NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Weekend

My Picks

Falcons -2 @Arizona – Arizona
I live in Atlanta, so I have been following the Falcons very closely this season. They have played great. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and the offense have received much of the praise, but the Falcons’ defense has performed way above expectations. However, the Cardinals are going to win this game. The Cardinals are just a little better in some key areas. I give the edge to the Cardinals at the quarterback position, at head coach, and on the offensive line. Michael Turner has not played great on the road this year. If the Cardinals can stop the run and contain Turner, they will win this game.

Eagles -3 @Vikings – Eagles
The Eagles are the hottest team in the NFC. They survived a very tough schedule this season. Coach Andy Reid is Coach Brad Childress’ mentor. He knows how Childress likes to call plays and so does Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. The Eagles have a huge advantage at quarterback, and surprisingly, the Eagles have a better group of wide receivers and pass catching running backs. Playoff experience is very important and the Eagles still have players from their long playoff runs earlier this decade. This game looks like a two touchdown win for the Eagles.

Ravens -3 @Dolphins – Ravens
This game is a rematch of a regular season game won by the Ravens. I think this game is going to be low scoring and a very close victory for the Ravens. The Dolphins have benefited from a very easy schedule in their division and against the NFC West. On the other hand, the Ravens have played one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Usually, I would go with the better quarterback, Chad Pennington of the Dolphins, but I still believe in the Ravens’ defense. Safety Ed Reed always makes big plays.

Colts -1 @Chargers – Chargers
The Chargers’ crowd last week against Denver was as loud as any I had watched all season. The crowd is going to be a major factor in this game. I also think the Chargers are the younger, more athletic team. The Chargers’ secondary matches up very well with the Colts’ wide receivers. The best player for the Colts this weekend probably will be TE Dallas Clark. He is the key player the Chargers must stop. These two teams have played several games over the past few seasons. The Chargers’ familiarity with Peyton Manning is vital. I am not a big fan of Philip Rivers, but I like the dynamic duo of Tomlinson and Sproles. The Chargers defy the odds and win this game.