NFL Wild Card Preview

Starting this Saturday, the playoffs will start in the NFL. Let's first look at the match ups in the wild card round of the playoffs.

NFC: Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
The Packers dominated Arizona in Week 17, although many wonder if Arizona really had anything to play for. Despite the presence of a very strong aerial attack for the Cards, I think the Packers will advance in this one, led by Ryan Grant and Aaron Rodgers.

NFC: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Another rematch of a Week 17 game, in which the Cowboys won easily over the Eagles. The Eagles were a popular late season pick for many, but the offense just hasn't been clicking the past few weeks. I think the Cowboys sweep the season series this year, making it 3-0 against Philly, and advancing to the next round.

AFC: New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals
One more rematch in the wild card round, the Jets took an easy victory over the Bengals, albeit with a hobbled Chad Ochocinco, who was held catchless. Ochocinco says he should be ready for the playoffs, which could make a difference for the Bengals. I think the Bengals will continue their great season with a wild card win.

AFC: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
The Patriots will come into this game without Wes Welker, who is out for the playoffs, and likely most of next year with torn knee ligaments. The Ravens come in led by Joe Flacco, who finished off the year with strong performances against the Bears and Steelers. I think the experience of the Pats leads them to a victory in the wild card round.

So, to recap, I have the Packers over the Cardinals, the Cowboys over the Eagles, the Bengals over the Jets, and the Patriots over the Ravens.

I think the wild card round will present some exciting matchups. The next NFL playoff post will be after the wild card round, with a preview of the divisional round of he playoffs.