Wild Card Weekend Picks

Chiefs @ Colts

Two weeks ago, the Colts traveled to Arrowhead stadium, went down 7-0, then rattled off 23 unanswered points on their way to a 23-7 routing of the Chiefs. However, even though this game is in Indy, beating the same team twice in 3 weeks is tough to do and simply put, the Chiefs (with the exception of Luck), have more talent and more play makers on their team. When they played in week 15, the Chiefs were locked into the 5 seed and had nothing to play for. The Colts still had a shot at the 2 seed and had everything to play for.

Prediction: Chiefs

Why the Chiefs Will Win: More play makers

 

 

Saints @ Eagles

The Saints can’t win outside the dome. The saints can’t win in the cold. So say the pundits. I don’t buy it. While the Saints were 3-5 on the road in 2013, the Eagles were just 4-4 at home. The Eagles offense is 2^nd in the NFL, but the Saints are top 5 as well (4). Where this game will be won, is on defense, and one little known fact is that the Saints have a good defense. The Saints are ranked 4^th in YPG, 4^th in PPG, 4^th in sacks, 9^th in sacks and 2^nd in passing YPG. The Eagles defense is 29^th overall and dead last against the pass.

Prediction: Saints

Why the Saints Will Win: 32^nd ranked pass defense against Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham.

 

Chargers @ Bengals

The Bengals have a top 10 offense, a top 3 defense and no glaring issues on special teams. The Chargers have a top 10 offense as well, but a terrible defense and outside of their kicker, a fairly suspect special teams unit.

Prediction: Bengals

Why the Bengals Will Win: More talent, a better all-around team, terrible weather and 8-0 at home.

 

 

49ers @ Packers

Yes the 49ers beat the Packers in week 1 34-28. Yes, the 49ers have a top 5 defense in almost every category. Yes, the 49ers have a top 5 run offense which should be a positive in the cold. And, yes, Rodgers has only been back 1 week. However, I am taking the Packers because of the home field advantage. Winning in early September in San Francisco is completely different than trying to win in Green Bay in early January. If this game were in San Fran - or any mild or nice climate for that matter - I would take the 49ers in a heartbeat. But the game won’t be in good or mild temperatures. This game isn’t going to just be “cold.” The high in Green Bay on Sunday is 3 with a low of -19. This entire game is likely to be played in subzero temperatures. Because of that, I like Rodgers and the Packers.

Prediction: Packers

Why the Packers Will Win: The weather.