NFL Playoffs Predictions: Who Makes It to Tampa?

I know there have been dozens of articles about playoff predictions. I couldn't hold back any longer with my input.

I'm going to give my week-by-week predictions for each game.


1. NFC Wild Card

Atlanta Falcons (11-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Atlanta is the surprise team of the year after all of the things they had went through (Michael Vick scandal, Bobby Petrino leaving midseason last year). Arizona is a talented football team that went through their ups and downs the whole season.

Atlanta is a much more talented team on both sides of the ball. Michael Turner will be able to rip up their defense left and right.

Winner: Atlanta Falcons

2. NFC Wild Card

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Philadelphia is blessed to be in the playoffs. They need both the Buccaneers and Cowboys to lose as well as either the Vikings or Bears. Minnesota is a team that wrapped up their division with a last-second field goal over the New York Giants.

Both teams are very talented on both sides of the ball with dynamic running backs. This game should be a shoot-out with the Vikes edging it out.

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Bye weeks: New York Giants, Carolina Panthers

1. AFC Wild Card

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) vs. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Baltimore is back to the way they used to be with a good offense and a smash-mouth defense. Joe Flacco has led this team to 11 wins and the sixth seed in the AFC. Miami went from the worst record last year 1-15 to 11-5.

The 10-game turnaround is the most wins gained from the previous year. Miami is a good football team that will get better even next year but Baltimore's defense is too tough for anyone to top.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens


2. AFC Wild Card

Indianapolis Colts (12-4) vs. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Indianapolis is the hottest team in football right now due to the man I think will be the M.V.P. once again—Peyton Manning. San Diego won their division over the Broncos down by three games with three left to play.

Philip Rivers is playing out of his mind lately while the defense is beginning to pick up the pace little by little. Indianapolis is too good to lose to the Chargers who are very mediocre. Peyton Manning will have a big day against the Bolts.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Bye Weeks: Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers


1. NFC Divisional

Minnesota Vikings (11-6) vs. Carolina Panthers (12-4)

Minnesota will be on the road for this one after beating the Eagles in a close game. Tarvaris Jackson will really have to step up if the Vikings want to beat the Panthers. Adrian Peterson should see a load of the work in this game.

Carolina is rested up and ready for the Vikings. DeAngelo Williams (my vote for offensive player of the year) could have a big day if Vikings big man Pat Williams isn't able to go. Carolina will be looking for target Steve Smith all day long.

Winner: Carolina Panthers

2. NFC Divisional

Atlanta Falcons (12-5) vs. New York Giants (12-4)

This is what makes the player, Matt Ryan—clutch situations like this. Atlanta after a big win in Arizona is not looking forward to going up to bitter cold New York, New York. Hopefully Atlanta will rely on Michael Turner if they want to win.

The New York football Giants have had two weeks to rest and are healed up at the right time. Brandon Jacobs is back and looking to take charge and he will.

Winner: New York Giants

1. AFC Divisional

Baltimore Ravens (12-5) vs. Tennessee Titans (13-3)

A battle of two good defenses could come down to the wire. Joe Flacco will have a big task on his hands to upset the Titans who finished the season with the best record. Baltimore will hopefully be able to force a few turnovers on defense.

Tennessee to some is the underdog in this game, and I don't see why. Tennessee might not be able to get much on offense but it should be enough to get by.

Winner: Tennessee Titans


2. AFC Divisional

Indianapolis Colts (13-4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

This will be an exciting game to watch and one that I will be glued to my seat for. Indianapolis one their first playoff game and now they're looking to go through Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh off a bye week is not to happy knowing they have a team riding a ten game winning streak coming to town. Ben Roethlisberger is dazed and confused after what must be his tenth concussion.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

1. NFC Championship

Carolina Panthers (13-4) vs. New York Giants (13-4)

A rematch and a game that means everything to both teams. Carolina is looking for it's sweet revenge after losing to the Giants in week 17. Carolina's ground game will get working big time in this game. New York won't lay low for anybody, which is why they will give Carolina all they can handle. Another game that could come down to who has the ball last.

Winner: Carolina Panthers

2. AFC Championship

Indianapolis Colts (14-4) vs. Tennessee Titans (14-3)

Indianapolis, at the fifth seed, is in the AFC championship and looking to make it 12 straight wins on the year. Peyton Manning should have his way with the Titans' pass defense. Tennessee is at home where they rarely lose.

The Titans were shut out by the Colts in Week 17 which left serious momentum for the Colts. Tennessee was hardly playing any of it's starters nonetheless.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Super Bowl 43 in Tampa Bay, Florida

Indianapolis Colts (15-4) vs. Carolina Panthers (14-4)

This is for all the marbles. Indianapolis is the story of the year with the way they have rebounded after a very poor start to the season. Carolina has been hot all year long and won't cool off in this game that will end up being a classic in my opinion.

Get out your chips and salsa. Grab a seat and watch the Super Bowl, which stars Bruce Springsteen singing at halftime. Woo!

Winner: Carolina Panthers

Now get to commenting and disagreeing with me, Colts fans. :)