Super Bowl XLVII (47) - Wildcard Predictions

Saturday, January 5, 2013

NBC 4:30 pm EST

Cincinnati Bengals at HoustonTexans (Reliant Stadium) 

This is a rematch of last year’s 2011-2012 Wildcard game where the Houston Texans beat the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10, according to ESPN.com.

I believe we will see a repeat performance of another victory by the Texans.  Currently, the Texans have lost 3 of their 4 final games of the season dropping them from a 1^st round bye to playing in the 1^st round of the playoffs.  I do believe the Texans have enough to beat the on and off Bengals. 

Bengals coach, Marvin Lewis has done a great job finding talent year after year, but the Bengals need a playmaking running back to deliver what the passing game already has, which is a playmaking receiver in AJ Green.  I think the Bengals will put up more than last year’s 10 points, but still in a losing effort.

Texans win 30-17.

NBC 8:00 pm EST

Minnesota Vikings at GreenBay Packers (Lambeau Field)

We just saw a preview of what last week’s season finale provided where the Vikings beat the Packers in Minnesota 37-34, according to NFL.com.  I think this will be a different story in Green Bay.  The Packers will get the injured All-Pro, old Cornerback and now Strong Safety Charles Woodson back in the line up.

The Packers defense is getting healthy at the right time.  Linebacker Clay Mathews returned to the lineup against the Vikings last week and vows to stop Running Back Adrian Peterson in the Wildcard game, according to the NFL.com.

In order to win in the playoffs each team must have a Quarterback who can pass the ball.  The Vikings and Christian Ponder have not done that successfully all season.  I love what head coach Leslie Frazier is doing with the Vikings, but do not believe it is enough for the post season.

Packers win 31–20.

  

Sunday, January 6, 2013

CBS 1:00 pm EST

Indianapolis Colts atBaltimore Ravens (M&T Bank Stadium)

Here we have two great stories.  The first is head coach Chuck Pagano’s personal battle against cancer.  Pagano was defensive coordinator for the Ravens defense just last year before becoming head coach for the Colts.  His health is progressing in a positive direction.  His will and powerful words along with coach Bruce Arians has kept the Colts afloat this season and viable playoff contender.

See Pagano’s speech after initial cancer treatment:

Then we have Mr. Ray Lewis.  Right now, he is Mr. Baltimore.  When he retires after this season, he will have to share Baltimore the great baseball legend Cal Ripken, but this is Ray’s time.  Ray Lewis has been a leader of men for a long time.  Lewis changed the way people view leadership in regards to always thinking the QB has to be the leader.  In all honesty, anyone can be a leader if they lead by example and not just by words.  Ray leads with both and everyone in the sports world knows it.  If Ray leaves the game after this post season, he has truly done all he can do!  Sources say Lewis already has an ESPN analyst deal in place.  We will soon see.

See Lewis’ speech after Ravens 2012-2013 AFC Final loss to Patriots:

Ravens win 27-24.

FOX 4:30 pm EST

Seattle Seahawks at WashingtonRedskins (FedEx Field)

This will be only the second time in NFL history where rookies will face each other in the post season, according to the Bleacher Report.

These two QBs have marched their teams into the postseason with a strong effort.  First Russell Wilson will lead a bruising rushing attack with Marshawn Lynch and Wilson himself.  The Seahawks are one of those offenses without big name weapons, but can explode for 40 or more points.  The physical and athletically gifted defense makes this Seahawks team so tough, according to DNS-NFL.

On the other hand, the Washington Redskins have done the unthinkable.  They started off 3-6 and were written off or challenged by their own head coach.  They finished the season 10-6 riding a 7 game win streak.  Either way you look at it, the plan worked.  Both Shanahan’s have this team moving in the right direction.  The defense has also stepped up to do their part.

With a more athletic defense coming to DC (MD) and an unhealthy RG3, the Skins will need to rely more on RB Alfred Morris like they did against Dallas.  The Seahawks defense is very good against the run ranking 10^th giving up just over 103 yards per game and 4th overall, according to ESPN.com.

Plus the added fuel for the game..... Redskins DT Kedric Golston called CB Richard Sherman of the Seahawks, "...a cheater".  This should be good, but I believe the Seahawks edge the Skins.   

Seahawks win 21-17.