NFL Wild Card Predictions
Week 17 regular season: 11-5
Final regular season: 169-87
New York Jets at Cincinnati. In the first of three playoff-weekend rematches, let's dismiss last Sunday's blowout by the Jets. The Bengals had no reason to put forth effort. New York wants to ride its running game and defense, a safe playoff formula. Cincinnati has surprised all season with its running and defense. The Bengals' Carson Palmer can make plays, while Mark Sanchez isn't there yet for the Jets. Cincinnati 20, New York 13.
Philadelphia at Dallas. Rematch No. 2. The Eagles had something (No. 2 seed and a bye) on the table last weekend, but were still dominated by the Cowboys. The pressure is on Dallas - although the end-of-season vibe seems different the feeling is that Wade Phillips' job is on the line. Philadelphia depends upon big plays, but the Cowboys held the Eagles in check during both regular-season wins. It's close. Dallas 24, Philadelphia 23.
Baltimore at New England. The Patriots cannot feel good about the playoffs. The only thing they've done well all season is pass and now Wes Welker's injury takes away their most consistent performer. The Ravens spent most of the season trying not to make the playoffs. Baltimore isn't as good as last season's AFC runners-up. It's a quarterback game and Tom Brady has enough to bring this one home. New England 21, Baltimore 10.
Green Bay at Arizona. You can dismiss the 26-point Packers blowout this past Sunday since the Cardinals had nothing to gain, but not the fact that Green Bay won. The Packers' only loss in their last eight games was on a miracle at Pittsburgh. Arizona may have been a surprise during last season's Super Bowl run, but the Cardinals aren't much better as a team. Green Bay's defense and offensive line are underrated. Green Bay 27, Arizona 20.
Final regular season: 169-87
New York Jets at Cincinnati. In the first of three playoff-weekend rematches, let's dismiss last Sunday's blowout by the Jets. The Bengals had no reason to put forth effort. New York wants to ride its running game and defense, a safe playoff formula. Cincinnati has surprised all season with its running and defense. The Bengals' Carson Palmer can make plays, while Mark Sanchez isn't there yet for the Jets. Cincinnati 20, New York 13.
Philadelphia at Dallas. Rematch No. 2. The Eagles had something (No. 2 seed and a bye) on the table last weekend, but were still dominated by the Cowboys. The pressure is on Dallas - although the end-of-season vibe seems different the feeling is that Wade Phillips' job is on the line. Philadelphia depends upon big plays, but the Cowboys held the Eagles in check during both regular-season wins. It's close. Dallas 24, Philadelphia 23.
Baltimore at New England. The Patriots cannot feel good about the playoffs. The only thing they've done well all season is pass and now Wes Welker's injury takes away their most consistent performer. The Ravens spent most of the season trying not to make the playoffs. Baltimore isn't as good as last season's AFC runners-up. It's a quarterback game and Tom Brady has enough to bring this one home. New England 21, Baltimore 10.
Green Bay at Arizona. You can dismiss the 26-point Packers blowout this past Sunday since the Cardinals had nothing to gain, but not the fact that Green Bay won. The Packers' only loss in their last eight games was on a miracle at Pittsburgh. Arizona may have been a surprise during last season's Super Bowl run, but the Cardinals aren't much better as a team. Green Bay's defense and offensive line are underrated. Green Bay 27, Arizona 20.
posted by Nate Tidwell at 7:18 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home