NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Bold Predictions For Every Wild Card Matchup

The NFL playoffs are less than 48 hours away from kicking off, with the best weekend of the season about to be bestowed upon us.

All eight teams are capable of winning as long as they stick to what has gotten them there. Now is not the time to abandon 16 weeks of success.

Here is a bold prediction coupled with a final score in each and every wild-card matchup.

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: Sat. 4:30 EST

 

Arian Foster Will Rush for Under 60 Yards

Foster is the best player in this game, but the Bengals specialize in neutralizing bigger backs. Guys like Peyton Hillis and Beanie Wells have struggled against the Bengals' 10th-ranked rush defense.

In round one of Bengals-Texans, Foster rushed for a mere 41 yards on 15 carries. That’s a poultry 2.7 YPC average. The Bengals linebackers, led by Thomas Howard and Manny Lawson, are extremely physical and can tackle Foster one-on-one.

Without much of a running game, all the pressure will fall on rookie fifth-round pick QB T.J. Yates.

Prediction: Bengals 23, Texans 16

 

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints Sat. 8:00 EST

 

Matthew Stafford Will Throw for More Yardage Than Drew Brees

It’s already happened once this season, and that was with a banged-up Stafford. In the Saints' 31-17 win, Stafford threw for 408 yards and Brees threw for 342.

This time around, the Lions pass rush will be much better because Ndamukong Suh will be suiting up. After being suspended for the first meeting, Suh will combine with Kyle Vanden Bosch to keep Brees off the pocket far more than he would like to.

Problem is, the Saints running game is much better than the Lions, even without Mark Ingram.

Prediction: Saints 27, Lions 24

 

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants Sun 1:00 EST

 

Matt Ryan Will Throw For 400 Yards and Lose

The Giants pass defense is ranked 29th in the league and has given up big yards to virtually every quarterback they play.

After two so-so performances in his first two games, Ryan is desperate to shed the “can’t win in the playoffs” rep.

Problem is, aside from the pass defense, the Giants are better at virtually every position on the field.

Prediction: Giants 34, Falcons 24

 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos Sun 4:30 EST

 

Tim Tebow Will Complete Over 15 Passes

Tebow has pulled off this “feat” twice this season, but needs to do it a third time to keep his team alive in the postseason. With safety Ryan Clark set to miss the game (played in 98.6 percent of the defense's snaps), the No. 1-ranked Steelers will be vulnerable against the pass.

The Pittsburgh pass rush has only generated the 17th most sacks this year, and the Broncos O-line has played incredibly well. Tebow will have time to throw in the pocket and needs to stretch the field by picking on Ryan Mundy, Clark’s replacement.

If the Broncos can move the ball early and keep the offense balanced, it’s upset city, baby!

Prediction: Broncos 20, Steelers 13