NFL Wild Card Predictions 2012: What to Expect from Wild Card Weekend

Ahh, the best time of the year is upon us and there is nothing quite like it.  It's only fitting I predict each game of the weekend.  Enjoy!

NFC

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints: Two dome teams with excellent offenses.  The Saints are coming into the game as one of the most dangerous teams in the league, with Drew Brees playing at a record-breaking level. 

On the other hand, the Detroit Lions are limping into the game after suffering their 20th consecutive loss to Green Bay at Lambeau, when they had a No. 5 seed there for the taking.  

Instead they let, not Aaron Rodgers, but Matt Flynn put up a record breaking performance with 480 yards and six touchdowns!  Be afraid Lions, be very afraid.  

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants: I know the Giants are the home team, and they have a quarterback who has actually won playoff games and a Super Bowl, but this should be one of the more evenly matched games of the entire playoffs.  

I think the Falcons are letting out a huge sigh of relief after not having to return to the Superdome for the second time in three weeks.  I see the Falcons running game controlling the clock and giving Matt Ryan his first playoff victory.

AFC

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans: Two rookie quarterbacks playing in the playoffs—great story.  I have to lean to the home team in this one.  But the Bengals may be feeling lucky after getting defeated by the Ravens this week but still making the playoffs.  

The Texans fans have been waiting for this since 2002, and I think the home field will be the difference in this one.  Everything points to an early Texans exit, but I am sucker for a good story, so I like the Texans at home.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos: I don't care if God himself is out there directing the offense for the Broncos, the Steelers could be the best No. 5 seed of all time and they are better than the Broncos in every facet of the game.  

The fans may start off chanting "Te-Bow," but I can see that quickly turning into "No-Mo'" as a plea for leniency from the relentless Steelers defense and running game.