It’s playoff time. Sadly, this year the first round looks pretty bland with very little chance at any upsets (although the Seahawks proved that anything can happen in the playoffs). None of the games are true rivalry games and some of these teams are so devastated by injuries they are starting guys who were sitting on the couch drinking beer 3 months ago, so let’s dive right in to round 1 of the NFL playoffs:
Saturday 4:30pm EST Cincinnati at Houston (NBC)
Both teams feature some pretty good defensive play but the Bengals probably have a better offense going for them right now, which isn’t saying much. The key for the Bengals will be containing a healthy Arian Foster, who sat out the final game of the regular season. If they can contain him it will put the game squarely on the shoulders of either T.J. Yates, a rookie, or Jake Delhomme, who was out of the league a few weeks ago. The Bengals come in with “The Red Rifle” Andy Dalton at QB (also a rookie) but a dangerous passing attack with AJ Green. Both teams come into the playoffs off of a loss so neither one really has any momentum.
Prediction: The Bengals squeak out a road win 20-13.
Saturday 8pm EST Detroit at New Orleans (NBC)
Welcome to the track meet. Expect a high scoring affair as two of the more exciting offenses in the NFL match up against 2 of the weaker defenses to make it to the playoffs. The Saints have home field advantage here and, while they Lions might make it interesting, the Saints do not lose at home. Brees has a million weapons on offense while the Lions have Calvon Johnson. The Lions ended the season losing to the Packers’ back-up QB (and making him look like Peyton Manning in the process) while the Saints spanked Carolina.
Prediction: An old fashioned shoot-out with the Saints coming out on top 38-28.
Bonus Prediction: Suh is ejected after he beats a random offensive lineman over the head with an exercise bike
Sunday 4:30pm EST Pittsburgh at Denver (CBS)
This is another battle between two good defensive teams, but the Broncos are sorely lacking on offense. They are more than likely a ‘one and done’ in the playoffs as the Broncos come in on a 3 game losing skid. They do have a snowball’s chance in hell, though, as Big Ben is hurting badly which could mean a big day for the Broncos D-Line and Mendenhall is out with a possible MCL tear. The only way the Broncos win this game is if the defense can score off of some turnovers. The Steelers defense is simply too good to lose to Tim Tebow but expect a low scoring affair to keep Steelers fans on the edge of their seats until the final minutes.
Prediction: I sleep through this punt fest and wake up in time to see Denver lose 10-3.
Sunday 8pm EST Atlanta at the NY Giants (CBS)
I should be extra annoyed with CBS’s shitty HD broadcasting of sports at this point of the day, seriously, upgrade your goddamn cameras. Both teams come in with wins, Atlanta stomping the hapless Bucs and the Giants taking care of business against arch-rival Dallas. Despite their 8-8 record, I would have to give this game to the Giants as they seem like one of the more complete teams coming into the playoffs. Matt Ryan has yet to prove he can win a playoff game at home or on the road, but it should still be a close one. The Giants are simply too good for the Falcons and Manning is having a career year.
Prediction: The Giants win this one 27-20
Image via KellBailey.
