NFL Playoff Picks 2015: Odds and Last-Minute Predictions for Wild Card Weekend

Every minor issue is escalated in the NFL playoffs. 

An injury that could've been overcome in the regular season turns into a major problem in January. A weakness that wasn't exactly exposed in some games could represent a team's downfall at this stage.

The eight teams trying to advance to the next round of the postseason better be prepared for the biggest fight of their lives; otherwise they will be headed home in a hurry.

All four games feature matchups that could go either way based on a few bounces, but here are predictions for what to expect in the upcoming weekend, with spreads courtesy of Odds Shark.

Carolina Panthers (-6.5) over Arizona Cardinals

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Things certainly can change quickly in the NFL. A month ago, the Carolina Panthers were 3-8-1 after going two full months without a win. However, the squad stuck together and earned four straight victories to win the NFC South.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals were headed for the No. 1 seed in the NFC after a 9-1 start behind a great defense and solid quarterback play. Unfortunately, injuries all around have led to four losses in the final six games and little momentum heading into the playoffs.

Now the Cardinals will turn to third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley, who is 0-2 as a starter this season with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

On the plus side, head coach Bruce Arians has a lot of faith in his quarterback continually improving, via Dan Bickley of AZ Central:

"

He knows what he's doing. He knows the offense. He's very bright. He has courage. Some people call it guts, but he has courage. And it takes courage to play that position at this level. So he has the things that really count. He's smart, he's tough and his accuracy is getting better and better.

"

The problem is that the team doesn't have any more time to let Lindley improve more. He has to either show up or go home. 

Add in a Cardinals defense that has struggled lately and currently ranks 29th in the NFL against the pass, and the Panthers should be able to keep up the recent winning streak and advance with a victory here.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) over Baltimore Ravens

This has been a great rivalry for at least the past decade, and this weekend should give fans another memorable chapter. 

The problem is the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to survive without one of their best players down the stretch. Le'Veon Bell suffered a knee injury and has been ruled out of the playoff game. ESPN Stats and Info notes how important the running back has been to the offense:

On the other hand, succeeding with the passing game likely would have been the strategy for Pittsburgh regardless of Bell's health. The Baltimore Ravens have struggled with injuries in the secondary, and the unit is now a major weakness for the squad.

Sigmund Bloom of Football Guys explains why the Steelers don't need Bell:

Baltimore hasn't been challenged in recent weeks, with games against Blake Bortles, Case Keenum and Connor Shaw at quarterback to end the season. However, someone like Ben Roethlisberger, who had six touchdown passes the last time these teams played, should be able to have another big day in a winning effort.

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) over Cincinnati Bengals

Like the Steelers, the Cincinnati Bengals could have to compete without an offensive playmaker as A.J. Green deals with a concussion. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer provides the latest on the receiver's status:

To make matters worse, the Bengals have not had much success in the postseason lately:

With Andy Dalton throwing six interceptions to just one touchdown in three career playoff appearances—all losses—it's hard to imagine too much more success in this game.

The Indianapolis Colts are not loaded with experience either, but Andrew Luck is coming off his best season as he continues to establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Against a team that has struggled to create any pass rush this season, he should have the time to spread the ball around and put up big numbers once again.

Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard could do some damage in the run game, although it will not be enough to help the Bengals pull out a win in this one.

Detroit Lions (+6.5) over Dallas Cowboys

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Although it once seemed Ndamukong Suh would be out for this game after stepping on Aaron Rodgers' leg in Week 17, he won his appeal and now will be active against the Dallas Cowboys.

This is huge news for the Detroit Lions because he will be able to help match up against the opposing team's biggest strength. While DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo have gained a lot of well-deserved praise this season, Fox Sports' At The Buzzer noted the real MVPs of the team:

Few teams have been able to slow down the Cowboys this year because no one has the ability to win the battle in the trenches.

The difference here is that the Lions actually have the personnel to succeed in this game. With the No. 1 run defense in the NFL (69.3 yards allowed per game), Murray will see a lot of clogged lanes and struggle to get much going.

On the other side of the ball, Matthew Stafford will just have to find Calvin Johnson a few times down the field while spreading it to other weapons like Golden Tate, Reggie Bush, Theo Riddick and more.

It will be a low-scoring battle, but the Lions can do enough to pull off the upset.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.