Wild Card Weekend Picks!

Wild Card weekend is here, and as a Broncos fan, I can just sit back and relax and watch all the games unfold-with a very keen eye set towards the two AFC games. I always enjoyed Wild Card weekend because it usually has the chance to have some of the wildest games and craziest finishes of the entire postseason. This weekend features some really intriguing matchups, and it is a rare year because all four road teams are favorites heading into the weekend. Before I get to the predictions, I have a bone to pick with the NFL. Why the hell did they mess with the playoff schedule so much? This is the first time since 1977 that they put games on from the same conference on the same day. In '77, there were only four teams in each conference that made the playoffs, so it made some sense back then, but I'm shocked they did this in this current format. I understand that the networks have a lot of say, but to have both AFC games on Saturday and both NFC games on Sunday is just strange. In any event, the NFL postseason kicks off on Saturday and the race to Super Bowl 50 begins. Here are my picks for Wild Card weekend.....

Last Week's Record: 9-7
Overall Record: 123-125-11

5-Kansas City at 4-Houston (AFC Wild Card Game)

A Case for the Chiefs: They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL heading into the playoffs. They are riding a 10-game winning streak. They feature a really good defense. The Chiefs have only given up 287 points this year, and they feature a very good secondary and a stellar pass rush with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Can't you see those two just harassing Brian Hoyer in this game? You do worry a little about Andy Reid's game management at times, but he is a veteran coach who has been on the sidelines for a lot of playoff games. The Chiefs did pound the Texans in Houston in Week 1, and it is hard to see them falling apart in this spot-especially with the run they have put together. Plus, the Chiefs haven't won a playoff game since 1993 when Joe Montana was their QB. You have to think they are due to get one.

A Case for the Texans: After a horrific 2-5 start that saw their defense just look awful, the Texans turned it around to finish the season 7-2 and win the AFC South. The catalyst for that was their defense. They have been very stout since November 1st. Houston has only given up 313 points this year, and now they get an offense that isn't the most explosive in football. Can't you see J.J. Watt just terrorizing Alex Smith all game long? Brian Hoyer is back as their starter, and they have one of the best skill players on the field in this game with DeAndre Hopkins. He can take over any game. Being at home will help them, and throw out the loss to KC in Week 1 because that was a long, long time ago. Plus, everyone is picking the Chiefs as the "sexy" pick in the AFC, so that will give the Texans plenty of motivation.

Prediction: Kansas City (-3) over HOUSTON: Although, I think this game will be close and I give the Texans a legitimate chance to win, I just think that the Chiefs and their momentum will continue for at least one more week. KC is due for a playoff victory, and I think they will get it this week.

Final Score: Chiefs-23 Texans-16

6-Pittsburgh at 3-Cincinatti (AFC Wild Card Game)

A Case for the Steelers: They have the most explosive passing game in the NFL, and they have a Hall of Fame QB, who is also a two-time Super Bowl winner. Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown can't be stopped and they are worth at least 21 points just stepping off the bus. They know they can win in Cincy after beating the Bengals a month ago. They might just have their number. They might have swept the Bengals this year if they didn't make so many mistakes in their loss to Cincy earlier in Pittsburgh earlier this season. A week ago, they needed help to get in, and then all of a sudden the Jets lose to Buffalo and they beat Cleveland, and now they find themselves in the tournament as one of those teams that no one wants to play. Plus, they get the opportunity to knock the Bengals off with A.J. McCarron starting at QB, while Andy Dalton still recovers from his thumb injury. Last year, heading into the playoffs, they were the team that no one wanted to face, and they blew it by losing to the Ravens at home. It is hard to see Mike Tomlin and Big Ben losing another first round game this year.

A Case for the Bengals: Pound for pound this might be the most complete team in the AFC. They are solid in every aspect on their roster. The only question mark they have is at QB with backup A.J. McCarron getting the start in place of Andy Dalton. The Bengals didn't want to see Pittsburgh in this spot, but they haven't won a playoff game since 1990, and Marvin Lewis hasn't won a playoff game in his tenure as Bengals coach, with a record of 0-6. They are certainly due for a win this year. What better way to get that coveted playoff win with a victory over their arch rival. Everyone is picking the Steelers, and you have to think that will motivate the Bengals here. Even with McCarron at QB, they should be able to move the ball on this Pittsburgh defense because they have guys like A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert leading the way. Plus, they are at home in primetime on Saturday night. This has all the makings of a big effort and big performance by the Bengals to finally get that playoff victory.

Prediction: CINCINNATI (+3) over Pittsburgh: I'm not going to be surprised if the Steelers win this game, but I just have a feeling that this is the Bengals moment. Even with McCarron starting at QB, I think Cincy finds a way and gets Marvin Lewis his first playoff win as head coach, and the Bengals will send themselves to New England for a Round 2 matchup with the Patriots.

Final Score: Bengals-24 Steelers-21


6-Seattle at 3-Minnesota (NFC Wild Card Game)

A Case for the Seahawks: There aren't many other QBs who are playing better than Russell Wilson right now. He is on fire over the last month. Plus, it looks like the Seahawks are getting Marshawn Lynch back for this game. That will certainly help the offense. We know how battle-tested this group is. They have played 8 playoff games since 2012 and have been to two Super Bowls in a row. They destroyed Vikings in this same building a few weeks ago. Their defense shut down the Vikings in that first game, and it looks like Adrian Peterson won't be 100%, so that will definitely be an advantage for them. They might be one of the hottest teams going into the NFC playoffs, and this is definitely a better matchup for them, than if they had to go to Washington.

A Case for the Vikings: They got absolutely destroyed by the Seahawks at home a few weeks ago, but you know how different a game can be a second time around. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, is picking them to pull off the upset. You know how that can serve as motivation for them in this spot. I also think they are playing with house money. They are a young team, who in Mike Zimmer's second year, just knocked off the Packers to win the NFC North. All the pressure is on the Seahawks because they are built to win now, and the Vikings are a team that exceeded many expectations this year. Also, the fans of Minnesota will be pumped up because the Vikings are hosting their first outdoor playoff game since the 1970s, and it will be a very cool scene on Sunday in that stadium.

Prediction: Seattle (-4) over MINNESOTA: The weather will be the story in this game. It looks like the high will be like 9 degrees with a wind chill that will drop it into negative weather and high winds throughout the game. How both teams will handle the weather will be a huge storyline. In any event, I think it is hard to see the Seahawks losing this game. It will be closer than the game they played a month ago, but look for a Seattle win, and the Seahawks punching their ticket to Round 2 and a date with the Panthers.

Final Score: Seahawks-27 Vikings-20


5-Green Bay at 4-Washington (NFC Wild Card Game)

A Case for the Packers: The Packers started 6-0 and finished 4-6 their last 10 games, and one of those wins was the Hail Mary win over the Lions. Although they have struggled mightily the last few months, you still like your chances when Aaron Rodgers is your QB. I know their running game stinks, and I know that their offensive line can't protect right now, but when you have one of the best QBs on the planet on your team in a playoff game, you have a legitimate chance to win the game. Couldn't you just see Rodgers putting this team on his back and winning this game on his own? I know I could. Also, if you are a Packers fan, can you see a scenario where Kirk Cousins just implodes and the Packers defense takes advantage and gets a few turnovers? Don't sleep on the Packers here-especially since most of the nation is picking against them.

A Case for the Redskins: They have been the better team over the last two months than the Packers. They are at home in front of a fanbase that has been pleasantly surprised by this group and is legitimately excited and pumped up for this game. Also, Kirk Cousins has been one of the 2-3 best QBs in the entire NFL the last two months. You have the like the mojo that the Redskins have with the whole "You Like That" motto. Plus, are we sure that the Packers offensive line is going to be able to hold up to the Skins pass rush? Also, believe it or not, but the Skins have the coaching advantage with Jay Gruden over Mike McCarthy. This could be one of those games where Kirk Cousins continues his hot streak, and Washington just puts it on the Packers.

Prediction: Green Bay (+2) over WASHINGTON: I know the smart play is to pick the Redskins here, but I just have a feeling that Aaron Rodgers is going to pull something off in this game. I expect a really close game. This might be the game of the weekend. But, I have a hard time betting against Rodgers, and I see a late comeback and a late win for the Packers to send them to Arizona next week.

Final Score: Packers-27 Redskins-24