2011 NFL Playoff Predictions, First Round: Ravens, Packers Win on the Road

The 2011 NFL playoffs are officially set, with the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles highlighting this wild card weekend.

There are plenty of teams who have the experience to make a playoff run, while there are a few new faces who are entering the postseason as well.

History shows that a team that comes out of this first round has a great shot of continuing its winning ways and carry the momentum over to the Super Bowl.

After a day of thinking over my picks, I am ready to make my selection for the first round of this year playoffs.

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

A rematch of the 2010 AFC Championship game, the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets should put on a show.

Neither of these teams are as feared as last season, but are still threats in the playoffs. Who has the edge, Peyton Manning or Rex Ryan's defense?

History points in Manning's direction, and I don't see that changing. The Jets defense may be one of the better units in the league, but don't seem to be as dominant against many offenses.

One quarterback named Tom Brady set the blueprint for Peyton Manning in the second meeting between the Pats and the Jets.

I do see plenty of scoring by both teams, as the Jets offense will get explosive plays against a streaky Colts defense.

However, I'll take my chances with a team led by Peyton Manning at home against a kind of defense he does well against.

Colts 28   Jets 24

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw a pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The defending champion New Orleans Saints begin their postseason heading to the other part of the country to take on the Seattle Seahawks.

New Orleans is a double digit favorite over a Seahawks team that has recorded only seven wins and benefited from being in a weak NFC West.

In the beginning, I expect the loud crowd of Seattle to be a factor, keeping the game close for possibly one half.

However, the potent offense of the Saints will take over and pull away from the Seahawks.

Saints 34   Seahawks 17

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a fumble recovery during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 13-6. (Photo by L

The Baltimore Ravens ride their four game winning streak into Kansas City to face a young Chiefs team that is on the rise.

Both teams were disappointing in week 17. The Ravens offensive woes almost cost them a win against the Bengals, while the Chiefs lost by 21 points at home to the Oakland Raiders.

I am going to take my chances with a veteran team that has been there, done that.

Baltimore's run defense has stepped it up over the past month and will force Matt Cassel to beat them. I do not expect the Ravens to have another offensive drought like they did this past Sunday.

The running game should take some good tips on how the Raiders win over the Chiefs, and Joe Flacco should bounce back against a Chiefs defense that won't create as many problems as the Bengals are known for.

Ravens 27  Chiefs 14

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The biggest game of this wild card weekend features the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both of these teams are known for their offense, with Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick putting up Pro Bowl numbers.

Each team has a great group of receiving units long with veteran defenses. Who pulls out the win?

I am going with the Green Bay Packers, who could do some damage in the playoffs. Green Bay will bounce back after the offensive struggles against Chicago.

The Eagles defense is not the same as in years past and is vulnerable to giving up plays deep down the field.

Clay Matthews and the athletic Packer defense can contain Michael Vick, while Charles Woodson should do well covering Desean Jackson.

Packers 31   Eagles 24