NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions

MIKE

Chiefs vs. Colts (-1)

Chiefs 20-17 (Chiefs beat spread)

This will be a closely contested playoff game between two evenly matched squads. QB’s Alex Smith and Andrew Luck will go head-to-head in a battle of two relatively young, inexperienced groups at the playoff level. Both defenses rank in the bottom half of the league, but will lean on their opportunistic playmakers to step up in crunch time. The Chiefs ability to run the football with All-Pro RB Jamaal Charles will prove to be the difference in the game, in addition to the special teams threat RB Dexter McCluster poses. Expect Luck and Smith to play mistake-free games and continue to force the others’ hand throughout the contest. Indy will need big performances from both RB’s Trent Richardson and Donald Brown in order to get past the visiting Chiefs in this one.

Saints vs. Eagles (-2.5)

Saints 24-20 (Saints beat spread)

I was scratching my head on this one but decided to lean towards QB Drew Brees and the Saints to somewhat get the monkey off their backs in cold weather games this weekend. It will not be as frigid at Lincoln Financial Field as it will be in the ‘Ice Bowl 2’ at Lambeau Field, but will still be cold enough to make things uncomfortable for the Saints. Philly is a hostile environment for road teams, especially come playoff time, and will test New Orleans’ fortitude and toughness at the highest level. Brees will have to utilize his wide array of offensive weapons to break down the 29^th ranked Eagles defense that has, despite the woeful ranking, played much better in their 7-1 second-half run. On the other side of the ball, QB Nick Foles will have to lean on perennial RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson to continue their explosive seasons in order to put up points against the 4^th ranked Saints defense. If the Saints defense can do its part and limit McCoy in the running game, Brees will be able to be on the field long enough to dissect and pick apart the Philly defense in a big road victory.

Chargers vs. Bengals (-7)

Bengals 34-29 (Chargers beat spread)

I really do not have complete faith in either team, and will take the Chargers to lose the game but beat the spread on Sunday. QB Philip Rivers has to be commended for his outstanding season and ability to lead the Chargers to four-straight wins to close out the season with a playoff berth (the first since 2009). Cincinnati has taken care of business in winning important games versus the likes of Indianapolis and Baltimore late in the season, but is still a team vulnerable and mistake-prone. QB Andy Dalton threw 4 INT’s last week at home vs. Baltimore, and was fortunate that his defense was able to come up with a solid performance to mask his own. Both offenses are explosive, ranking 5^th for the visitors and 10^th for the home team, and are littered with playmakers in the skill positions. The 3^rd ranked Cincinnati defense being in front of their home crowd may make the difference, but will certainly face a stern test from the Chargers. Dalton makes a few more plays than Rivers and the Bengals defense comes up with a big turnover to secure this one at home but will not cover.

49ers (-3) vs. Packers

49ers 21-14 (49ers cover spread)

The ‘Ice Bowl 2’ will be painfully cold at Lambeau on Sunday, possibly reaching temperatures of -30 degrees with the wind chill. Don’t fall into the trap of believing the 49ers aren’t capable of handling the weather because they reside in sunny California. San Fran is about a tough of a group as there is in the NFL, and will not be sidetracked by the ridiculous conditions. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Pack are riding high after their last-minute NFC North clincher last week at Chicago, and will need a repeat performance against a much tougher opponent to move on. RB Frank Gore and the 5^th ranked San Fran defense will look to carry the 49ers to a Wild Card Weekend victory. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will have his troops ready to go on Sunday that will translate into a typical physical, clock-controlled performance from the 49ers that will have them moving onto Carolina next weekend.

ADAM

Chiefs vs Colts (-1)

21-17 Colts

This is going to be a great game to kick off wildcard weekend. The Colts and Andrew Luck have been heating up a bit lately and the Chiefs have a lot to prove. For much of the season the Chiefs were top dogs in the NFL but over the last few weeks of the season they haven’t looked the part. I expect the Chiefs to rely heavily on Jamal Charles to get them past the Colts. However, I see Andrew Luck and the Colts getting the win Saturday at home. Luck has been heating up as of late and with the Chiefs 1-5 against teams with a winning record this season, I have to believe Indianapolis will move on to the divisional round.

Saints vs Eagles (-2.5)

38-35 Eagles

This game is going to be a shootout for sure. With two of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL don’t expect this to be a low scoring affair. The Eagles have been rolling lately thanks to the Superman like play of Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy who lead them to a NFC East crown. The Saints expected to get a bye in the first round but after losses in Week 15 and 16 they find themselves in the first round away from home. I expect Drew Brees to exploit the Eagles secondary and for Jimmy Graham to have a big game. In the end I have to go with my gut and choose the Eagles to come away with a narrow victory.

Chargers vs Bengals (-7)

Bengals 24-21

While the people of Cincinnati may not want to go out on Sunday to watch their Bengals play, I am excited for this one. The Bengals are clicking as of late. Their defense is the best in the AFC and Andy Dalton, not counting Week 17, has been great. The Chargers are extremely lucky to even be in the playoffs after a missed field goal and a missed call lead to them qualifying as the 6^th seed. Their offense with Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen is very dangerous but I see the Bengals defense being able to deal with them and hanging on for a 3 point win.

49ers (-3) vs Packers

28-24 Packers

The 49ers will travel to a very, very, very cold Green Bay on Sunday to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The 49ers defense has been strong all year and will have another big test with Aaron Rodgers back under center. I expect Rodgers and the 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick to go back and forth in this one. While the 49ers are the favorite, I’m going to pick Green Bay here. I think the home-field advantage, weather, and having Aaron Rodgers back will put them over the top and into the second round.