NFL Wildcard Forecast

My prognostication for this playoff weekend:

Cincinnati Bengals vs Houston Texans

My pick: Texans

And so they meet again. The Texans bashed the Bengals 31-10 in last year’s wild-card game, and I expect Houston to come out on top again in the second outing.

Despite being a 3-seed, the Texans are probably the least dangerous playoff team due to their recent flounders. How could a 12-4 team not be feared heading into the postseason? The answer is simple. They’ve lost the last three of their four games and their Week 6 collapse (42-24) against Green Bay Packers has given them the label of pretenders. Some fans in Texas may even have doubts heading into this one, but stay calm true-Texans, I still believe you’re a threat.

The moment you undermine an opponent is when they’re most volatile. The Texans went from a potential No. 1 seed to completely missing out on a first-round bye all together. This nugget can’t sit well with them and I expect Arian Foster along with Matt Schaub to have a big weekend and usher them past the Bengals. Outside of a New York Giants victory, Cincy's resume appears to be mediocre. My uncle always told me to be careful of the teams that have something to prove, and that statement perfectly illustrates the Texans. They have been attempting to prove themselves this entire year, and Saturday’s contest will be their chance to send a message.

Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers

My pick: Packers

Speaking of rematches, we have another case of déjà vu in the NFC North. Last week’s game was special; the whole world was excited to watch the Adrian Peterson chase for the single-season rushing record, but in the end, it's last week's news. Key words, last week.

Peterson has scorched the Packers-D for nearly 200-rushing yards (199 last week) in both regular season outings, but I don’t see Peterson’s efforts resulting in a win in this one. This week has to be a team effort, not an "All Day" show.

Aaron Rodgers has quietly had another phenomenal year. If not for the freak comebacks by Peterson and Peyton Manning, Rodgers would be on more MVP radars. The Packers offense can erupt for 40 at any point, and I don’t see the Vikings being able to keep up with the gunslinger and his potent offense. If the Minnesota wants to upset Green Bay at home, the deciding factor will be Christian Ponder. I still view Ponder as an inept quarterback, and this reason alone sways my vote over to the 2011 Super Bowl champs. 

Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens

My pick: Ravens

This game was probably the most difficult to decide on, but I ultimately have to give the edge to Baltimore. This is where the rookie sensation’s train ceases. The Colts avidity this year has been unparalleled in large thanks to Chuck Pagano, Bruce Arians and Andrew Luck, but I see the more seasoned unit winning this match-up.

You can’t say enough about how Luck has engineered this team back from a tumultuous 2-14 season last year. Far from a lucky season, but there are a few red flags that may stump Luck in his playoff debut. The first being the interception bug. Luck has thrown 18 picks this year, and the last team you want to commit turnovers against is Baltimore. They feed off of TOs, and it usually results in points on the scoreboard. And the second hiccup that Luck actually has less control over is pressure in the backfield. Luck’s rookie-record 4,374 yards came with a price as he took 41 sacks this season. These two trends will not be the formula for a first-round victory.

Despite the Ravens-D taking a few steps back over the few years, they’re still a tantalizing force. And I'm certain Ray Lewis' retirement announcement will give them a much needed emotional lift. Furthermore, despite his skepticism, I’m going to give Joe Flacco the benefit of the doubt against the Colts. Stay true to the run, and hit them with play action here and there. Run that offensive gameplan and there should be no worries.

P.S. Baltimore was my pre-season Super Bowl pick. San Francisco was my NFC choice. 

Seattle Seahawks vs Washington Redskins

My pick: Seahawks

RGIII vs Russell Wilson. Alfred Morris vs Marshawn Lynch. Two of the hottest teams in the NFL duking it out. Can this game get any better?

Wilson has for the majority of the season has meandered in the shadow in Luck and Griffin, but Sunday will be his day to shine. And with his stout defense by his side, I expect him to leave FedEx field with a win. Although Griffin has impressively only thrown for five interceptions, I expect Seattle pluck a couple of his feathers. The Seahawks led the NFL in fewest points allowed this season and are constantly blitzing. Griffin for the majority of this season has seemed unflappable, but he’s never faced a threat similar to Seattle. And without two healthy knees, Seattle has a bit of advantage on him.

The positive note for the Redskins is that they’re 9-1 in games in which Pierre Garcon played, but Griffin will need more than just him to pull out a victory. The Redskins receivers have dropped a ridiculous amount of passes this year. Sunday will not be the afternoon to have hands like feet.