NFL Playoffs: Seahawks, Packers, Ravens and Pats Will Win in 2nd Round

Time to compose ourselves, take a look at next week's NFL playoff feast and make something of what the pundits and crazies said about last week's good games played by the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints and the clunker played by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Quick recaps of these games are below, followed by my own peculiar view of what next weekend will bring for the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.

Michael Vick Versus Pundits

No matter how you slice it, Terry Bradshaw's minority view of an Eagles win (most picked the Packers) was nearly correct. As it turns out, one interception proved the majority right.

As Michael Vick's last-gasp effort with plenty of time on the clock fell into a Packer's hands, we were left to wonder why the Philadelphia Eagles looked so beaten up. After all, Vick was one pass from going to the next round. Yet doubts persist that Vick will never make it to the Super Bowl.

We might have known Bradshaw would go for Vick. His career was marred by early inconsistency. Yet Vick is very different, indeed. Bradshaw ranks as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Vick's past may have already sealed his fate.

With his age (he is already 30), he will never be as good as Bradshaw, or, for that matter, Aaron Rodgers, whose steady work helped the Green Bay Packers end Philadelphia's playoff run in the first round. It was only the second time in six tries under Andy Reid that the Eagles failed to advance.

Will Vick be quarterback of the Eagles in next year's NFL playoffs? Here is a bet that he will not. Reid gets rid of non-performing quarterbacks very quickly.

Youth Versus Age: The Story of Two Games

It is rare that age wins over beauty, so it was no surprise that Rex Ryan's New York Jets were able to win with young Mark Sanchez over old Peyton Manning. Despite Sanchez's low-60s quarterback rating and Manning's near-109 rating in their playoff game, the Colts were simply worse at most positions.

While this is said to be due to talent, the fact is that Ryan, despite his huge mouth and bet-we-beat-you psychology, is a better defensive coach at game time than the Colts' twin offensive coaches, Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning. Even Manning gave Ryan the tribute he deserves before the game.

I have said and believe that Manning will entertain offers from other football teams before settling on his final choice. Look for the St. Louis Rams to make a bid for his services.

In the second youth-versus-age contest, youth was just barely served. Manning is 34, while Sanchez is 24. But the Kansas City Chiefs' Matt Cassel is 28 and Joe Flacco 26, hardly a whisper of a difference. You can argue that Cassel, largely a beneficiary of great quarterbacks after last serving under Tom Brady's tutelage, is actually younger in NFL experience.

You can also argue that Cassel was the problem. The real problem was the failure to have a balanced offensive plan and the Baltimore Ravens' devastating pass rush. In the end, Cassel only attempted 18 passes and ended up with a season-worst (perhaps for any starter) quarterback rating of 20. He deserved every bit of that rating.

Super Bowl Quarterbacks Fight It Out

In the only game where two Super Bowl quarterbacks will face each other in the NFC, Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks got the best of Drew Brees. While the Seahawks used their 12th Man crowd to their advantage, the real difference was Hasselbeck. He proved an unstoppable force, something the Chicago Bears will certainly be working on this week.

Predictions: Every One Close Except Ravens Versus Steelers

This will prove a monumental year for those teams who played the first week in the NFL playoffs. It would be incredibly foolish to say it, but sitting here today, it looks like every first-week team could beat the host team. None appear safe—even Tom Brady's New England Patriots.

Pundits say that the added week of rest helps. While this may be true if you suffer injuries in the first game, many in other sports argue that the additional game makes the team better prepared for the second round. Why is the NFL any different?

I give the edge to Brady's Patriots over the New York Jets, but just barely. Look for a very competitive game. Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan are much closer than most would care to believe. Yet a blowout could occur because Brady is so much better than Mark Sanchez.

In the Atlanta Falcons' game against the Green Bay Packers next week, Aaron Rodgers and the Pack will make everyone believe they are the team of destiny in the NFC. Look for Green Bay to edge the Falcons in another close one.

In the Chicago Bears' game against the Seattle Seahawks, new kid in town Pete Carroll will guide his team that now believes to a win by using his quarterback Hasselbeck in another downfield passing exhibition. This could be a blowout despite the Chicago winter crowd. Carroll just knows how to win and is far smarter than given credit for so far. His only peer could be New England's Bill Belichick.  

Finally, the Ravens appear to be the team to beat in the AFC. Their defense is back to top form, and Flacco provides enough experience and juice to make the offense tick with a rushing duo that may be the best in the NFL today. While never out of games, this one could get out of hand if the Ravens score the first two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Look for the Ravens in an unbelievable romp.

Crazy year in the NFL—and if this proves true next week, a really crazy set of playoff games.