NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Round

The NFL Playoffs begin this Saturday and especially as the Bengals have actually gotten in, it seems only natural that we take a quick look at things.

Game 1 - Cincinnati at Houston

This is a rematch of the wild card game last year. The Bengals had a good chance going in but Houston was too strong and prevailed. This year, no one seems to be giving Cincinnati even a fighting chance. This is somewhat understandable as up until the last week of the season, Houston was in line for the #1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Houston has an okay defense but a very good offense. Cincinnati has a pretty good defense, but their offense is sorely lacking. AJ Green remains the only true wide recieving threat and the running game has struggled all season. Unless the defense goes into hyperdrive and scores at least one touchdown for the Bengals, I would expect Houston to win the game comfortably.

Game 2 - Minnesota at Green Bay

Divisional playoff games are always hard to get a proper bead on. Minnesota beat Green Bay in the last game of the regular season to make the playoffs so they certainly know how to beat them. Minnesota's defense is nothing to sneeze at and any offense that has Adrian Peterson is always a threat. Green Bay may have one of the best offenses in the league but their defense is still pretty terrible. Still, the game will be played in Green Bay and I have a hard time believing that a team as experienced as the Packers will fold under pressure of the first round. The Vikings could do it, but I would still expect Green Bay to emerge victorious.

Game 3 - Indianapolis at Baltimore

This is where the possiblity of upsets start to become more realistic. Baltimore started strong but has been hampered by injuries as the season has gone on. Their once vaunted defense is a shell of it's former glory and the offense has never fully materialized. Conversely, the Indianapolis offense has become stronger against more difficult foes. Their defense is still a bit suspect but that may not matter as much against a weaker offense. If Baltimore has a good chance of avoiding the upset it is the fact that they are the veteran team and this Colts team has enough new parts that they may be caught up in the "happy to be here" moment. I would give the edge to Baltimore but I think Indianapolis has nearly a 50-50 chance of winning the game.

Game 4 - Seattle at Washington

Washington has done very well to win the East and get to this point. They are a good team and are fairly hot at the moment. However, they are going up against what may be the hottest team in football at the moment in Seattle. Seattle and Washington are nearly mirror images of each other with a mobile QB and a run first mentality anchored by a quick, slashing running attack. Washington probably has a slightly better defense but I wouldn't slouch on Seattle's defense. Washington has homefield and RG3 has been amazing in his ability to magic wins from nowhere but they are also going to be somewhat emotionally spent after the game against Dallas to win the division. Seattle has a long ride but they are used to that and have been assured of a playoff spot since the end of Week 16. I think Seattle will keep their momentum going and win against Washington but I think it will take nearly everything they've got to top the Redskins.