Wild Card Playoff Predictions

NFC PLAYOFFS

#3 Dallas Cowboys vs. #6 Philadelphia Eagles

Personally, I am an Eagles fan. Unfortunately, I do remember sweeping the New York Giants three straight times last season, so I know it can be done. So far, the Cowboys secondary has shut down DeSean Jackson, and if he can’t make any plays, they are done for. Although, McNabb must step up his play to get Jackson the ball, for he looked absolutely lost last Sunday. I don’t see anyway my birds can pull this one out, as the Dallas defense is just on a roll, and they showed no way of stopping either the Romo-Austin or Romo-Witten connections last week.

Prediction: 24-14, Dallas

#4 Arizona Cardinals vs. #5 Green Bay Packers

I see this game as a bit of an easy matchup as well. Green Bay blew apart the Cardinals last week, and there is no reason to believe that they won’t do it again. The Cardinals are most likely going to be without WR Anquan Boldin, who can barely walk now with his MCL sprain and an upper ankle sprain. Yes, the man is tough, but even if he does play it would be a very small contribution. Without Boldin, the Packers can put the NFL’s best cornerback, Charles Woodson, up against WR Larry Fitzgerald all day, and blitz Warner nearly every play.

Prediction: 30-14, Green Bay

AFC PLAYOFFS

#3 New England Patriots vs. #6 Baltimore Ravens

This could be the best game of this weekend, as the Patriots prolific offense will matchup against the always ready Baltimore defense. However, the Patriots are missing the NFL’s leader in receptions, Wes Welker, and will be relying on rookie Julian Edelmen to replace him. Frankly, the x-factor in this game is Ravens’ QB Joe Flacco. He has had a pretty inconsistent season, but if he can play a good four quarters, with passes setting up the running game with RB Ray Rice, than the Ravens should come out on top.

Prediction: 24-21, Baltimore

#4 Cincinnati Bengals vs. #5 New York Jets

Yes, the Jets held Carson Palmer to zero yards on eleven passing plays. Yes, Chad Ochocinco injured his knee in pregame warm ups and was a non factor. Yes, the Jets walloped the Bengals 37-0. However, the playoffs are a different animal. Rookie QB Mark Sánchez will have to learn that mistakes are more critical now than in the regular season, and have to be held to a minimum. Also, the Jets must realize that just because their coach, Rex Ryan, calls them the favorites, doesn’t actually make them the favorites. The Bengals had absolutely nothing to play for last week. That’s why I expect a totally different team to take the field, and beat the New York Jets. I believe this was the toughest call on Wild Card weekend, as I had felt that the Jets were going to win earlier in the week. However, as we creep closer and closer to game time, something inside of me is telling that the Bengals will run through the Jets top defense, setting up the passing attack to WR Chad Ochocinco and former Jets’ wideout, Laveranues Coles.

Prediction: 20-16, Cincinnati