The Haily Mary - NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round

It is the most wonderful time of the year! Better than Christmas, it is the NFL Playoffs. Some people are questioning what the level of interest will be in these playoffs, considering they are missing the Cowboys and the Patriots. They shouldn't be though as the NFL has proven over and over again that they are bigger than any team or any player. Tom Brady got hurt in the very beginning of the season, did anyone care any less about football? The NFL is the best marketed sport in the United States by far and their hardcore fans will watch just about any game no matter the teams. Attach the word playoffs to it and you have a sure thing.


NFC Wild Card Round: Atlanta (11-5) at Arizona (9-7)

The Atlanta Falcons would the NFL's sole darlings had the Miami Dolphins not completed an even more miraculous turnaround. Led by a rookie QB, Matt Ryan, the Falcons won 9 of their final 12 games and had a playoff berth clinched by Week 16. The Cardinals are back in the playoffs for the first since 1998 when they beat the sorry Cowboys. They clinched the crappy NFC West and a playoff berth way back in Week 14. They looked pretty bad 2 of the last 3 weeks, but some of that may have had to do with a lack of motivation. The Cardinals are a much better team at home and while at first I was fully confident in a pick of Atlanta, I am a little less so now. However, I will stick with the Falcons, Ryan is going to have to avoid the interception bug that has hit him in recent weeks, and I expect RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White to have great games.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, Arizona 24

AFC Wild Card Round: Indianapolis (12-4) at San Diego (8-8)

Most would agree that this is the game of the weekend in the Wild Card round. San Diego is probably the most over hyped 8-8 team in history and a lot of that has to do with their history. It was just two years ago that most of this same team won 14 games, and it was just last year that they beat the Colts twice, including in the Divisional round in the playoffs. The Colts are the hottest team in football, winners of 9 in a row. They have won all year despite not having a running game as QB Peyton Manning has had an outstanding season. The Colts defeated the Chargers earlier this season in San Diego on a last second FG by Adam Vinatieri. I think the Colts are going to be the AFC Champs this year but they will definitely be tested along the way. Honestly, this pick comes down to me believing in the Colts more than I do in the Chargers.

Prediction: Indianapolis 24, San Diego 20

AFC Wild Card Round: Baltimore (11-5) at Miami (11-5)

Two teams who came from out of nowhere meet. Miami, earned its only victory of the season in 2007 against the Ravens. Now just a year later, they are hosting a playoff game. The Ravens slumped to 5-11 last year but behind rookie QB Joe Flacco and a rejuvenated LB Ray Lewis they reversed their record to 11-5. It seems Baltimore is heavy favorites in this game with most of that confidence coming from their 27-13 victory in Miami over the Dolphins earlier this season. People expect that this Dolphins team will still be too euphoric over their amazing turnaround and not be ready to play. I disagree and while some of that may be my bias, QB Chad Pennington has been in these games before and he will have the Dolphins ready. I also think Flacco is due for a bad game, as the Dolphins defense can create some turnovers. The miracle season will continue.

Prediction: Miami 23, Baltimore 17

NFC Wild Card Round: Philadelphia (9-6-1) at Minnesota (10-6)

Another game where the road team seems to be the overwhelming favorite. The Eagles somehow are in the playoffs after seemingly blowing their opportunity in Washington last week. Now that they are in they are definitely dangerous. This will be Donovan McNabb's first playoff game in four years as he was injured when they made it two years ago. The Eagles biggest danger is their coach Andy Reid. Sure he has something to do with the success the team has had over the last decade but he also makes some terrible decisions, including his propensity for completely abandoning Brian Westbrook and the run. The Eagles win when they run the ball, when they pass 14 times in a row for no good reason like they did against Washington then they lose. The Vikings mainly make people uneasy because of their QB Tavaris Jackson. His numbers have been good during his 3 starts since taking over for injured Gus Frerotte but numbers can be deceiving. When watching the Vikings/Giants game last weekend I saw a Jacskon that still gets unsettled too easily and if pushed out of the pocket can make awful decisions. His interception in the red zone nearly cost the Vikings the game and a playoff spot. The only way the Vikings can win this game is if Jackson avoids INTs and RB Adrian Peterson runs wild. I don't see either of those happening.

Prediction: Philadelphia 21, Minnesota 10

Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 131-77-1