One-And-Done Or a Super Bowl Run? Predicting The Results Of Wild Card Weekend

That time of year has finally come. New Years has come and gone, and Week 17 has concluded. The playoff picture that was once so hazy has finally cleared and next weekend, we'll all be greeted by four NFL playoff games. Three out of the four match-ups for Wild Card Weekend are very interesting games between closely matched teams, as far as talent goes. Here's an early look at the four games next weekend, and predictions for each. 

New York Jets (#6) at Indianapolis Colts (#3)

Elsa/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball against the New York Jets during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated th

A rematch of last year's AFC Championship, this game should stand as one of the best of the season. Peyton Manning and one of the deadliest offenses that the NFL has to offer goes head-to-head with one of the toughest defenses in the league, anchored by CB Darrelle Revis. 

Jets Key to Victory: Can Mark Sanchez handle the pressure that he'll be put under?

Colts Key to Victory: Can Indy establish a ground game to aid Manning and the pass attack?

Prediction: Jets-17 Colts-27

Next Match-up: Indianapolis Colts (#3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (#2)

Baltimore Ravens (#5) at Kansas City Chiefs (#4)

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by fans as he jumps into the stands after making a 75 yard touchdown catch during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead S

Unfortunately for Baltimore, home field advantage should play a major role in this match-up. Arrowhead Stadium is never an easy place to come into and steal a win, and the Chiefs are 7-1 at home this year. However, the Ravens are 12-4 for a reason, and have a young offensive core led by Joe Flacco, that is just getting better and better. 

Ravens Key to Victory: Will the veteran Baltimore defense be able to stop Jamaal Charles on the ground?

Chiefs Key to Victory: Will Matt Cassel be able to connect with Dwayne Bowe on big plays? 

Prediction: Ravens-26 Chiefs-24

Next Match-up: Baltimore Ravens (#5) at New England Patriots (#1)

New Orleans Saints (#5) at Seattle Seahawks (#4)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown pass in the first half during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox

Although the Saints will be on the road at Qwest Field this week, this should be the most boring game of the playoffs to watch, unless, of course, you're a Saints fan. The Seahawks beat the Rams in Week 17, earning them a playoff spot through an NFC West championship. The Seahawks are the first playoff team to ever have a record below .500, sitting at 7-9. 

Saints Key to Victory: Will Drew Brees be able to lower his interception count?

Seahawks Key to Victory: Can the Seahawks defense stop Drew Brees?

Prediction: Saints-34 Seahawks-13

Next Match-up: New Orleans Saints (#5) at Atlanta Falcons (#1)

Green Bay Packers (#6) at Philadelphia Eagles (#3)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks to the sidelines during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Image

A rematch of Week 1, this game will likely be the best match-up between two NFC teams this year in the playoffs. Michael Vick has been unreal this season and has had an emotional, remarkable come-back. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay just snuck into the playoffs by defeating the Bears last week. Two deadly offenses and two bruising defenses face off in this Wild Card matchup.

Eagles Key to Victory: Can the Philly offensive line protect Michael Vick?

Packers Key to Victory: Can Green Bay's awful special teams corp quiet DeSean Jackson?

Prediction: Packers-27 Eagles-31

Next Match-up: Philadelphia Eagles (#3) at Chicago Bears (#2)

Extra Predictions For AFC Match-Ups

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs for a touchdown against Jon Alston #55 of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 15, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed

Jets at Colts: 

• -Mark Sanchez will throw 2+ interceptions
• -Reggie Wayne will have 8+ receptions and 100+ yards
• -Pierre Garcon will have a receiving touchdown

Ravens at Chiefs: 

• -Ray Rice will have 50+ receiving yards and 70+ rushing yards
• -Jamaal Charles will break a 60+ yard touchdown run
• -Dwayne Bowe will have 10+ receptions

Extra Predictions For NFC Match-Ups

Al Bello/Getty Images

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

Saints at Seahawks: 

• -Whichever Seattle QB that starts will throw 3 interceptions
• -Drew Brees will pass for 4 touchdowns
• -Drew Brees will pass for 375 yards

Packers at Eagles: 

• -Aaron Rodgers will throw for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns
• -Michael Vick will be sacked 4+ times, but will have 3 total touchdowns
• -DeSean Jackson will have a return touchdown