Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Arizona Cardinals (9-7)The Atlanta Falcons are one the many surprises this year and who would ever thought that a rookie QB would lead them back to the playoffs? Following a tumultuous year last year, no one could have ever predicted a turn around quite like this, but Atlanta seems poised to make some noise in this years post season.
Led by QB Matt Ryan, the Falcons match up well with the Arizona Cardinals and you can expect them to attack Arizona's secondary down field. Combine their aerial assault with the strong running of Michael Turner and what you have is a recipe for a win. Besides, Arizona seems content with only making the postseason and have [seemingly] shut it down since clinching the division weeks ago. You can bet Atlanta will come to play and unless Arizona can flip the switch, that championship drought in Arizona will continue.
Final Score: Atlanta 27 , Arizona 17
Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
San Diego Chargers (8-8)I hate the Indianapolis Colts. Strong statement, I know; but even I can't deny how well they have played as of late. Winners of 9 in a row, the Colts are rolling into the postseason in form and will be a tough out for anybody who matches up with them. However, San Diego seems to be Peyton Manning's kryptonite. In last year's playoffs, San Diego put the clamps down on Peyton and forced him to be impatient; but you can believe that Peyton will not have a repeat of that performance.
Instead, I expect the Colts to come out and stick to what has helped them win 9 in a row. Will that be enough? It remains to be seen, but I just think that with this new life that the San Diego Chargers have been given; without question, these group of guys want to make the most of it. They may not be the strongest team in the AFC but, when healthy, the Chargers are one of the most talented. That being said, I expect the Charger defense to come up big against Peyton and force him into a critical mistake late in the game. Thus, giving the Chargers a back-to-back sweep of the Colts in consecutive post seasons.
Final Score: San Diego 28, Indianapolis 24
Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Miami Dolphins (11-5)As much as I strongly feel that the New England Patriots should be here and not the Baltimore Ravens, nor the Miami Dolphins; I guess a part of me has to give credit where credit is due. Both of these teams are tenacious and have really fought hard all year to be in the position that they are in now; but only one can advance.
Let's face it. Both teams play really well and execute masterfully at what they do best and I highly doubt this game will disappoint. While it may not be the high-scoring affair that most fans want, a close, competitive game is more entertaining to watch and I expect just that from these two teams.
Baltimore's defense is rated high for a reason and I expect that same defense to shut down the wildcat offense of the Miami Dolphins. If the Dolphins have any chance, QB Chad Pennington will have to make a few key throws downfield and rely heavily on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to work their magic. If he's patient enough to do that, then the Dolphins will be in good shape. The thing is...I don't think the Raven's "D" will allow that; nor do any of the quote on quote "experts".
Final Score: Baltimore 13, Miami 10
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)
Minnesota Vikings (10-6)Many people believed the Philadelphia Eagles to be dead in the water following an improbable tie with Cincinnati but, with all the drama down in big "D", the Philadelphia Eagles found a way to get into the postseason. Now, being an Eagle fan, I would love nothing more than to see Donovan McNabb take his game to an even higher level and lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl; but it has to be all about balance. It irritates the hell out of me when the Eagles throw the ball the whole damn game, lose, and then wonder why. Maybe it's me that feels that way but it is what it is.
From the other side, Adrian Petersen has played like an MVP this year; but he fumbles the ball too damn much. The same could be said for Tavaris Jackson. I understand both these players are still young and will develop over time, but you have to take care of the football. For that, I give the slight edge to the Eagles. Not to mention, Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson is a master at the Eagles blitz scheme and I, strongly, believe Tavaris Jackson will struggle against such heavy pressure. If that holds up and the Eagles can find the perfect balance between running the ball and passing, I expect the Eagles to soar to the next round.
Final Score: Philadelphia 31, Minnesota 21
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