NFL Playoffs: Predictions For Wild Card Weekend

The NFL playoffs have begun, and I am here to tell you who will win this weekend.

Arizona vs. Atlanta

Arizona has been lights out at home.  They have a different mind set when they play in the desert, much of this has to do with the weather favoring their passing game.  Although running game and defense normally win in January, I do not see that happening in this match up. 

Atlanta has been one of several 'feel good' stories of the year.  The Michael Vick fiasco seems to be behind them as they were carried by Michael Turner into the Wild Card.  However, do not be fooled, Matt Ryan is still a rookie.  All season long, experts marvelled at how much swagger Ryan played with, saying that he 'plays like a seasoned veteran.'

That was regular season football. Matt Ryan will feel the pressure of the game and make the mistakes he avoided all season.

Cardinals win 31-23

San Diego vs. Indianapolis

What an incredible run for Peyton Manning and the Colts.  At week eight, they were dubbed one of the most disappointing teams in the AFC.  Good thing for them, there are 17 weeks in the season.  They are riding a nine game winning streak into the playoffs, and show no intentions of slowing down.

The streak included wins against New England, at Pittsburgh, and at San Diego.  Most of this was done with 10-15 guys on the injured list.  During the streak, they managed only 76 rushing yards per game, so to say they rode Peyton's arm into the playoffs would be putting it lightly.

San Diego is the only team in NFL history to have overcome a three game deficit with three to play.  Not much to be said for that, as Denver collapsed and handed them the division on a silver platter.  They may have won their last four games, but I do not trust this team.  They have the 31st ranked pass defense, which does not look good against the league's MVP. 

Another thing that scares me is the information that leaked today that claimed Ladanian Tomlinson has a torn tendon near his groin.  To add insult to injury, (no pun intended) the San Diego coaches are unsure if Antonio Gates will play.  If these two are unable to contribute, it will be a long day for Philip Rivers.

Colts win 38-21

Minnesota vs. Philadelphia

Adrian Peterson had a great season.  Avoiding the sophomore slump, the 'Sooner Sensation' led the league with 1760 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Tavaris Jackson has come on strong at the end of the season. It seems his benching at the beginning of the year for 15 year veteran Gus Ferotte has waken him up and been a blessing in disguise for the Vikes.  That being said, I like the Eagles in this one.

The Eagles are coming off a 38 point win over hated rival Dallas.  They won three of their last four contests and are riding a wave of momentum that few teams can match.  Pat Williams injury hurts the Vikings. 

While they say he will be coming back, I question whether or not he will be at full strength.  Both the Giants and Falcons exposed the fact that without the big fella, the Vikings defense is average.

Donovan Mcnabb will expose this soft and undisciplined secondary and Brian Westbrook will test Pat Williams' health.  Jackson will come back down to Earth, and the talented Eagle secondary will feast on the second year player.  Nothing helps a team like scoring 44 points the week before a playoff match up.

Eagles win 27-17

Miami vs. Baltimore.

You don't have to be a Dolphin fan to appreciate what Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano did for this organization.  An overtime win and a great catch by Greg Camirillo saved an 0-16 campaign for the Dolphins in 2007.

Insert Bill Parcells.

Picking up the scraps from a 'talented' Dallas roster, Parcells put together a fantastic roster of 'oh-whats-his-name' players.  I am willing to bet that most casual football fans could barely name five players on the Dolphins, yet here they are sitting on top of the AFC East.

The Baltimore Ravens were another 'feel good' story of the year.  They are one of two teams in NFL history to start a rookie for all 16 games and make the playoffs.  The other one is on TV right now. 

The Defense returned to dominance, ranking second in nearly every category.  The Defense imposes their will on people and forces them out of their game plan.  It is no secret that they are 11-5 because of their defense. 

That being said, I like the Dolphins in this one.  Forget the 27-13 beat down the Ravens put on them earlier this season, the Dolphins have matured immensely since then.  Playing in Miami and being 'coached' by Bill Parcells, he will have them prepared for the game.

Miami wins 20-16