NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Ranking the Best Matchups of Wild Card Weekend

Eric BowmanJun 7, 2018

Fans won't have to wait much longer to get their football fix, as Wild Card Weekend kicks off this Saturday. Every game should be fun to watch, as each has it's own unique storyline.

However, there's no denying that some matchups will be far better than others. Four games broken up between Saturday and Sunday gives the fans plenty of time to watch it all unfold, but a couple of the games are much more appealing.

With that said, here's how I rank the matchups of Wild Card Weekend.

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No. 1: Detroit at New Orleans

These two teams played each other in Week 13, and the Saints had no trouble blowing out the Lions. With Ndaumokong Suh back in the lineup this time around, Detroit will fare much better.

If you love offense and touchdowns, this is the perfect game for you. Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford will be lighting it up, doing everything they can to ensure their team gets the victory.

The Saints may be big favorites, but Stafford and Calvin Johnson are on fire right now, and New Orleans' shaky secondary won't be able to slow them down.

This season, the Saints have given up an average of 260 passing yards per game, which ranks 30th in the NFL. Stafford should easily surpass that total, making this a back and forth touchdown battle that is sure to please those who watch.

No. 2: Atlanta at New York

The Giants are riding sky-high after thrashing the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East, and the Falcons are angry, looking to take their frustration out on any team that gets in their way.

After the Saints embarrassed them in prime time, Atlanta has the motivation to play at an extremely high level. Toss in the fact that several of these players are striving for their first playoff victory, and it only adds fuel to the fire of this matchup.

Neither team has won a playoff game in years, which is what makes this the No. 2 matchup of Wild Card Weekend.

Matt Ryan vs. Eli Manning will be a great showdown, and this game should come down to the wire if both teams play to their potential.

No. 2: Pittsburgh at Denver

The Steelers are a little banged up, but the Broncos are coming off a three-game losing streak, which doesn't bode well for them.

Ben Roethlisberger is going to play, even if he has to be rolled out onto the field. The storyline of Tim Tebow also makes this an enticing matchup.

However, the reason it isn't any higher is because there will be a major lack of offense throughout the game. It comes in at No. 3 because the fourth quarter should provide some sparks, but prior to that, the game will be rather boring.

No. 4 Cincinnati at Houston

The Texans are also coming off a three-game losing streak, and with T.J. Yates and Jake Delhomme as their QBs, Houston will be in some trouble.

The Bengals are a big surprise this year, squeaking into the playoffs with some big-time play by their rookies. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are a great tandem, and Green will be the only excitement in this game.

Their matchup earlier in the year came down to the wire, but this game lacks fire power and flare, which is why it ranks as the worst for the Wild Card Weekend.

Cincinnati kept Arian Foster in check during their previous matchup, and the Bengals are likely to do it again, meaning that this game won't have much pizazz.

2012 NFL Playoff Schedule

Wild Card Round

Saturday, Jan. 7

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans—4:30 p.m. ET on NBC

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints—8:00 p.m. ET on NBC

Sunday, Jan 8

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants—1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos—4:30 p.m. ET on CBS

Divisional Round

Saturday, Jan 14

Highest Remaining NFC Seed at San Francisco 49ers—4:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Lowest Remaining AFC Seed at New England Patriots—8:00 p.m. ET on CBS