NFL Playoff Wild Card Predictions

This was the scene last week, but can the Vikings do it again?

There are four games this weekend, and all of them are certain to be competitive. There is a playoff rematch from a year ago, when the Bengals travel to Houston to take on the Texans almost exactly a year after Houston bounced them out of the playoffs. There is also a rematch from a week ago, as the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings just six days after the Vikings beat them to earn a spot in the playoffs, costing the Packers a bye week. The Colts/Ravens game in Baltimore is also a rematch from earlier this season, only now, the Ravens are possibly healthier, and definitely hungrier than they were a few months ago. The final game of the weekend is the Redskins at home against the Seahawks. This battle of rookie quarterback should be exciting, as it will introduce the read option offense, run by both teams, to the entire nation.

---

Matt Nelson's Superbowl Picks

Before the season started, Matt's Superbowl pick was the Baltimore Ravens vs the San Francisco 49ers. After the way the season has played out, it is still possible, and I think he should have stuck with it the way I did. Instead, he predicts the Superbowl will be a rematch of a game earlier this season that was played in two very different halves. His new Superbowl prediction is:

New England Patriots over San Francisco 49ers
It is damn near impossible to beat the Patriots twice in one season. Plus it is only fitting that Brady ties Montana with four rings against Montana's old team.

Jimmy's Picks

Lock #1 - Texans over Bengals
The Texans will shake off their late season struggles to prove that they are the better team. Their defense will be the driving force in this one, as it will for both teams. The Texans just have more playmakers. Texans 24-17

Lock #2 - Packers over Vikings
It was all good just a week ago for Minnesota, but it's funny how 7 days can change. Even with Adrian Peterson, I still like the Packers here because I trust Superbowl Champion and MVP Aaron Rodgers far more than Christian Ponder. Packers 31-21

Lock #3 - Ravens over Colts
Luck has so many comeback wins because he has had so many early interceptions and Pick 6s that have but his team in bad positions. That cannot happen if you hope to win in the playoffs. I think Baltimore's defense will be too much.
Ravens 24-10

Lock #4 - Seahawks over Redskins
The Seahawks have played the best football down the stretch of anybody in the NFC in my opinion. I believe that will continue this week. I expect Marshawn Lynch to have a huge game and Seattle's highly underrated defense will handle the rest. Seahawks 27-20

Bonus Pick - BCS National Title Game

Notre Dame over Alabama

Matt's Picks

Lock #1 - Texans over Bengals
Though the Texans struggled to finish the season, they have too much talent on both sides of the ball for the Bengals to handle. That being said, it should still be a good game. Texans 31-28

Lock #2- Packers over Vikings
Adrian Peterson is the only advantage that the Vikings have in this game, and it is a big one at that. But football is a team sport and the Packers are the better team, I just don't see the Vikes taking out the Packers in two straight weeks.
Packers 28-13

Lock #3 - Colts over Ravens
Can the Ravens right there ship? Maybe, but the Colts have an extra bit Luck on their side. The playoffs are just as much about luck as they are about skill. The Ravens have had bad luck of late and it's not the right time of year for that. 
Colts 27-21

Lock #4 - Redskins over Seahawks
The two hottest teams in the NFC face off. Unfortunately for one if these teams their season is gonna end this weekend. I think that team will be the Seahawks. If this game was in Seattle my choice would be swayed, but it is in Washington so I will go with the Skins. Redskins 28-24


Bonus Pick - BCS National Title Game

Notre Dame over Alabama