As per tradition, here are my predictions for Wild Card Weekend:
The first game is Atlanta vs. Arizona. This is the most interesting matchup out of the four games. Atlanta made a huge turnaround from last season. They have the Offensive Rookie of the Year in QB Matt Ryan and the one-two punch of RBs with Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. They have a solid defense that is very opportunistic. However, this is their first time in the playoffs in a few years so there might be some anxiety, especially with a rookie QB. Arizona is hosting their first playoff game in a really, really long time. They have an explosive offense led by former MVP Kurt Warner and the exciting trio of WRs which includes Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. However, they have been in a slump the last few weeks and haven't been in sync. This will be a close game but I think that Atlanta will get the W.
Falcons over Cardinals 34-31
The second game on Saturday is Indianapolis vs. San Diego. Indy is coming into the playoffs on a huge roll, winning nine games in a row. They again have the league MVP in QB Peyton Manning and have the usual cast of characters on offense. Their weakness again could be their defense which seems to play up or play down depending on the opponent. The Chargers have L.T., Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates along with a winning streak of their own to get into the playoffs. Their weakness has been their defense and inconsistent play earlier in the year. These two teams played in the regular season with Indy winning with a last second field goal. They also met last season in the playoffs with the Chargers knocking off the then defending champs in the divisional round. The X-factor will be RB/KR Darren Sproles. He will be the difference in a Chargers win.
Chargers over Colts 27-17
The third wild card matchup is Baltimore vs. Miami. The Ravens have their usual staunch defense along with the tough running game with Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain. They are also led by a rookie QB in Joe Flacco. That could also be their weakness as he has shown at times this season to be a little flappable. The Dolphins have made an incredible turnaround from 1-15 to a division win and the playoffs. They are led by Comeback Player of the year in QB Chad Pennington, RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and a no-name defense. The weakness is their lack of playoff experience together as it has been several years since they made the playoffs. This one is a tough one to pick, but I'm going with the feel good story.
Dolphins over Ravens 24-10
The final wild card matchup is Philadelphia vs. Minnesota. Philly made the playoffs thanks to some help in the final week. They still have QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook and a defense that can give people fits. However, they are still one dimensional in the pass and if they don't get a little more balanced, it could be a short stay in the playoffs. Minnesota has a great running attack with RBs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor and a stifling defense. However, they don't have the greatest QB play with Tavaris Jackson. I think this will be a smash mouth type of game that will also be unexpectedly low scoring. I think Minnesota will try and dominate the time of possession with the run game. It will be a squeaker but I'm going with the Vikes at home.
Vikings over Eagles 17-10
I know that my picks are for the most part going against the experts. So either I'll be really right or really wrong. Either way it ought to be interesting :)
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