his AFC Championship trip. 

Advantage: Tom Brady

Running Backs:

The Ravens, led by Ray Rice, have had one of the best rushing attacks in football this season. In addition to Rice, Willis McGahee scored twelve touchdowns. Rice, in his second year out of Rutgers exploded for 1339 yards, and 7 touchdowns this season. For the Patriots, they have Fred Taylor back from injury, Laurence Maroney, and Sammy Morris as well. While Maroney filled in nicely this season, scoring eight touchdowns, he had a fumbling problem, which caused him to have a seat a few times. 

Advantage: Ravens

Wide Receivers:

The Patriots will miss Wes Welker bad, as he lead the league in receptions this season. Julian Edelman will try to fill the void, and of course they have Randy Moss. The Ravens best receiver this year has been Derrick Mason, who had seven touchdowns this season. Todd Heap outmatches Ben Watson at tight end, but the Ravens have no answer for Moss, giving the advantage to the Patriots.

Advantage: Patriots

Defense:

The Patriots defense had many questions half way through the season, but have gotten better since. The secondary still has some question marks though. The Ravens gave up the third fewest points per game this season, and of course nobody wants to face Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Advantage: Ravens

Coaching Advantage: Patriots

Final Score: 24-17 Patriots

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals:

Quarerbacks:

Since Brett Favre left the Packers, all eyes have been on Aaron Rodgers, who has filled in incredibly well and has put himself as an elite QB in just two years. A playoff win in Arizona against the defending NFC Champions will boost that as well. The Cardinals though, led by Kurt Warner, are no easy out in the playoffs as they showed last season. Warner has the experience over Rodgers in this one, but I like Rodgers to out-duel Warner.

Advantage: Aaron Rodgers

Running Backs:

The Cardinals have a balanced rushing attack with Beanie Wells, and Tim Hightower, but they are more of a passing team. The Packers RB Ryan Grant bounced back after  bad season a year ago as he rushed for 1253 yards, while scoring 11 touchdowns. I'll the Grant.

Advantage: Packers

Wide Receivers:

The Cardinals will miss WR Anquan Boldin, because when he's healthy the Cardinals have one of the best WR tandems in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald beats out any of the Packers receivers, but the Packers have more depth with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson. For the Cardinals, another wideout will have to step up, and Steve Breaston could be that guy.

Advantage: Packers

Coaching Advantage: Cardinals

Final Score: 27-21 Packers