And then there were 12….
The NFL season always seems to fly by too quickly for the Die Hard Football Fan. This year was no different. This season did not disappoint as we saw some great action on the field. If you would’ve asked me a month ago if I thought Saints vs. Colts was a lock for the Super Bowl, I would’ve said yes. But, the Saints have sinned and the Colts have slowed down a bit.
So with the 12 teams remaining, I’ve decided to breakdown my perception of the Wildcard weekend, and will tackle each round as they occur.
NFC Wildcard (aka the Week 17 rematch round)
Eagles V. Cowboys
I don’t know what happened to the Eagles last week. The Cowboys are a good team, but I surely thought the Eagles would’ve at least been competitive. Is it time to consider the Cowboys as a LEGIT contender? Maybe. Will it happen this year? No. Andy Reid is good at what he does, and its more pressure on the Cowboys to win then it is the Eagles. Tony Romo is playing some ball, but if the Eagles find a way to rattle him, its a wrap.
Score: Eagles 28 Cowboys 13
Green Bay vs. Arizona
Green Bay is a tough team. Arizona is not. Aaron Rodgers will get his chance to show and prove on the big stage again. Keep an eye on Charles Woodson. He is giving to be the Cardinals worst nightmare. The Cardinals proved last year that they can play when they want to. Don’t expect an encore this year.
Score: Green Bay 31 Arizona 16
AFC Wildcard
Baltimore vs. New England
This is going to be one of the best games of the playoffs. An aging Patriots offense versus an aging Ravens defense. If it wasn’t for the injury of Wes Welker, I could assure you that Brady would have a great day. Ed Reed was hurt for the last month, so it will be interesting to see if the rust will show. The Patriots D better find out how to stop Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, who will be the X factors of this game. I predict the Ravens will turn utilize these X factors, and convert them into a W.
Score: Ravens 21 Patriots 14
Cincinnati vs. New York Jets
Plain and simple, The Jets drilled the Bengals last Sunday. Darelle Revis is a beast, and an intricate part of the League’s best defense. This defense shut out the Bengals last week, who have been struggling on offense.The interesting part about last week’s match-up the duel between Ocho Cinco and Revis. Expect tough play from both. Whoever blinks first is toast. This is Mark Sanchez’s first playoff game. If the Bengals, who possess a good defense of their own, can get to Sanchez, that will mark the end of the season for the Jets. If the Bengals do not come out inspired, it will be another long day. This will be a close one.
Score: umm…..Bengals 17 Jets 10.