Saturday’s games
1) Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) vs. Houston Texans (10-6)
This game will mark a rematch of a Week 14 matchup in which the Texans won the game 20-19 on a last second TD pass from T.J Yates. Yates left the Texans Week 17 game early with a shoulder injury but appears ready and able to play this Saturday. Andy Dalton also had his share of issues when he came down with the flu this week but it will not sideline him for this game. This will be the first ever playoff game where two rookie QB’s go head to head. Both teams star WR’s, A.J Green and Andre Johnson will be ready to go of their nagging injuries as well. Both of these teams have great defenses that look to shut down the oppositions running game, forcing them to become one-dimensional. Both teams are also limping into the playoff having lost in their respective Week 17 matchups. I look for Arian Foster and A.J Green to both have big roles in this game and make the plays they have been making all year. When it is all said and done, I see the Texans controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball which will in turn lead them to victory. Close game but the Texans will get their 1st ever playoff victory.
WINNER = Houston Texans 24-20
2) Detroit Lions (10-6) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
This game will also be a rematch of a Week 13 battle where the Saints won 31-17 in the Superdome. It is worth noting that the Lions were without many key defensive players such as CB Chris Houston, S Louis Delmas and most notably DT Ndamukong Suh. Both teams have their offenses rolling heading into this matchup. Neither defense impresses me but the Saints have many players who were on their team the year of their Super Bowl run. We all remember when Tracy Porter picked off Peyton Manning to seal the deal for New Orleans. I have always seen the Saints defense as one that steps up when it needs to. The Lions defense on the other hand has never been consistent or clutch. They can definitely get after the QB with their great pass rushers, but their LB’s and defensive backfield have some serious problems. I think that Drew Brees and Sean Peyton will find ways to exploit the Lions defense. It is very tough to beat the Saints as shown by their 13-3 record, but it is a whole different challenge to beat them in their house. At the end of the day, I see the Saints taking their fury from last year’s first round exit (MARSHAWN LYNCH!) out on the Lions and denying the Lions their first playoff victory since who knows when. WINNER = New Orleans Saints 38-20
Sunday’s games
1) Atlanta Falcons (10-6) vs. New York Giants (9-7)
This game is not a matchup of teams that met in the regular season, but will definitely be one heck of a game to watch. When looking at this matchup we must consider and analyze a bit of the teams respective histories. The Falcons have been a great regular season team that tends to not do so well in the playoffs or away from home. The Giants always seem to find a way to squeak into the playoffs and then catch fire. The Falcons are probably one of the most complete teams in the NFL with their great running game, explosive passing game and solid defense. The Giants have had issues running the ball but that may be due to Ahmad Bradshaw’s injury. Eli has been on a tear this year finding a great option in Victor Cruz and the Giants pass rush is as good as it has ever been. The Falcons with White, Jones and Gonzo should be able to take advantage of the Giants weak secondary so long as their offensive line gives Matt Ryan sufficient time to throw the ball downfield. The Giants offense shouldn’t have much trouble against the Falcons who struggle to get after the QB if John Abraham isn’t dominating his matchups. When the final whistle blows, the New York Football Giants will be on top thanks in part to Eli Manning and their relentless pass rush.
WINNER = New York Giants 27-20
2) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs. Denver Broncos (8-8)
Many people believe that this game is going to be an easy victory for the Steelers and that they will roll over the Denver Broncos. I think this is going to be a very close game that comes down to one final drive. It is very important to realize how much the Steelers S Ryan Clark’s absence will affect their defense. Clark is the signal caller on the defense and makes sure that everyone is on the same page. Unfortunately he will not be playing due to a blood disorder that was realized a few years back when he played up in Mile High Denver. The Broncos may also be without one of their star safeties as Brian Dawkins has been nursing a neck injury. Another key factor for the Broncos will be the effectiveness of Von Miller’s pass rush which has been questionable ever since his thumb injury. The Steelers offense has been struggling as of late due in part to Big Ben’s injuries and inability to make the plays outside of the pocket we have become so accustomed to. Denver’s QB Tim Tebow has also been struggling as of late due to him turning the ball over consistently with both fumbles and interceptions. If the Broncos want to win this game, Tebow will have to take care of the football and be effective when he passes. John Elway has said publically that he is going to allow Tebow to, “Pull the trigger.” It will be important for the Broncos to establish some sort of passing game to compliment and open up their running game against one of the best defenses in the league. At the end of the day, the Steel Curtain defense will prove too tall of a task for Tim Tebow and the Steelers experience will lead them to victory.
WINNER = PITTSBURGH STEELERS 20-16
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