2012 NFL Playoffs: 15 Predictions for Sunday's NFL Playoff Games

Sunday features two exciting matchups as the divisional round of the 2012 NFL playoffs comes to a close.

The first game will feature T.J. Yates and the Houston Texans visiting the Baltimore Ravens. The Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants will conclude the day's games in a rematch of their close Week 13 game.

Here are 15 predictions for today's games. 

Arian Foster Will Run for 125-Plus Yards

Baltimore's defense is second in the league in run defense, but I see Arian Foster having a great day.

He is just such a strong and physical runner, but he can also beat you with his speed. He's the total package.

With Yates as quarterback, Houston's offense has been centered around the run, and they've been successful with that strategy.

I see the Texans focusing on the run and pounding the ball up the middle all game. It will wear down the Baltimore front seven, giving Foster the room to break open some big runs late in the game.

Ray Rice Has Huge Game

Ray Rice is the epicenter of the Baltimore Ravens offense. As he goes, they go.

Rice torched Houston earlier in the season for 161 total yards, including 100 yards rushing.

I expect him to put up similar numbers against the Texans today, and he will give the Ravens the best chance for a victory.

Look for him to put up at least a total of 150 yards and a touchdown in his second game against Houston this season.

Joe Flacco Throws 3 INTs

Joe Flacco has been a concern for the Ravens in the past due to his inconsistent play.

The Houston Texans have the league's third-best pass defense and have given quarterbacks fits all season.

Flacco is a good quarterback, but he'll be under a lot of pressure today. He won't live up to the billing and will let the Ravens down by throwing three interceptions. 

Houston Will Score First Two Touchdowns

The pressure will be all on the Baltimore Ravens, because they are the higher seed and the favorite to win this game.

Houston has already gotten over the hump of winning their first-ever playoff game, and with a rookie quarterback, hardly anyone expects them to win this game.

Therefore, the Texans will come out loose and ready to go, whereas the Ravens could be tight and prone to early mistakes.

Houston will jump out to an early lead with the game's first two touchdowns.

Ravens Will Have 5 or More Sacks

The Ravens defense is stacked with players like Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata and Jarret Johnson.

It will be nearly impossible for the Houston Texans offensive line to keep these players at bay for an entire game.

Baltimore's defense has racked up an impressive 48 sacks all season, which ranked them third in the NFL.

The Ravens will confuse the Texans offensive line, and T.J. Yates will be scrambling all game.

Game Will Go into Overtime

Since both teams have stout defenses, I think the score will remain close throughout the game.

Both teams will rely on running the football, and regulation won't be enough time to decide the outcome of this game.

Baltimore and Houston will give fans their second experience with the new playoff system.

Maybe it will be a longer than 11 seconds this time.

Houston Pulls off the Upset

This game will come down to who turns the ball over more.

Both quarterbacks are question marks, and I expect them to struggle against these two defenses.

Ultimately, I think Houston will come in focused and force Flacco to make some poor decisions.

Baltimore's playoff experience will keep them calm and collected and the score close, but Houston will get a late turnover and seal the victory in overtime.

Houston will move on to the next round to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

It Will Be Freezing in the Frozen Tundra

No, but seriously, it will be.

The high temperature for the football game will be 29 degrees.

Eli Manning Will Throw for 350-Plus Yards

Eli Manning has been on a tear lately, proving he should be considered an elite NFL quarterback.

In his last three games, Manning has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception, along with a combined total of 848 passing yards.

He's seeing the field well and limiting his mistakes.

Manning has always been prone to turning the ball over, but if he can avoid that today, he'll have one of his best postseason performances. 

The Giants Throw More Than 45 Passes

Eli Manning and the New York Giants will be airing the football out all day. 

Since Green Bay's defense is one of the worst passing defenses in the league with almost 300 yards given up per game, expect the Giants to exploit that glaring weakness.

Because of this, Green Bay will try and throw the ball most of the game.

Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz Both Have 100-Plus Receiving Yards

Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have been reliable targets for Eli Manning this year. 

Both have at least 75 receptions and more than 1,000 yards and have been making huge plays all season. Without them, the Giants don't make it to the playoffs.

Since Eli will have a big day, I expect Cruz and Hicks to benefit.

He will find them early and often, leading them to better than a 100-yard day. 

Both Teams Will Score at Least 35 Points

Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers have been lighting up the scoreboard this season.

The Green Bay Packers and New York Giants are in the top 10 in total offense, scoring 35 points and 24.6 points per game, respectively.

With such strong quarterbacks, you can expect them to play to their strengths. They will take a lot of chances downfield, and I think this game will be a shootout.

There won't be much defense at Lambeau Field today.

Charles Woodson Has Two Interceptions

Charles Woodson has been the most consistent player for the Green Bay Packers secondary.

With seven interceptions, Woodson led the NFL, and he is one of the best defensive backs in the league. 

Today, he'll be a huge factor with the Giants trying to throw the ball a lot.

If the Giants get down early, he could take advantage of Eli Manning as he becomes more apt to taking chances in order to bounce back from a deficit.

My advice to Manning: Don't throw it into Charles Woodson's area.

Giants Defensive Line Gives Packers O-Line Many Problems

The emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul has been significant for the New York Giants this season. 

His 16.5 sacks rank him fourth in the NFL, but it's been a team effort all season long for the Giants defensive line.

They have racked up 48.0 sacks this season and have been on a tear during the latter part of the season (see Giants vs. Matt Ryan in last week's game).

And after the Green Packers O-line was exposed by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the season, this matchup seems to be a significant advantage for the Giants.

I expect them to blitz Aaron Rodgers relentlessly as they try to make him as uncomfortable as possible.

Green Bay Wins in a Shootout

There are just too many things in the Green Bay Packers' favor tonight. 

They have home-field advantage in an environment where they haven't lost since Week 6 of the 2010 season.

Aaron Rodgers has been virtually unstoppable this season and is the leading candidate for the NFL MVP award.

Greg Jennings will return from injury to bolster an already-dangerous offense.

Rodgers has multiple weapons in Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Randall Cobb and Donald Driver. He spreads the ball around so accurately and effectively that it's tough for a defense to stop him for an entire football game.

Give me the Packers in a close but convincing victory in an offensive shootout over the red-hot New York Giants.