NFL Playoffs 2011: Michael Vick, Peyton Manning Among Stars in Wild Card Weekend

The 2011 NFL Playoffs are only nine days away with the road to Dallas beginning for 12 of the elite teams in the NFL.

The playoff picture is becoming clearer as the top two seeds in the conference are all about wrapped up.

If the season ended last week, what would the matchups in the wild card round look like?

Here is my analysis on the likely matchups in the first round for eight of this year's contenders.

I am a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts greets Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens as they walk off the field after the Colts 20-3 victory in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in In

It is quite likely that the Baltimore Ravens will return to face Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, nearly one year removed from last year's matchups.

This will be a difficult matchup for both teams. The Ravens have always had trouble against Peyton Manning, especially in the playoffs.

However, this Colts team is one that has dealt with injuries on both sides of the ball.

The revamped Ravens offense will also be something the Colts aren't used to, which will provide a challenge for Jim Caldwell's unit.

Tons of fire power combined with long time veterans and young time stars.

Peyton Manning vs Ray Lewis again in the playoffs? Can't put together a better wild card matchup than that.

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham in the second half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Phot

Drew Brees and the defending champion New Orleans Saints will begin their playoff run against Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams.

In all likelihood it is going to result in a Saints win. Brees and the Saints have too much talent on both sides of the ball for a young Rams team.

However, the Rams are a team on the rise and will be playing in an energized stadium. Can the home crowd help keep the game close?

For the sake of the average NFL fan, I sure hope so.

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Thomas Jones #20 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

Finally the Kansas City Chiefs will be given the opportunity to prove if they are for real.

Nothing against the Chiefs—as they did win their division fair and square—however, they did not beat any elite teams while in the process.

The Jets may not be among the top tier teams in football but are still a threat against anyone.

I want to see how the dominant running game of the Chiefs matches up against a Jets defense that defends the run well.

Matt Cassel has also been productive and able to avoid turnovers. Let's not forget Dwayne Bowe against Darelle Revis. Bowe needs to win that matchup for the Chiefs to have a shot.

Mark Sanchez has been playing solid football as well. He will be tested by going to an environment like Kansas City, where the Chiefs are currently undefeated.

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

If you are looking for a potential offensive showdown, the Packers-Eagles game is the way to go.

Two of the league's top quarterbacks will be facing off in Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers, who have top receivers to go along with them.

They also have veteran defenses featuring Charles Woodson, Asante Samuel and others.

Early in the season Vick almost led a comeback against the Packers after replacing then starter Kevin Kolb.

Will the result be any different now that Vick is the full time starter? Should be another nail biter in Philadelphia.