NFL Weekly Previews: Wild Card Weekend

Mark Jones' NFL Weekly Previews: Wild Card Weekend

In Week 16 I was a pathetic 8-8 straight-up, which including blowing a 6-2 record and then finishing 2-6. My two Upsets of the Week did come through for me, though, and my Lock of the Week was a blowout, like I expected. I didn't do so well with the spread either: I went 7-9! 

Last week there was no weekly preview because I was too busy (lazy me), but I'm back on the job this week.

Hopefully, I can pull away from that 8-8 record now that there are only four games!

Season Straight-Up Record: 110-68-1

Season Spread Record: 21-22-3

Saturday, January 4th

5. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) @ 4. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Arizona needed to finish the season on a high note after a disappointing stretch of games, and they did just that against a suddenly motivated Seattle team. Atlanta is the latest team to reach the top five in my power rankings (to see the whole list, go to http://bleacherreport.com/articles/100656-nfl-power-rankings-wild-card-weekend), and I think one of the biggest NFC Champion contenders. They're red hot right now, and their offense is rolling.

The Cardinals should put plenty of points up on the board, but I don't think their defense can hold down this explosive Atlanta running attack and pass threat. Atlanta will win a shootout, 35-30.

Pick: Falcons 35, Cardinals 30

Spread Pick: Atlanta (+0)

5. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) @ 4. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

San Diego may be on their hottest stretch of the year by far, but Peyton and Co. are playing like they want to challenge the other Manning in New York! San Diego can fight and claw all they want to get in the playoffs, but they won't go anywhere now that they've gotten there.

Rivers may be able to find a few open targets in the short-range area, but Manning can out-throw Rivers any day. This should be an easy victory for Indianapolis.

Pick: Indianapolis 34, San Diego 17

Spread Pick: Indianapolis (-1)

Sunday, January 5th

6. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ 3. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

This should be a very close, low-scoring game. Both teams will try to stress the running game, especially the Ravens, who practically got into the playoffs on it. Passing will be at a minimum for both offenses, as the secondary for both of these teams is very solid. However, both the Ravens and Dolphins have respectable quarterbacks in Flacco and Pennington if passing becomes necessary.

This should be a low scoring defensive battle, but I expect Baltimore to come out on top, 21-20.

Pick: Baltimore 21, Miami 20

Spread Pick: Miami (+3)

6. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) @ 3. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

The Eagles may be the hottest team in the NFC, except for maybe Atlanta, after their 44-3 rout of divisional-rival Dallas last week. They have everything going their way, and Minnesota isn't playing their best football right now.

Watch out for Adrian Peterson to possibly return to his old self and put up 100+ yards on the ground, but Travaris Jackson isn't used to this aggressive Philadelphia defense and should have some interception problems.

On the other side of the ball, the Eagles should also prefer the run game, but they have a much more experienced, talented quarterback than Minnesota in Donovan McNabb.

Each team has a good offense and fairly respectable defense, but dominance at the QB position will launch Philly into the Divisional round of the playoffs.

Pick: Philadelphia 27, Minnesota 20

Spread Pick: Philadelphia (-3)

Have a question or opinion you would like to share on this article? Feel free to comment openly!