NFL Wildcard Round Picks

Tim Tebow will have some trouble overcoming the fantastic Pittsburgh Defense.

After 17 weeks of regular season games, the NFL has finally reached the playoffs. Throughout the seasons there were countless surprises. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite all of their star power, won just  8 games. The Broncos surprised everyone and somehow won their division. Marvin Lewis led his Bengals to the playoffs, one of three AFC North teams to reach the next stage. 

2011 was the year of the passer. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers led their team’s to the playoffs despite having some of the worst defenses in football.  Drew Brees beat Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in the season. Brady broke the record as well. 

AFC Games: 

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans 

Andy Dalton has done what was once impossible. He has led a Bengals team, without both Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer to the playoffs. With the exception of Cam Newton, Dalton has been the best rookie quarterback this season. Dalton threw for 3,398 yards, and 20 touchdowns. Dalton is going into the wildcard round after a loss to division rival Baltimore. The Texans made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The team finished with a 10-6 record. Three of those wins came without all-star quarterback Matt Schaub. Unfortunately, three of those losses came without Schaub as well. With rookie T.J Yates starting, the Texans could have a problem. Fortunately, the Texans have running back Arian Foster. Foster finished with 1,224 yards on the ground, good for fifth in the league.  The Texans defense is great, they allow just 17.4 points per game. 

The Pick: Both the Texans and Bengals have overcome obstacles to reach the playoffs.  However, the Bengals failed to beat a playoff team. They went 0-7 against playoff teams , including losing both games to the Steelers and Ravens. In the Texans’ five games against playoff teams, they went 2-3. One of their two wins was against the Bengals. Texans over Bengals 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos 

People doubted him, but he somehow won games. In one game he passed for less yardage then the running back ran, yet he still won. Then, the Patriots came to town. The Patriots tore at Tebow, scoring 41 points against he and his Broncos. After the Patriots game, the Broncos lost their next two games, and skidded into the playoffs only after the Raiders lost. The Steelers, despite all of their injuries, had a fantastic 12-4 season. Ben Roethlisberger will most likely play in this game, but if he doesn’t, the Broncos could have a chance to win. 

The Pick: The Steelers have the best defense in football, allowing just 14 points per game. The Broncos are allowing 24 points per game. If Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace break out, the Broncos are in for a long game. 

Steelers over Broncos

NFC Games: 

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints 

Single season passing leader Drew Brees will try to lead his team over the Lions.

The Lions had the tools to make the playoffs. But they were also cursed. The last time the team won all four of their preseason games, they went 0-16. Matthew Stafford was determined to change that. And he did. He led the Lions to a 10-6 record. With the help of his receiver Megatron, Stafford passed for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson had a  great season of his own. He caught 96 balls for 1,681 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Saints finished the season 13-3. They also ended the year on an eight game winning streak. Drew Brees set the record for most passing yards in a season for the Saints. Against playoff teams, the Saints were 4-1, losing only to the Packers. The Saints allow 21 points per game, compared to the Lions’ 24. Expect Brees to take advantage of the Lions' poor defense, and throw the ball constantly.

The Pick: The Saints come into this game having won their last eight games. The Lions come into this matchup with a record of 3-2 in their last five games. This will be a passing heavy matchup, but expect Brees to come with the victory. 

Saints over Lions 

New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons 

Tom Coughlin loves Dallas. With his team in the midst of a four game losing streak, Coughlin’s team traveled to Dallas. Eli Manning passed for 400 yards and led his team to a 37-34 victory, that began the Giants’ road to the playoffs. Then, with their playoff hopes on the line, the Cowboys came to Metlife Stadium and lost 31-14. Because of that win, the Giants clinched the playoffs. The Falcons arrived in the playoffs a different way. Led by quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, the Falcons finished 10-6. The Falcons have a so-so defense, allowing 22 points per game. The Falcons have a potent offense, though not as potent as the Giants, who average 385 yards compared to the Falcons’ 376. 

The Pick: This game will come down to the running game. Which running back will show up, Michael Turner or Ahmad Bradshaw? Whichever running back runs for more yardage will most likely win the game. Eli Manning will do as much as he can, but Turner and Matt Ryan will lead the Falcons to the next round. 

Falcons over Giants