Preview: Seahawks vs Redskins - NFC Wild Card

Rookie QB's: Wilson vs RGIII:

• Before the start of the season, if I was to ask you that one of these QB's would make it to the playoffs, 100% would of said RGIII hands down. However, Russell Wilson has really come from nowhere and could be the future leader of this Seahawks organization. This match-up will also ensure us that a rookie QB will win its first playoff start (5 have completed this feat so far).

Running Attack: Beastmode vs. Alfred:

• Which running attack will have a good game and which running attack will be responsible for winning this game? This very well could be the reason why each team can disrupt the other team's hot defense. These two RB's are the best RB's not named Adrian Peterson this season. Alfred Morris is 2nd in NFL in yards followed by Marshawn Lynch. However, with both defenses being in the top 10 in run defense, getting those yards could be difficult.

Which hot streak will continue?

• Entering this game, the Seahawks won 5 straight game while the Redskins won 7 straight. Well as the saying goes: "Something has to give". These are the NFC's top two hottest teams and for the rest of the conference, its a good thing they'll play each other early. Redskins we're 3-6 and had started to looking forward to the off-season. Well that's until this team caught lighting in a bottle and haven't lose since their bye week. As for the Seahawks, their winning streak started in a huge make or break game  in Chicago. An overtime win against the Bears sparked a December that most Seahawks fans will remember for a long time. As for which streak will last the longest, well remember before December, the Seahawks wasn't a good road team. As for the Redskins, they haven't lost at home since their bye week. I guess we'll find out is playing at home all built up to be or is their is a such thing as a road warrior.

Can the Seahawks Defense slow down RGIII?

• Well its been 3 weeks since RGIII knee injury against the Ravens. Still wearing the knee brace from that injury, will RGIII be restricted by that brace or the brace of the Seahawks D? One of the most physical defenses in the playoffs will have their hands full. Which leads us to the big question: Can RGIII out throw and out run this defense to lead the Redskins to victory or will the Seahawks Defense  unleash the "Legion of Boom" and limit RGIII mobility?

X-Factor: Seahawks Secondary vs Redskins Pass Defense

• Will the Seahawks secondary be though test for RGIII or will the Redskins Pass Defense get to Wilson?

Confidence Picks: Seahawks (6) vs Redskins (17)

Prediction: 21-17, Seahawks

Preview: Colts vs Ravens - AFC Wild Card

Can Flacco lead this Ravens team to a Super Bowl?

• This could be the "make or break" year for Flacco. Now we must admit, last year in the AFC Title game he played very well only to watch Lee Evans drop a sure game-winning TD and a Bill Cundiff game-tying field goal miss wide left. You would think that he would go through this season with a chip on his shoulder to go and get back to the game that's haunted him this season. But he's not playing up to par, and some have questioned if he's a elite QB. Well if he loses this game, those questions will become serious doubts as to if he'll ever reach that level of "elite". 

How will Luck fair out in his first playoff start?

• Well for his rookie season, he's done beyond what's needed for any other typical rookie QB. Now lets see how much he's really come along now that it's "Money Time". If the Ravens defense play how they've historically plays, then this could be a long day at the office for Luck. But if the Ravens D play the way they've played during this season, then it could be a easy afternoon for Luck. This will be a hard test for one Andrew Luck, but after the challenges this team has overcame over the last year, anything can happen.

Will Lewis and Suggs make a difference to a Raven's D that's has been struggling as of late? 

• Well to add one future first ballot Hall of Famer and a dominating Pro Bowl defensive player can make a difference to any defense in the NFL. All of this was BEFORE the news that came out this week about Ray Lewis hanging it up after this playoffs are over, now may add a new sense of urgency to a defense that's been slacking all season. If this the last hoorah for Lewis, then you better believe it that this defense will go out with a blaze and all hands on deck.

Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano recovery from leukemia and the soon-to-be retired Ray Lewis, which story will motivate their team more?

• Before this week, the storyline of this game was going to be about the "Chuck Strong" (campaign that Colts used during the recovery of leukemia by their head coach) before the news came out that the Ravens franchise player was set to retire after the playoffs (or when their team gets eliminated). Pagano, who was the DC of the Ravens just last season, has had a huge response from his team after they found out about him having leukemia. Most could say that their season was decided on "Chuck Strong", which is a great story. Against, which could be the Ray Lewis last game at home in that stadium forever. Yea this could be a slight problem for the road team. 

X-Factors: Ray Lewis Retirement vs Chuck Strong Season

• Which will be that "extra" for each team: Chuck Strong for the Colts or Ray Lewis possible last game at home?

Confidence Pick: Colts (21) vs Ravens (9)

Prediction: 31-17, Ravens

Preview: Vikings vs Packers - NFC Wild Card

Ponder vs Rodgers, part III:

• So far this in the regular season match-ups, it's Ponder 1, Rodgers 1. This is by no way comparing both QB's to one another, but it is to say that in their Week 17 match, Ponder made one more play than Rodgers and thus won the game. The real question, can Ponder somehow play up to or outplay Rodgers in this game? That will be the most important task for the young QB who answered some critics concerns last week in his "career-defining" game. As for Rodgers, well the task is simple: Continue to be the best QB in the league and the Packers should win. Well that could be somewhat difficult if the Vikings D continue to be successful on their blitzing, as they were last week. Can Ponder continue to play mistake-free football, as he has the last 4 weeks of the season or will the greatness of Rodgers be too much for the young QB to match-up with?

Vikings Passing Game vs Packers Rushing Attack:

• Here's the facts on these two: Vikes passing offense is ranked 31st while the Packers are 20th in rushing. The winner of this battle within the battle, will mostly lead their team to victory.

Turnover Battle:

• The Week 13 match-up: Vikings - 2, Packers - 1. The Week 17 match: Packers -1, Vikings - 0. Team that can force the most turnovers, will pretty much win this game. The Packers would love to force young Christian Ponder into a few INT's in this game. There chances of doing this will improve when CB Charles Woodson returns to the lineup after sitting out most of the season with a collarbone injury. The Vikings would love to somehow force Rodgers into a few picks or a strip sack or two.

Vikings CB's vs Packers WR's:

• This will be the most important match-up of the game. If the Vikes secondary can keep the Packers WR's at bay, then they defense will have a great chance at getting to Rodgers. Keep in mind that the Vikings will need Veteran CB Antonie Winfield to play in this game. He's very important to a Vikings Secondary that is very different without his presence in the lineup. The Packers will have leading WR Randall Cobb back for this game (he missed last Sunday's game with an ankle injury). In the 3rd Quarter of last Sunday's game, Winfield missed the 2nd half due to that injured hand. Rodgers got hot..very hot and began torching the Vikes younger CB's. 

X-Factors: Vikings WR's vs Packers Run Defense

• Can the Vikings WR's get 150 yards or more collectively or can the Packers Run Defense hold AP to under 150 rushing?

Confidence Pick: Vikings (17) vs Packers (7)

• QB: Ponder (7) vs Rodgers (1)
• Def: Vikings (4) vs Packers (3)
• Coach: Frazier (6) vs McCarthy (3)

Prediction: Vikings 27, Packers 24

Preview: Bengals vs Texans - AFC Wild Card

The QB's: Dalton vs. Schaub:

• One of these two QB's will be making their first ever playoff start. If I was ask many people on who it was, but looking at the years played in the NFL, most would say its the younger Andy Dalton. Wrong, its Texans Starter Matt Schaub. These two QB's have been going in opposite directions over the last 4 weeks of the season. And so have their teams. Dalton in the last 4 games (67/116, 58%, 689 yards, 3 TD's and 3 INT's) while Schaub was (84/131, 64%, 946 Yards, TD and 3 INT's). By the looks of those, some would say that Schaub will play better and win. Well for the Texans, that's exactly what they'll need from there QB in order to win. I just don't think he'll have a easy day at the office with this Bengals D that loves to put pressure on opposing QB's. The QB that can win this match-up will most likely win the game.

Which will end first: Texans Slump or Bengals Streak?

• As I mentioned above, both teams are playing in opposite directions. Bengals are coming into this game winning 4 of 5 (Which the only lost was by one point to the Cowboys) and coming off beating the big two in their division (Ravens and Steelers). As for the Texans, things are not going as planned. After going 11-1, the Texans took a trip to Foxboro and things have not been the same since. Losing 3 of their last 4, including a surprising lost to the Vikings at home may have been their highlight lost of this season. Momentum is the biggest advantage of being champions in this league, certainly has been the model to follow over the last 2 years. So if it was up to that, then the Texans may have played themselves out of a possible championship. Last year, these two met up in Houston and the Texans took care of business. This year, could be very different for this game and could have a different result, if these two trends continue.

Can Cinny win its first playoff game since 1990?

• This could be a huge game in Bengals history. Why must I say that? Because in order for the Bengals to be Super Bowl Champions, they have to win every game on the road. So with 4 games until the Super Bowl, they have start somewhere right? Right? Besides, this season the Bengals have played better on the road (6-2) then at home (4-4) this season. If you also believe in Divine Intervention, then you know that the Bengals could just be due for a win on the road. Hey this is the NFL, stranger things have happened.

Will the REAL Houston Texans please stand up?

• Right now would be a GREAT time for the Texans to start playing like they did before December. Being a 4.5 point favorites, you would expect the Texans to win. I mean they are the better team right? Well if you believe that the Texans are a top team in the AFC, then you will happy after this game is over, but if you go with the way this is playing, then you'll be highly concerned about their chances this weekend.

X-Factors: Bengals D-Line vs Foster

• Can the Bengals D-Line put pressure on Schaub and take Texans running attack out of the game? 

Confidence Picks: Bengals (10) vs Texans (23)

• QB: Dalton (3) vs. Schaub (8)
• Def: Bengals (2) vs. Texans (6)
• Coach: Lewis (5) vs. Kubiak (7)

Prediction: 24-20, Bengals

Wild Card Confidence Picks

This is my picks done from the Mike and Mike confidence picks format. Three categories will be chosen: Quarterback, Defense, and Coaching. We'll rank all of the teams playing this week (1-8) and add up the numbers from all three categories. Lowest number will win the picks.

Quarterbacks	Defense	Coach
1. Rodgers	SEA	Carroll
2. Flacco	BAL	Harbaugh
3. Dalton	GB	McCarthy
4. Wilson	MIN	Shananan
5. RGIII	BAL	Lewis
6. Luck	HOU	Frazier
7. Ponder	IND	Kubiak
8. Schaub	WAS	Pagano

CIN vs TEX		MIN vs GB
Quarterbacks		Quarterbacks
Dalton	3	Ponder	7
Schaub	8	Rodgers	1
Defense		Defense
CIN	2	MIN	4
TEX	8	GB	3
Coaching		Coaching
Lewis	5	Frazier	6
Kubiak	7	McCarthy	3
IND vs BAL		SEA vs WAS
Quarterbacks		Quarterbacks
Luck	6	Wilson	4
Flacco	2	RG III	5
Defense		Defense
IND	7	SEA	1
BAL	5	WAS	8
Coaching		Coaching
Pagano	8	Carroll	1
Harbaugh	2	Shananan	4

Bengals (10) vs Texans (23)
Vikings (17) vs Packers (7)
Colts (21) vs Ravens (9)
Seahawks (6) vs Redskins (17)

Based on the number, the confidence picks goes as followed: Bengals, Packers, Ravens, and Seahawks should win over the weekend. Keep in mind that these are not my official picks.

4 Downs - AFC Wild Card: Steelers vs Broncos

Steelers (12-4) vs Broncos (8-8)

• 1st Down: Tebowmania vs. Black & Gold Immortality of the Steelers. Can Tebow figure out the Steelers Defense, or will the Steel Certain put a punishment on Tebow and the Broncos? 
• 2nd Down: Big Ben's ankle - If Ben's ankle is fine, the Steelers Super Bowl chances are fine. However, if he's still limping on that ankle, this could pose problems.
• 3rd Down: 4th Quarter magic - Will we see another Mile High Miracle in these playoffs or will the Steelers dominate ways end all hope of another Tebow comeback?
• 4th Down: Winner goes to the Super Bowl? - Yes, in the last 5 times these two teams met in the playoffs, the winner has gone to the Super Bowl. We really don't make this stuff up and if you don't believe me then here's the years: 1977, 1978, 1990, 1997, and 2005. Weird huh? Yea and if history has its way, the AFC Champion will be decided on Sunday instead of 2 weeks from now. Could this be the 6th time? Stay Tuned!!

Confidence Pick: Steelers

• QB: Roethlisberger (1) vs Tebow (8)
• Defense: Steelers (1) vs Broncos (7)
• Overall Team: Steelers (2) vs Broncos (8)
• Steelers (4) vs Broncos (23)

My Pick: Steelers 28 vs Broncos 10

4 Downs - NFC Wild Card: Falcons vs Giants

Falcons (10-6) vs Giants (9-7)

• 1st Down: Ryan vs Manning - Before the 2011 season, Eli proclaimed to be an "elite" QB. Well so far, so good with that title. Matt Ryan just want to have post-season success. 0-2 in his career and could have a lot of pressure going into this game on getting that 1st playoff win. These QB's have similar stats this season, but the only stats that's going to be outlined is playoff victories and Super Bowl wins.
• 2nd Down: Falcons O-Line vs Giants D-Line - Giants may have, when healthy, the best front 4 in the NFL. This may not go well for the Falcons O-line. Justin Tuck said some not so nice things about the Falcons O-line, so we'll see how much that fuels their fire.
• 3rd Down: Falcons WR's vs Giants WR's - Julio Jones and Roddy White vs Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. Which set of WR's will have a good game? This will be key to their QB's success and should help determine the winner of the game.
• 4th Down: Road Warriors - 6 of the last 7 times, the road team had won in this series. The last time at the old Giants Stadium, the Giants did win a close one. If history hold true, the Falcons have a great chance of winning.

Confidence Pick: Giants

• QB: Ryan (4) vs Manning (3)
• Defense: Falcons (8) vs Giants (3)
• Overall Team: Falcons (4) vs Giants (6)
• Falcons (16) vs Giants (12)

My Pick: Falcons 28 vs Giants 31

4 Downs - NFC Wild Card: Lions vs Saints

Lions (10-6) vs Saints (13-3)

• 1st Down: Can Stafford keep up with Brees - Stafford will make his first start in the playoffs in this career, while Brees is wanting to come off of a huge disappointment from last season's wild card game in Seattle. These two faced off about a month ago in New Orleans with Stafford out playing Brees, statistically, but wasn't able to win the game. These two QB's can make each defense have a long night if their hot.
• 2nd Down: Which Defense will make the BIG play that turns this game around for their team - With both QB's capable of putting up 300+ yards against these defense, they can be in for a long night. However, if one of these defense can force one of these QB's into mistakes, this could be a spark for their team.
• 3rd Down: Can the Saints contain Calvin Johnson - This could be key for the Saints if they are able to contain and control Johnson. For the Lions, if Johnson has one of his big games, this could bode well for the Lions in their quest for an upset.
• 4th Down: Lions D-Line vs Saints O-Line - A month ago, Suh didn't not play in this game because of his 2-game suspension. If the Lions D-line can cause problems with the Saints O-line, Brees timing could be off which will play a huge advantage for the Lions. But if the Lions D-line can't pressure Brees and help out their secondary, then Brees and the Saints will have a field-day.

Confidence Pick: Saints

• QB: Stafford (5) vs Brees (2)
• Defense: Lions (5) vs Saints (6)
• Overall Team: Lions (5) vs Saints (1)
• Lions (15) vs Saints (9)

My Pick: Lions 24 vs Saints 34

4 Downs - AFC Wild Card: Bengals vs Texans

Bengals (9-7) vs Texans (10-6)

• 1st Down: Andy Dalton vs T.J. Yates - going into this season, if you would of told me that a QB taken after the 1st round of the 2011 draft would be the starter of a team and make the playoffs, I would of said that you don't know football. Dalton has played the entire season, so we've seen more of him then Yates who only played a month. I believe that both teams will run the football religiously in this game.
• 2nd Down: Running Game - Arian Foster will have about 30 touches in this game and Cedric Benson should have about the same. So this game could come down to who runs the ball better and who can keep the chains moving on 3rd down.
• 3rd Down: Which Defense can win the turnover battle - Houston's defense is much improved from last season vs. Cincinnati's revamped Defense lead by CB Johnathan Joseph. These two teams played a few weeks ago in Week 15, in which the Bengals played a good game, if not for a 4th Quarter meltdown which allowed the Texans to comeback and win that game and the 3rd Seed.
• 4th Down: Playoff Pressure - With both teams not having as much playoff success as the other teams in the playoffs, this could come down to which team can handle the playoff pressure the best. I usually look at the coaches in this matter: Marvin Lewis with the Bengals and Gary Kubiak with the Texans. Both won Super Bowls as assistants but both are seeking their 1st playoff victory as a Head Coach.

Confidence Pick: Texans

• QB: Dalton (7) vs Yates (6)
• Defenses: Bengals (4) vs Texans (2)
• Overall Team: Bengals (7) vs Texans (3)
• Bengals (18) vs Texans (11)

My Pick: Bengals 17 vs Texans 21