NFL Wild Card Round Breakdown: Pro Picks for the NFL Postseason

The board is all set for the teams that will be contending in the NFL playoffs, and with the new year comes a smorgasbord of intriguing and unusual matchups.

Looking back, it appeared it would be a close race from the outset. No team was left undefeated by Week 4, unseen since 1970.

The Wild Card teams for both the AFC and NFC are strong teams that can slug it out with any opponent, yet the top-seeded teams are equally solid with the lone exception of the Seattle Seahawks, the first 7-9 divisional champion in NFL history.

But with the exception of Seattle, the postseason games we'll watch next Sunday are evenly matched, and it will be interesting to see how all the hype plays out.

Let's move on to my picks and predictions.

AFC Wild Card Round: New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

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

New York Jets: 11-5

Indianapolis Colts: 10-6

Peyton Manning appears to have overcome his mid-season slump.

After throwing 11 interceptions in a three-game span, he has totaled only two interceptions in the subsequent four games. In the AFC, he is undoubtedly the top quarterback alongside the ever-present Tom Brady.

However, the Colts have a banged-up team, and injuries have been their Achilles' heel all season long. The Jets will look to take advantage when they face them in Indianapolis, but they have their own struggles with an inconsistent Mark Sanchez at quarterback.

The Jets dual-threat running offense, led by L.T. and Shonn Greene, is what they'll rely on to unseat the Colts. However, Indianapolis has lately shored up its run defense, successfully limiting Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden and Chris Johnson in its past four games.

With the return of Joseph Addai, Indianapolis looks to balance their offensive attack and keep the Jets guessing.

Final Predicted Score: Indianapolis Colts 27, New York Jets 21

AFC Wild Card Round: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens scores his team's only touchdown 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 Larry French/G

Baltimore Ravens: 12-4

Kansas City Chiefs: 10-6

Baltimore is a formidable team to face in the playoffs, having made it to the postseason three consecutive times under head coach John Harbaugh and with quarterback Joe Flacco. Their defense is playing strong, but the Ravens will have to get it together offensively if they want to beat Kansas City.

The Chiefs bring their own offensive threat to the picture as they are No. 1 in the NFL in rushing. Jamaal Charles is a dynamic running back who matches up well against the Ravens' No. 5 run defense.

However, Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel also has some impressive stats with 27 TDs and only seven interceptions.

However, if Baltimore establishes a footing with their offense quickly, the Ravens' defense could seal up the win in Kansas City.

Final Predicted Score: Ravens 23, Chiefs 16

NFC Wild Card Round: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a sack by teammate B.J. Raji #90 against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonat

Green Bay Packers: 10-6

Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6

The offenses in this matchup are, quite simply, two of the best offenses in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers is a prolific passer who is always a threat for a big play backed by the likes of Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson.

Michael Vick, who acquired the starting job after Kevin Kolb was knocked out by Clay Matthews in Week 1, has had a big resurgence and is the top-rated rushing quarterback in the NFL.

Philadelphia's offensive attack has a slight edge because of running back LeSean McCoy, who has been very solid this year, while the Packers rushing attack, spearheaded by Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn, is not really much to speak of.

However, Green Bay's defense, especially its pass-rush, romped all over Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears, and it could be the deciding factor in this game. As long as they can contain Michael Vick and limit his big-play rushing, cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson can do what they need to do in the secondary.

Final Predicted Score: Green Packers 30, Philadelphia Eagles 28

NFC Wild Card Round: New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks

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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)

New Orleans Saints: 11-5

Seattle Seahawks: 7-9

In Week 11, the Saints crushed the Seahawks, 34-19. They'll be looking to come out of this game with a similar performance.

Frankly, New Orleans has the easiest playoff game of any team this week, and they know it. Drew Brees is a huge big-play threat and the Saints' offense has been prolific all season. Their only problem is the lack of a real running game, but the presence of receivers Marques Colston, Lance Moore and tight ends Brandon Graham and Jeremy Shockey have been more than able to cover for it.

Seattle pulled off a win against the St. Louis Rams to secure their division at 7-9, but it was due entirely to the weakness of the NFC West and I would be very surprised if the Seahawks showed the coaching, talent or playmaking ability to come off with a victory here.

Final Predicted Score: New Orleans Saints 24, Seattle Seahawks 14