Other Wild Card Predictions In Depth

Seahawks vs. Saints- The Saints may have lose their two primary backs Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, but I still dont see them falling to the Saints. The Seahawks have no business being in the playoffs coming from the NFC Worst with a 7-9 record, the only losing record ever to make the playoffs. The Saints will not have to rely heavily on running the ball due to the horrendous pass defense of the Seahawks. The Saints already took it to Seattle in week 11, where Brees exploded for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns. Whoever the quarterback end up being in this one for Seattle will not matter. Greg Williams has the 4th ranked Saints defense flying and should be able to shut down Marshawn Lynch the same way they contained Michael Turner two weeks ago in Atlanta.

Saints 28, Seattle 13

Colts vs. New York Jets- This is probably the most intriguing matchup of the slate of wild card games aside from the Pack-Eagles. Quite frankly, I have a hard time seeing the Colts lose this game. In the Jets last meaningful game in Chicago, the Jets pass defense looked horrible. There was no pass rush, which allowed Cutler to sit back all day and pick apart the Jets defense. As long as teams throw away from Revis, Antonio Cromartie has been very vulnerable to the pass as of late. Even without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, I see Manning taking advantage with Jacob Tamme and Blaire White. The only part where the Colts may struggle is against the Jets running game with Greene and Tomlinson, which is the only way I see the Jets staying in this game. But face it, if the Jets can make Jay Cutler look that good, I can't imagine what Manning will do in addition with that Bears game tape to study.

Indianapolis 24, New York 16

Chiefs vs. Ravens- I love what the Chiefs have done this year and I think it is great for the city of Kansas City to host a playoff game, but I just don't see them beating Baltimore. However, this will be a closer game than people expect in particular because of the top ranked Chiefs ground game. the Ravens are not the same run defense they used to be, giving up 3.9 yards a carry. If the Chiefs can get up early on the Ravens, I could see the Chiefs wearing down the Ravens defense with Charles and Jones the rest of the game. However, the Ravens offense is patient and hasn't had too many big plays, which is exactly the type of offense you need ot beat the Chiefs. The Chiefs possess a bend but don't break defense and I expect Ray Rice to be given the ball a lot in this one. I don't trust Matt Cassell beating the Ravens with his arm so if the Ravens just stick to their gameplan, they should be able to win this game.

Ravens 20, Kansas City 14

Eagles vs. Packers- See below