NFL Wildcard Weekend

The NFL Wildcard weekend is upon us. Don't be fooled when you sit down on Sunday to watch the games and notice that two of the four games are already finished. The NFL splits the games into Saturday and Sunday to make certain that they take up my whole weekend and the laundry, grocery shopping and that trip to Bed, Bath and Beyond doesn't happen. Let's get the preview and fearless predictions...

Remember these are my personal opinions, aren't based on facts or any kind of statistical analyst.

Atlanta at Arizona
A game nobody would have predicted at the star of the season. The Atlanta Falcons were in serious trouble, a QB in jail, a coach that quit on the team in mid-season last year. The Arizona Cardinals were a franchise that always seemed to be on the cusp of "making the jump" to a playoff team. Both teams turned on a dime and open the playoff weekend.

This game should be decided on the offensive side of the ball. With two teams that like to put up points and don't mind letting the scoreboard light up. Look for Matt Ryan, the NFL offensive rookie of the year to stand in the pocket and find his star receiver Roddy White who was one of the breakthrough performers of the year (also the star of my fantasy team). When Atlanta coach Mike Smith isn't letting Ryan air the ball out, he will control the clock with the ground and pound of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. If Atlanta does a good job of moving the chains and keeping the Arizona offense off the field they should be in line for a game next weekend.

Although the offenses will be on display, the x-factor will be the Falcons pass rush. If they can put enough pressure on Warner and disrupt the passing game of the Cardinals, they do not have it in them to run the ball.

Pick: Atlanta 35 vs. Arizona 24

Indy at San Diego
Two of the hottest teams in the NFL face off in the best game of the weekend. The Colts have won something like 23 in a row and the TV faces are all handing the league MVP to Peyton Manning. The Chargers won the win and in game against the Broncos last weekend and get a chance to host a playoff game even though they are 8-8 on the season and the first team in NFL history to start the season 4-8 and make the playoffs.

Look for the Colts to be sneaky and instead of letting Manning throw the ball all over the field they will hand the ball to Addai and Rhodes and chew up the field and clock. Rivers and the Chargers are holding their collective breath at the moment with injuries to Tomlinson and Gates. If those two guys don't go on the weekend they shouldn't even play this game. Just let the kick-off happen, make San Diego give up a safety and give the Colts the extra time to rest.

Pick: Indy 28 vs. San Diego 24

Baltimore at Miami
Two more of the biggest surprises of the 2008 NFL season. The Ravens defense is back to the form that took them to the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa and the offense is breath of fresh air with rookie QB Joe Flacco and the multiple formations. The Dolphins hired Bill Parcells and then an unknown coach in Tony Sparano and go from 1 win to the playoffs, a great story and it gives hope to Detroit Lions fans everywhere.

The Dolphins will be fired up to show the league they deserve to be in the playoffs ahead of the Patriots. Chad Pennington wants to rub salt in the wounds of Jets fans and Ricky Williams just wants to blaze after a victory. The wildcat formation worked during the season because of the element of surprise and teams not having enough time to prepare. The Ravens have seen it already this season and now had another week to learn the 12 plays the Fish can run with Ronnie Brown under centre. The Ravens have had success because of the defense for years, and although they are getting help this year, look for Ray Lewis, Suggs and Ed Reed to control the game. Two more picks for Reed is not out of the question.

Pick: Baltimore 17 vs. Miami 10

Philadelphia vs. Minnesota
The Eagles killed Fox's dream of having "America's team" in the playoffs last weekend with a great performance, even though the only thing talking heads could mention was how bad the Cowboys played. The Vikings took the NFC North title because no one else wanted it. Both teams are coming into the game on a high note and this should be exciting for whoever shoes up at the Metrodome (there was still 10-15K tickets available as of Thursday).

The Eagles have many factors working against them in this game. McNabb will probably throw up on the sidelines after eating too many bratwurst on Saturday night. Andy Reid will no doubt throw a challenge flag at the wrong time, call time-outs at the wrong time and mess up the play calling in critical situations. The Vikings do have a handicap of their own in Tavaris Jackson, but they do have Adrian Peterson aka Purple Jesus. The Vikings defense is also top notch especially in the middle with the brothers Williams and they should be able to control Westbrook and McNabb.

Pick: Philadelphia 17 vs. Minnesota 31


Snack of The Day
You can't watch without snacks, here is what I recommend for you to enjoy whilst watching the games.

Ruffles Regular Potato Chips

This is the classic. You can't question this choice when you break it out. Eat them alone, use some dip, just enjoy them all.