Hi guys, I'm going to try and update more frequently, been really busy with works/friends/etc but there's always more time in the day to pursue your interests! Today's entry is just a quick preview and predictions for the Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins vs Seattle Seahawks games.
I chose not to write about yesterday's games because the outcomes seemed pretty obvious. The Bengals offense is so one-dimensional, it ebbs and flows through AJ Green, so if Houston shut him down they'd win. Easier said then done, but Houston held Green to 5 catches for 80 yards on 11 targets, and Andy Dalton to 127 yards on 14/30 passing, which is abysmal. The Packers vs Vikings game had some intrigue to it considering the Vikings pulled off an impressive upset last week at Mall Of America field, but winning at Lambeau Field in the playoffs would've been a totally different animal.
Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts
 |
| Andrew Luck's had a great rookie year, but can he win a road playoff game? |
I look for this to be a close game between two teams that have potent, but not explosive offenses, and mediocre defenses. The Indianapolis Colts have already exceeded expectations this season, following a 2-14 record in 2011, overcoming the absence of their coach Chuck Pagano who was diagnosed and treated for Leukemia this fall. On the other hand, Baltimore has disappointed recently, losing four of it's past games to end the season at 10-6. Despite their recent struggles, I still like Baltimore in this game. Not only are they playing at home, but they also have a QB in Joe Flacco who's in the postseason for a fifth time in a row. I believe that Flacco's playoff experience vs Andrew Luck's inexperience makes the difference in this game. Also, the Ravens should be able to establish a decent running game is this matchup, whereas the Colts will probably struggle with that.
Make it:
Ravens 24 - Colts 13
Washington Redskins vs Seattle Seahawks
 |
| Griffin has drawn most the press, but Wilson has had a fantastic year too |
This matchup is arguably the most intriguing of the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Two rookie quarterbacks who exceeded expectations during the regular season are unlikely opponents in the playoffs. Part of me wants to pick Washington, considering they're playing at home and have won their past seven games. Conversely, another part of me wants to pick Seattle, because they've won their past five games, including a 58-0 thrashing of Arizona, a 50-17 beatdown of Buffalo, and then a 42-13 victory of the #2 seeded San Francisco 49ers. Both these team's offenses are clicking at the right time, but I think the Seattle defense will rise to the occasion better than the Washington defense. I know that the Seahawks hold arguably the best home-field advantage in football, and this game is on the road, but I just can't see them dropping a game to Washington after what they've been doing to teams recently. As great as RGIII, Alfred Morris, and the rest of the team have played the past two months to sneak into the playoffs, I think the ride ends hear against a Seahawks team that sports a much better defense than Philadelphia or Dallas, who the Redskins beat four times combined to make the playoffs.
Make it:
Seahawks 27 - Redskins 24
