
Today there will be two wildcard matchups as the remaining teams begin their quest for the Super Bowl. Here are my predictions for the games.
Bengals at Texans - A rematch from last years wildcard matchup which saw the Texans run away from the Bengals picking up their first playoff win in their franchise history. These two teams come into this game on different levels. The Bengals are riding momentum of winning 6 our of 7. The Texans who once seemed to be in position to wrap up the #1 seed in the AFC have lost 3 out of 4 and now have to play an extra game that they probably didnt expect to play.
I think the key in this one will be the ground game for the Texans. If they can get Foster going early they should be able to control the clock and give the defense the rest they need to go full force every down. The Bengals defense has been impressive lately. AJ Green going up against Jonathan Joseph will also be something to watch because Andy Dalton will need to find is stud receiver early and often. I thnk the Texans get back to basics and put together a good game and move on to play the Patriots in New England.
Vikings at Packers - These two teams just played last week with the Vikings coming out on top. Adrian Peterson has had 2 monster performances against the Packers this year and will look to make it 3 for 3. If Peterson has a game similar to last week the Vikings will be in the game because Christian Ponder is banged up right now but looks like he will play. If the Packers can't stop the ground game of the Vikings they wont be able to take advantage of the perceived weakness of the Vikings which is the passing game.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers really flew a little under the radar this season but I think they are ready to make another run towards a Super Bowl. The receivers are starting to get healthy and that only makes Aaron Rodgers that much more dangerous. I like the Packers to win this game adn set up a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers next weekend.
Colts at Ravens - The Colts are the surprise of the NFL after securing the #1 pick in the draft and drafting Andrew Luck. Luck has been every bit as good as advertised leading this Colts football team back to the playoffs.
The Ravens had high expectations coming into this season and have been hot and cold at times this year but seem to be getting healthy at the right time. Ray Lewis is expcted to return and play which is a huge lift to the Ravens defense as he is no doubt their emotional leader. The Ravens will have to give the football to Ray Rice in this one because that is when they are at their best. If Flacco has to drop back and pass all day that is when the Ravens get in trouble. I think the Colts will give the Ravens everything they can handle and more but the 5 playoff wins under Joe Flacco's belt and 9 career playoff games will be the difference in this one. I like the Ravens to advance to Denver.
Seahawks at Redskins - This is my most intriguing matchup of the weekend. You have the Seahawks who have been on fire lately but traveling across the country to take on RG3 and the equally as hot Washington Redskins who claimed the NFC East on the last weekend of the season. The exciting thing about this game is that two rookie quarterbacks will be going at it and one will move on. Both RG3 and Russel Wilson have had great seasons.
The Seahawks are a completely different beast at home but they are stil a very good football team and I expect themt to play well tomorrow. I like the Seahawks in this one because their defense is better and I think Marshawn Lynch will have a big game.
-jtsredsox24
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