NFL Playoffs: Matchup Overview and Predictions of Wild Card Games

The NFL Playoffs will certainly be very interesting this year. There are many good teams with solid records and the first team with a losing record to win a division, but there is always a first for everything. 

There are various people that will argue against the system and re-seeding teams by their records, but I think that 99 percent of the time this system works. The Seattle Seahawks the system they were given and won the important game down the stretch against the St. Louis Rams. 

While 10-6 NFC teams such as the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not get in, it can be argued that they had plenty of chances to prove themselves down the stretch. The Giants lost a crucial game to Green Bay and a devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles—each game could have secured a playoff berth. The Buccaneers only beat one winning-record team all year and had a crucial loss to the Detroit Lions at home in Week 15. That being said, each team had their fair sure of opportunities. 

As the league headed into Week 17, the AFC playoff picture was pretty clear in regards to the teams while the wild-card spots in the NFC had to be figured out. The AFC and NFC seeds are as follows: 

NFC

1. Atlanta (home-field advantage) 

2. Chicago 

3. Philadelphia Eagles 

4. Seattle Seahawks 

5. New Orleans Saints (Wild Card)  

6. Green Bay Packers (Wild Card) 

AFC 

1. New England Patriots (home-field advantage) 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers 

3. Indianapolis Colts 

4. Kansas City Chiefs 

5. Baltimore Ravens (Wild Card) 

6. New York Jets (Wild Card) 

The top two teams from the AFC and NFC have byes for next Sunday. The NFC Wild Card Games will be:

New Orleans Saints at the Seattle Seahawks 

Keys to the Game

The New Orleans Saints suffered a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I feel they will develop a rhythm and get right back on track. Their win against the Atlanta Falcons was huge. The key to how close the game might be will be whether Hasselback or Whitehurst plays. Whitehurst did a great job in maintaining the Seahawks' composure by managing a game of inconsistent play and a lot of three-and-outs by both teams.

The Seahawks have a poor rushing attack but Marshawn Lynch, Leon Washington and Justin Forsett could wake up. The Saints are balanced on both sides of the ball and I think Drew Brees will be ready to play. 

Prediction

Ultimately, I believe the Saints will win and this may be the more convincing of all the Wild Card Games. I would not be surprised, however, if Qwest Field and the fans allow for a closer game if the Seahawks can gain some momentum. 

Green Bay Packers at the Philadelphia Eagles 

Keys to the Game

The Green Bay Packers have looked very good the last few games and the Philadelphia Eagles suffered a bad loss in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings. Plus, Michael Vick rested last week so it'll be interesting to see the rhythm that Vick has with the rest of that offense. Green Bay will have to run the ball effectively to have a chance. Philadelphia will have to balance well between LeSean McCoy running and spreading the ball around to Maclin, Jackson and Celek. 

The Packers beat the Eagles in Week 1 27-20, but there was almost a comeback after Michael Vick subbed a concussed Kevin Kolb. 

Prediction

This will be a very close game. I believe the difference will not just be Michael Vick or Aaron Rodgers, but the defenses. Green Bay holds an exceptional defense but the question becomes can the Eagles defense prevent big plays from Aaron Rodgers? I believe they can and I will give the Eagles a nudge in what I believe might be the game of the week. 

The AFC Wild Card Games 

New York Jets at the Indianapolis Colts 

Keys to the Game

The New York Jets once again will limp into the playoffs just like they did last year. The Indianapolis Colts don't have the swagger that they did last year but I certainly think that Peyton Manning will be at his best. Mark Sanchez will have to be efficient in order to give his team a chance and the Indianapolis Colts will have to play sound defensively. Sanchez will have to play somewhat conservative too and keep the play calling simple. The Colts will have to run the ball very well, which is something they have struggled with all season. I also think the Jets cornerbacks against the Colts receivers will be interesting to watch. 

Prediction

I believe Peyton Manning will have the his way with the Jets, just like last year's AFC Championship Game. I think that the first half might be competitive, but Rex Ryan will get greedy in terms of blitzing and Manning will pick apart the coverage assignments. I also do not feel that Mark Sanchez is seasoned enough to handle the Lucas Oil playoff environment and I believe the Colts will win because of the overall experience on that team. 

Baltimore Ravens at the Kansas City Chiefs 

Keys to the Game

I think the Chiefs hurt themselves badly with a loss to Oakland last week. Matt Cassel was 11-for-33 on Sunday, with 115 yards passing and two interceptions. However, the Chiefs were undefeated at home until their loss to the Raiders. Arrowhead Stadium gives the Chiefs a good advantage along with their loyal fanbase.

The Ravens are decent on both sides of the ball with one of the better defenses in the NFL. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Kelly Gregg and Ed Reed stack up that defense from the defensive line to the secondary. The Chiefs have a great offense with Dwyane Bowe and a great rushing attack with Charles and McCluster. Don't forget that linebacker Tamba Hali sits at second in the league in sacks and a secondary anchored by Brandon Flowers.

Prediction

I think this will be another great Wild Card Game. I do believe the Ravens will prevail essentially because of defense. Ravens safety Ed Reed suffered an injury but should be good to go. The Ravens are more battle tested with their four losses coming from only 16 points. The Ravens have the fifth-best rush defense in the league and I think this will be the difference. Plus, I think the Chiefs front seven is suspect and this will lead to Ray Rice being able to play some smash-mouth football.  

Every Wild Card Game should be interesting this upcoming weekend. Remember, this is the NFL and anything can happen in any given week of football.