Word To The Wise: NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview

We all know what could happen this weekend, but is that really going to happen? As we have learned in recent memory, anything is possible when it's all or nothing. When it's either win or go home, anything can happen. Which is why this year's playoffs have more intrigue than downfall.

And that's why I say word to the wise: Anything will happen.

AFC Wild Card

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers

We all know that Peyton Manning is good. We all know the Colts are good. That's why almost everyone is picking them to win this game. The Colts broke a slump a few years ago when they finally got that Tom Brady monkey off their back. Who can argue with the Colts capturing their second championship in three years? Sound familiar, doesn't it?

But they have a tall order this time around with arguably the hottest team heading down the stretch in San Diego. The Bolts were 4-8 heading into December, and they had no chance of making it to the postseason. But then the Broncos decided to become the official chokeartist of 2008 and paid for it by handing the Chargers the AFC West on a silver platter. Though LT is still questionable, there is still a chance that the Chargers have enough heart to win this game and possibly another one.

So for the sake of argument, how do you choose between two of the hottest teams in the AFC this season? It's simple, really. You go with the guy who has proven himself over and over. Manning knows what it's like to win the big one, whereas neither Norv Turner, Philip Rivers nor LT have a thought on what it feels like. Despite their tenacity going down the stretch, I have to go with Indy as well. But it will be a close one regardless.

Final Score: Colts 34, Bolts 24

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

The Ravens were the team that proved that defense wins championships. They proved it by beating a tough as nails New York Giants team to win the Super Bowl a few years ago. Now they have to prove that all over again when they travel to South Florida to give the city of Miami its second huge game in less than two days.

With first year QB Joe Flacco, the Ravens find themselves in familiar territory. And of course, they got Ray Lewis leading their defense into battle. It's hard to argue with results, and first year coach John Harbaugh is loving life right now as he leads the Ravens back into the show.

But on the other side of the field is a team that has proven to be monumentally phenomenal. The Miami Dolphins were 1-15 last season. They tossed their coach into the Atlantic Ocean, cleaned house and even brought in some non-expiring "tuna." Parcells walked in and brought Chad Pennington, a new head coach and a new style of offense. Even Ricky Williams was impressive this season.

The Result: One of the biggest and best turnarounds in NFL history, a division crown and a trip to the postseason...all happening one year after bombing to the basement of the NFL. This is an intriguing matchup mainly because the Dolphins are playing with more than just heart. They're playing every game like it's a playoff game...and that's exactly how they will have to play come Sunday to be able to move on to face either the Titans or the Steelers.

With all that momentum in their favor, it's hard to go against Miami. But many will...many except for me. I'm taking Miami because no matter how good a defense is, if you can't contain the Comeback Player of the Year Pennington and that Wildfish defense, you're not going to last long in the postseason.

Final Score: Fins 30, Ravens 17

NFC Wild Card

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings

A few months ago, the Philadelphia Eagles ended a game against the Concinnati Bengals in a tie. McNabb didn't understand the concept of NFL Overtimes, and they paid for it as everyone in Philly was calling for the heads of McNabb and head coach Andy Reid. But somehow, someway, the Eagles persevered and managed to make the postseason with a season finale drubbing of division rivals Dallas.

Now the Eagles are flying high, and flying west on top of that as they travel to familiar territory. It's a place where McNabb is almost flawless and the Eagles can actually smile and say, "Yeah, we're pretty good there too."

But on the other side is a team that has had to rely on the playing of underdog Tavaris Jackson and Boomer Sooner Adrian Peterson to get them over any humps they've had thus far. And with a smile on their faces, every Purple People Eater in America and around the world can say, "The Minnesota Vikings are NFC North Division Champions!" Translation: They're going to the playoffs.

With a team of unknowns and pushed asides, the Vikings survived the first year of Aaron Rodgers' Packers, Kyle Orton's Bears and someone's Lions to clinch the division and a spot in the true Winter Classic (No Offense NHL). Either way, they're in the dance...now what?

The Eagles have had Minnesota's number. McNabb has put up some pretty impressive numbers against the Vikings, including a postseason victory. But when you got both teams coming off of huge wins and packing a truckload of momentum, who do you choose in a bonefied dogfight? I'm not entirely sure about who you choose, but I'm going with a little backyard motivation. Meaning I'm taking Minnesota to win this game and end the momentum of Philadelphia.

Final Score: Vikings 24, Eagles 16

Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals

This game is truly the game of the week in my book. You have two storied franchises who had tumultuous offseasons. For Atlanta, they saw their "savior" former head coach Bobby Petrino take a coward's way out and make a midnight deal with Arkansas to coach them. They were still feeling the effects left by former franchise quarterback Michael Vick and the inaccuracy of Joey Harrington. Nothing was going right for them.

Insert Michael Turner, Matt Ryan and new head coach Mike Smith. The Result: An 11-5 record, a spot in the postseason and a chance at sweet revenge on the men who left them in a state of disarray. The Dirty Birds look bad in postseason form, but their opponents are riding a wave of momentum that no one saw coming in April.

Despite what Jay Mariotti says, the Cardinals earned their way into the postseason by winning football games. And for the record, after Mike Nolan was given his walking papers, the 49ers were starting to play that smashmouth football that we all remember. Now Arizona on the other hand...they've played smart football, and it's paid off.

After Matt Leinart's multiple cameos in Girls Gone Wild: Desert Heat, the Cardinals went to their veteran Kurt Warner in the hopes that they'll lead them to the promise land. Thanks to a very weak division, they did just that. Not saying that the NFC West was atrocious this year, but at least none of them were Detroit. Either way, it took a career threatening injury to Anquan Boldin to motivate the Cardinals.

The end result was a division crown, some serious motivation heading into the postseason and absolute dominance of the NFC West. Now they have to face another team that has seen the light and become even more dangerous than before. So do you take the seasoned vet Kurt Warner? Or do you roll the dice with the gunslinger Matt Ryan? As far as playoff experience goes, I'll take the intelligence and experience of a former Super Bowl MVP over a high octane guy from BC who is more famous for puking during a football game than anything else.

Final Score: Cards 37, Falcons 30

Let the games begin, and be wary of impending upsets. We already had one with Utah beating Alabama. Are there more on the way this weekend?