NFL Playoff Schedule: Let the WILD Weekend Begin

After a long 17-week marathon, the NFL's regular season concluded last night. In a season that's seen many surprises and has been tight all season, it was fitting that the last game decided the last spot.

An NFC West war between the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams took center stage on NBC last night. The Seahawks won the NFC West at 7-9 and will be hosting a playoff game against the defending champion New Orleans Saints.

This game starts the playoffs on Saturday afternoon, and then three others will follow in the opening weekend.   

For a large part of this season, the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons were consensus leaders in the standings. Tom Brady might as well be the consensus MVP too. Everything is in place for the Patriots and clicking right now. If this continues, their season could end happily in Dallas next month.

The four-month trek is over—now the one-month sprint to the finish begins. Here's how the first round is looking.

Most Dangerous Low Seed: Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball after making a reception against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

This has been a common belief among all NFL "experts" for this Wild Card Weekend. No one wants to play the Green Bay Packers. Well, unfortunately for their sake, the Philadelphia Eagles get the honors of facing this dangerous squad on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers is back after a concussion a few weeks ago and appears to be at the top of his game again. That's not a good sign for an Eagle defense that has struggled throughout the season.

Along with A-Rodge is probably the most talented receiving corps in the league. Even without star back Ryan Grant, the Packers have been able to put up great numbers on offense.  

The defense has been sensational all season and is probably the best in the NFL. They are near the top in most defensive statistical categories. Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme has done wonders for the Pack. Led by Clay Matthews, they've been a disruptive unit throughout the season. They have caused havoc for opposing offenses while forcing turnovers and getting endless pressure.

NFC: New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks—Saturday, 4:30 PM at Qwest Field

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: (L-R) Quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck #8 and Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks speak on the sidelines during their game against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ott

The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a major high from last night's win over the St. Louis Rams. This game saw Charlie Whitehurst become a household name as he led the Seahawks to the NFC West title.

Whitehurst's stellar, mistake-free performance still may not be enough to earn him the starting job this weekend.

The same running game that plagued them this season with its ineffectiveness carried them in their clinching win.

New Orleans is back as the defending champions and hungry for more. With as many injuries as they've had this season, it will be very difficult for them to repeat. In coming in as a No. 5 seed and having to play some tough road games, the Saints are in unfamiliar territory.

If they're able to respond and adjust accordingly en route to another title, that would be impressive. Drew Brees has enough tools in place, and even the defense has stepped up this year for them.

Prediction: Saints 31, Seahawks 20

AFC: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts—Saturday, 8:00 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium

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INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Joesph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the NFL game against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The New York Jets stumble into the playoffs this weekend and could be in a heap of trouble. With Mark Sanchez's inconsistent play, the Jets' offense was never able to hit its stride.

Their running game, led by LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, has been solid and powerful for Rex Ryan.

On defense, they still are near the top in most categories and are definitely a fearsome bunch.

Sanchez is the X-factor in this game and has been all season for the Jets.  

The Colts' offense is still explosive, and now with Joseph Addai back they're starting to run more. Peyton Manning now has less pressure on him and will respond accordingly. With the proper weapons in place, Manning is still very dangerous for any defense to prepare against. They're basically facing off with an offensive coordinator—that's exactly what Manning is.

Indy's defense must be able to stop the Jets' running attack. Expect Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis to apply the necessary pass-rush pressure on their end as well.  

Prediction: Colts 23, Jets 13

AFC Wild Card Weekend Top Performer: Jamaal Charles

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamaal Charles is the one of the most dynamic runners in all of football. He's electric, and his shared running attack with veteran Thomas Jones has worked to perfection. He now faces his toughest task yet against a carnivorous Baltimore Ravens defense.

I believe that Charles will put up another stunning performance and carry the surprise Chiefs this weekend. Matt Cassel may need some help and will hand the ball off to Charles often and expect him to make some plays.

Charles may not gash through the Ravens for a ton of yards but will do enough to seal victory in the closing minutes of a close game. Todd Haley should have a smooth, balanced game plan in place for the Ravens on Sunday. If Charles and co. are able to work this to fruition, they will likely have a date with the New England Patriots the following week.

AFC: Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs—Sunday, 1 PM at Arrowhead Stadium

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Raiders won 31-10 (Photo by Tim Umphrey/G

This has to be one of the toughest matchups to call this weekend. Both teams are hungry and looking to challenge in the AFC. This shows just how competitive the AFC playoffs will be.

With these two teams paired up as 4-5 seeds, they will deliver a great game on Sunday. This could be a hard-hitting game that will be a mental test for both squads.

For the Chiefs, there's certainly no place like home. They went 7-1 at Arrowhead Stadium this year and now look to advance their season further.

Matt Cassel can't make mistakes and must play past the pressure that the Ravens' defense will present. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones must be able to pick up the "tough" yards to combat Baltimore's physical defense.

The Ravens will rely on Ray Rice to lead the way. Arrowhead Stadium is a very tough place to visit, and the Ravens must go in and grab the game's first points. The defense should be able to hold off the Chiefs' offense, but they'll also need to score on offense to win this game.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Ravens 20

NFC: Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles—Sunday, 4:30 PM at The Linc

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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)

Green Bay is certainly the most dangerous team coming into this weekend. They're the opponent that nobody wanted. The Packers will present a tough task for the Philadelphia Eagles but should also serve as a good measuring stick.

Aaron Rodgers needs to perform better than he did in the team's Week 1 win in Philadelphia. More than that, the defense must thwart Michael Vick, if possible making him a non-factor. This is where Clay Matthews comes into play.

The Eagles are ready to play in a meaningful game. This one, though, has their storybook season on the line. With a win on Sunday, the Eagles book their ticket to Chicago for another date with the Bears. Firstly, though, they must find a way past the Pack.

LeSean McCoy's stellar season may take off in the playoffs. If it does, the Eagles could go very far. The Eagles' defense must shape up and do so quickly.

This will be the best game of the weekend without a doubt.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Packers 23

NFC Wild Card Weekend Top Performer: Drew Brees

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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)

Drew Brees will steal the show on Saturday at Qwest Field. The Saints' explosive offense will look to make quick work of the Seahawks and eliminate them from the playoffs. This will begin and end with Brees, who was so good in last year's playoffs.

Brees has so much talent around him and will need to use it this weekend to continue their trek back to the Super Bowl. He presented us with a special moment in last year's Super Bowl celebration with his young son Baylen. The Breeses could give the world more moments like that if their winning ways continue.

The Saints will torch and expose the Seahawks' defense en route to a rematch with Atlanta in the Georgia Dome, where they recently won.

NFL MVP: Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots after teammate Brian Hoyer threw a touchdown pass in the third quarter against Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Imag

Tom Brady is the best player in the NFL once again. Just as he was in 2007, Brady is back on top of the NFL and will likely win MVP again. The only threat to his throne was Michael Vick, but that definitely won't happen now.

Brady's been supplied with the perfect offensive weapons to succeed. A lot of this success comes down to Bill Belichick and his flawless game-planning. Even without Randy Moss, Brady's been able to put up excellent numbers and execute on a weekly basis.

Brady will earn his second MVP this season and now looks to lead the Pats to their fourth Super Bowl championship. His legacy, which is already ideal, would be cemented without a doubt this season if all goes according to plan.

Predictions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles eludes Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants and returns a punt for the winning touchdown as time runs out defeating the Giants 38-31 during their game on December 19, 2010 a

Leave your own predictions for this weekend's games.