The NFL playoffs have finally arrived. What makes Wildcard Weekend more exciting than ever is that a Wildcard team – the Packers – won the Super Bowl last season. This is beginning to happen with more frequency. Therefore, it’s possible that one of the teams playing this week will end up the Super Bowl Champion. Let’s take a look at the matchups.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
(6) Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) at (3) Houston Texans (10-6)
The Texans might have had a good run, but if you look closely, they were a much better team with Matt Schaub at QB. This isn’t to take anything away from T.J. Yates, but he doesn’t have the experience to succeed. The Texans haven’t moved the ball much at all since he took over and have to rely on their defense. Andy Dalton might also be a rookie, but he had the entire season. His numbers are impressive for a rookie. He has thrown 20 TDs versus only 13 INTs. The Bengals also have a solid defense, which doesn’t bode well for Yates, who has already been sacked 15 times in only 6 games.
Cincinnati Bengals +3
(6) Detroit Lions (10-6) at (3) New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Don’t believe all the hype about the Lions. They can score, but their defense is horrendous and their running game is close to non-existent. Compare that to the Saints who have a stronger offense, a better defense and a stellar running game – when necessary. Plus, the Saints are at home where they’re dominant. The Saints defense will take away Calvin Johnson, leaving Stafford with few options. You can’t do that to Brees because he has so many weapons. This game might be close in the 1st half, but look for the Saints to pull away in the 2nd half.
New Orleans Saints -10½
Sunday, January 8, 2012
(5) Atlanta Falcons (10-6) at (4) New York Giants (9-7)
This is a tough one. The Falcons are a steady team with very good receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White. While no one wants to admit it, their problem is in the running game. Michael Turner is simply not the answer. They need a burner to fit their speedy receivers, which would make this an explosive offense. The Falcons defense is marginal at best. They have improved in the secondary, but they’re awful at getting pressure on the QB, which will end up being their downfall on Sunday. The Giants are the most well-balanced team in the NFL. They can run, pass, put pressure on the QB and stop the run. Their only weakness is the secondary. The Giants should come out ahead in this one, especially since they’re at home and riding a huge wave of momentum
New York Giants -3
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) at (4) Denver Broncos (8-8)
This must be some kind of sick joke. The Steelers are only favored by 8 points because of injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and Big Ben. Don’t worry about the RB position. Redman will fill in just fine. As far as Big Ben goes, the guy plays great hurt in big games. The offense will finally move this week. They tend to take it up a notch in the playoffs. The Broncos offense is in for it. We have the lowest-rated QB going up against the best defense in the NFL. It’s going to get ugly out there.
Pittsburgh Steelers -8½
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