Wild Card Weekend

No time to waste. Let’s jump right into the games:

SAINTS at SEAHAWKS

What the Saints have going for them: I guess all that really needs to be said here is that they are playing the Seahawks. But also: championship experience, a knack for pulling out close games (6-1 this season in games decided by 5 points or less, shouldn’t be necessary here though), Drew Brees and his ability to spread the ball around and pick apart defenses.

Problem areas: Don’t see it being a problem for this game, but the loss of Pierre Thomas (along with Chris Ivory, who was already on IR) leaves the Saints with almost no running game to speak of because Bush can’t carry the load. He isn’t built to be more offensively than a third down back and receiving threat out of the back field. Thomas’ injury really hampers their chances of repeating as Super Bowl Champs as well as NFC Champs. Last year the Saints were 6th in the league rushing the ball, but this time around they will be much more one-dimensional.

What the Seahawks have going for them:

Problem areas: Everywhere. Bottom five in total offense and defense during the regular season. Matt Hasselbeck starting at QB (arguably worse for them than Charlie Whitehurst). Pete Carroll as their coach. Home field will keep the game closer than it could be. (Is it obvious how incredibly much I despise this team?)

Number of times Pete Carroll kicks himself for not staying at USC: 59

Prediction: Saints 31, Seahawks 13

JETS at COLTS

What the Jets have going for them: A week off to rest a lot of defensive starters against Buffalo could prove huge this weekend, especially if Revis and Cromartie benefit the most. They’re going to need to shut down Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon on the outside and force Manning to go underneath. Offensively, the Jets need to get back to pounding the ball with Greene and Tomlinson so that all Sanchez needs to do is manage the game.

Problem areas: They have the ability to self implode on themselves like they did in New England. It just seemed like they gave up on each other, and they couldn’t even regroup in time for the next game against Miami. Also, if the defense continues to be unable to get pressure on the QB without dialing up blitzes, Manning could rip them apart as the Pats and Bears did.

What the Colts have going for them: For a few teams, all I need to write in this space is a single name, and that applies here: Peyton Manning. More specifically Peyton Manning at home in Lucas Oil Stadium. If they can shut down the run and force Sanchez to make a lot of throws, they can let Freeney and Mathis loose on the outside and they will become a disruptive factor, but that’s only if they neutralize the run. Also, the glare off Peyton Manning’s forehead could blind some of the Jets receivers. I can see Braylon Edwards using that excuse.

Problem areas: The Colts are just too banged up this year and have endured way too many injuries. Also, I don’t have that tingly nervous feeling that I usually have about the Colts come playoff time. It feels like the dynasty is dying, and they are not a legitimate threat to win the AFC this year (with all that said, I still don’t want to play them). Their run defense needs to continue to play as it has the last few weeks, or teams will run and down them, more importantly controlling the ball and keeping Manning off the field.

Number of times Jim Caldwell will show human emotion: 0

Prediction: Jets 27, Colts 17

RAVENS at CHIEFS

What the Ravens have going for them: A balanced offensive attack, a defense loaded with experience, and a team that knows how to win on the road in the playoffs (3-2 under Flacco the past two years).

Problem areas: The secondary can be exposed for big plays as Houston demonstrated in their Monday night meeting. I don’t think the Chiefs can pose a threat in that area unless they really establish the running game and can use play action.

What the Chiefs have going for them: Matt Cassel’s uncanny ability to go down in a heap in the pocket before he gets touched. It should prevent a few fumbles and interceptions that would result otherwise. In all seriousness though, you can’t ignore the #1 rushing attack in the NFL. They’ve got the power ground game in Jones and the electricity of Jamaal Charles (who amazingly was second in the league in rushing this season with 6.4 yards per carry on 230 attempts. I feel like not enough people are talking about this accomplishment or giving it the respect it deserves).

Problem areas: Cassel’s 27-to-7 TD-to-INT ratio was impressive, but I’ve always had the feeling that he manages the game well for the Chiefs but doesn’t win them. The Ravens will focus all of their energy on shutting down the run (their defense was 5th in the league against the run), and the pressure to win the game will be put on Cassel’s shoulders. Meaning he’ll have to beat Ed Reed (who led the league with 8 interceptions despite playing only 10 games) with an injury-hobbled Dwayne Bowe.

Number of playoff teams that KC beat this season: 1 (Seattle, doesn’t really count).

Prediction: Ravens 23, Chiefs 14

PACKERS at EAGLES

What the Packers have going for them: I don’t see Aaron Rodgers struggling at all against Philly’s secondary. He’s got one of the strongest and most accurate arms in the game. People consistently put him behind Rivers, but I think he is better. I have only Brady, Manning and Brees ahead of him right now. Also, the Pack’s defense has been surging as of late. They have the speed and athleticism to somewhat contain the Eagles’ offense.

Problem areas: The obvious answer here is Green Bay’s lack of a running game. They don’t have one. As a result this game is going to depend on Rodgers’ arm, but that leads to another vulnerability: their O-line. Very shaky and prone to penalties, if Philly can get pressure on Rodgers without the blitz then it can neutralize that deadly passing attack. Also, Green Bay has a knack for untimely turnovers and penalties.

What the Eagles have going for them: The complete definition of an X-factor in Michael Vick. The most electrifying man in football, and he can do it all from the quarterback position. If he is on, he’ll burn you with the run or the pass, and use all the weapons he has in his arsenal: McCoy, Maclin, Jackson.

Problem areas: No momentum after laying an egg against Minnesota (the Dallas game meant nothing). Also, similar to the Packers, Philly sometimes has a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot. Vick can’t be careless with the football as he was against the Vikings. And Andy Reid is their coach, who I have no faith in whatsoever.

Percent chance we will get a great shot of Mike McCarthy’s lazy eye on the sideline: 73%

Prediction: Packers 24, Eagles 20

Yes, I did consider that picking all four road teams was suicide, but I had to go with gut instinct on this….although I feel like my gut instinct never serves me right. Whatever.

Bonus NCAA Prediction: Oregon 35, Auburn 31