This Wild Card weekend should be a goody with some great matchups. Mother Nature has come into play in the East, so temperatures should be freezing. I am on a cross-country road trip to get back to New York, so please be patient as everything will be pushed back a little.
Saturday Games
#5 Chiefs vs #4 Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
4:35 PM
These two teams met just a few weeks ago, and Indy got the better of Kansas City.The Chiefs are built around their defense, but have lost 5 of their last 7. Andrew Luck has established a connection with his receivers. None more than TY Hilton. Hilton has had 82 catches this season and 5 of those were TDs. Chiefs QB Alex Smith's last Playoff game was a loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship just two years ago. The Chiefs have lost their last 7 Playoff appearances. The Indy defense should be in great shape if they contain Jamal Charles. Charles has been a beast this year. He leads the team in receiving and rushing yards.
My Pick: Colts 30 Chiefs 17
#6 Saints vs #3 Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
8:10 PM
This game features two great QBs that might not be able to show their greatness. The conditions in Philly are horrendous and it makes for a sloppy game. Lucky for Eagle's fans, they have the best RB in the league in LeSean McCoy. He will get a boatload of carries in the snow. The Saints will have their hands full with a rowdy crowd and a determined Eagles team. Not to mention, Drew Brees on the road isn't the same Drew Brees at home. This could be a career defining game for him. He hasn't won a big road game in his NFL career.
My Pick: Eagles 24 Saints 20
Sunday Games
#6 Chargers vs #3 Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
1:05 PM
The Bengals are looking to end a 23-year Playoff win drought. They have to go up against the explosive Chargers that are surging at the exact right time. Phillip Rivers and co. haven't been in the dance in 3 years and are trying to make some noise. Cincy is undefeated at home this year, but they have been very sloppy. The Bengals need to improve if they want to even get past the 1st round of these Playoffs. The player to watch on San Diego is rookie WR Keenan Allen. He has 8 TDs this season on 71 receptions. The Bengals also have a strong rookie RB Giovani Bernard. He has split carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. This will be a close game, and should be back and forth.
My Pick: Chargers 31 Bengals 27
#5 49ers vs #4 Packers
Lambeau Field
4:40 PM
Get ready folks, this is going to be a classic. These two teams aren't the best of friends after the 49ers knocked the Packers out of the Playoffs last season. The temperature at game time is supposed to be -23 degrees! It is sort of a bummer these two teams are playing in the 1st Round because I can see both of them going far. Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers back and a newfound rushing game with rookie Eddie Lacy. San Francisco arguablt has the best all-around team in the NFL, but they are running into the wrong team.
My Pick: Packers 20 49ers 16
