4th and Long

NFC Championship Preview

by Caleb Musselman

San Francisco #5 vs. Seattle #1

sanfrancisco.greatpartybus.com

So here we are. Right where we thought we would be. In my opinion, this entire season has been null and void in the NFC. Seattle and San Francisco are the only two teams who deserve to be in the NFC Championship game. The Saints, Eagles, Lions and Packers are offensively dynamic, the Panthers and Cardinals have a stellar defense. However, the truth is most teams in the NFC have serious flaws that eliminate them from the championship conversation.

Seattle and San Francisco are the only two truly complete teams in the NFL today. In fa
ct, these teams are so incredibly similar that today's game is nearly impossible to predict. Some will say Seattle has the edge because the Seahawks have outscored San Francisco 71-16 at CenturyLink in their past two meetings. This is without a doubt a difficult stat to get over. However, I'm going to do it right now.

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Seattle's 12th man is stunning. They are one of the few crowds that have ever actually been able to impact the outcome of a football game. Seattle's defense is tremendous. With the best secondary in the league, the Seahawks defense gives nightmares to passing quarterback's around the league.

San Francisco's defensive line and linebacking crew are dynamic. Easy the best front seven in the league, the 49ers match up beautifully with the rush-first Seattle offense.

So what in the world is going to happen in this game?

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First, this will be the most physical, nasty and smash-mouth game in recent memory. These teams hate each other. These coaches loathe each other. In my opinion, this is currently the best rivalry in the NFL. Combine that with two you
ng teams filled with overly passionate players and you can expect multiple altercations. Which team will be able to channel that in the correct way?

Second, expect Kaepernick to expose the only weak point in Seattle's defense; their linebackers. The combination of Kaepernick's rushing ability and Vernon Davis' receiving prowess will cause the Seahawks fits on critical 3rd downs throughout the game. This is my #1 key to the game.

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Third, expect Marshawn Lynch to rush for 100 yards. No one can stop Lynch, but the 49ers can slow him down. Lynch will be good but not great. Watch for the Smith (Justin and Aldon) twins to put pressure on Lynch and Wilson in the backfield on a consistent basis.

Fourth, expect Russell Wilson to continue his current slump. Wilson has relied on his defense and running attack more heavily than usual during his past five games. He looked very average against a slightly above average Saints defense last week. How do you think he'll fair against this suffocating D?

This game will be close throughout. In my mind, the 12th man can win this game for Seattle in the first 20 minutes. On the other side, San Francisco can get the upper hand if they put together solid drives in the first quarter which will neutralize the 12th man. San Fran is streaking and they have a confident QB who can't be stopped with Crabtree and his full cast of weapons. Seattle is very good but peaked too early this season which was showcased in a game last week against the Saints where their offense was never able to put away Drew Brees and Co. That game showed me a lot about Seattle at this point in the season.

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So here we go. The game is finally here. This game will come down to the final three minutes. What better way to send the NFC to the Super Bowl? Kaepernick heads a last minute drive capped by a chip shot field goal. 

Final Score - San Francisco 23 Seattle 20

4th and Long

AFC Championship Preview

by Ryan Frisco

Photo Cred www.patriots.com

So here we are, the AFC Championship game. While it's nice sometimes to see a Wild Card sneak into the playoffs and steal the show with an unprecedented run, I believe it's equally nice to see the truly superior teams in the league prove their worth and roll other teams on their way to the big game.  That's what the Patriots and Broncos both did last week, and that's why this game will be one for the ages.  The two teams with a combined record of 25-7 this year.  The two teams that teamed up for one of the Instant Classics we witnessed earlier this season.  Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning, the big time rivalry of the 2000s renewed in this new decade.

Photo Cred www.nydailynews.com

Two Hall of Fame bound legends in the AFC, two up and coming stars in the NFC.  The AFC matchup displays pure offense, while the NFC matchup brings out the gritty defense vs. the ground and pound game.  Readers, this is going to be one great Sunday of football!

So who's going to win this game?!  We have two fantastic quarterbacks in the last 5 years of their career.  Four Super Bowl titles between them, six MVP awards (most likely 7 after this year) and two of the greatest legacies all time in the NFL.  These guys have been dominant for over a decade.

Let's take a look at the pros for each team, starting with Denver.

1.  They have home field advantage - While this doesn't necessarily mean anything in football, it does when you play in Denver.  For one, the Broncos are more used to playing in the Mile High thin air then the Patriots.  They have conditioned in this atmosphere, and will be able to keep up better and longer then New England.

Photo Cred www.denverpost.com

2.  They have Peyton Manning - One of the greatest signal callers of all time.  He reads defenses better than any other, and is fantastic at using the play clock and changing the play at the line.  He's ready to prove himself as a legit playoff quarterback, and ultimately the best Manning of all time...behind his two time Super Bowl winning quarterback brother Eli.

3. A crazy good, efficient offense - Manning runs this offense, but the team around him makes this dangerous quarterback look spectacular.  A ridiculous receiving unit (Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Julius Thomas), a two headed monster at running back (Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball) and a line that is dead set that Manning never needs another neck surgery.  This team moves the ball down the field handedly, at the speed they desire.

Now, for the Patriots.

1. A surprise running game - New England hasn't always been known for their running game, but 2013 is a different year.  Currently, the circulation of Shane Vereen, Steven Ridley and Legarrette Blount has been phenomenal!  And the thing is, you can't prepare for which one you'll get, because they seem to change up the lead back each game, sometimes each quarter!! With all three of these guys healthy and running at the level they currently are, the Broncos D will have their hands full with Tom Brady just handing the ball off!

Photo Cred www.yahoosports.com

2. They have Tom Brady - He is one of the greatest finesse quarterbacks of all time, and arguably the best when it comes to rallying the troops when they are down at the end of a game.  Manning may have broken Brady's TD record this year, but Brady has always proved to own the rivalry between them.  Even when down  earlier this year, when the game seemed wrapped up for Denver, Brady led the team back to pull it out in the end...like he did soooo many times this year.

3. Bill Belichek - Like it or not, this guy is one of the greatest coaches of all time. He lives and breathes football.  Truly, the only thing he does care about is winning, winning every game and winning the Super Bowl.  Anything short of that is failure.  Belichek will have a gameplan going into the game, and he will change that gameplan at halftime, and it will work.

Photo Cred www.washingtonpost.com

In looking at all of the pros for each team here, I am going to take the road less taken...that means choosing the Patriots as the AFC Super Bowl rep.  When it comes down to it, I don't think the Broncos defense can hold this Patriot offense down.  New England is more well rounded on all sides of the ball. Denver may very well go up early in this game, but if Tom Brady is within 16 points at the five minutes to go mark, I have total confidence he will bring the team back, and win the game.

Patriots 34 Broncos 31

In the NFC, I'm taking an extremely low scoring affair in favor of Seattle

Seahawks 13 49ers 10

4th and Long

NFL Divisional Playoff Previews

by Caleb Musselman and Ryan Frisco

New Orleans vs. Seattle 
Man, you want me to predict what will happen this game?!  Boy this should be fun.  So let's take a look first at what happened the first time these two teams played this season.  The New Orleans Saints went into Seattle during the regular season with the whole world knowing it was a big game for both teams.  This was the Seahawks chance to show their superiority of one of the NFL's top powerhouse offenses, while the Saints were out to prove they for one could win on the road, and were a top contender in the NFC playoff race.  Well, we know what happened...Seattle torched the Saints, as they put up 34 points and held Drew Brees and Co. in check for a measly 7 total points.  Now, how does that play into this weekend's Divisional Round game?

First, I can guarantee you that this game will not be a blowout like last time. The Saints have already gone into the city of Seattle once this year, and they won't soon forget what it was like.  Sean Payton and Brees are too smart to let what happened then happen again. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.  No, New Orleans will score more then 7 in this contest.  Especially coming off a thrilling victory in front of a impassioned Philadelphia Eagle squad last week. The Seahawks will have a tough time stopping the momentum the Saints have from just that one win, especially with not playing a week.  We've talked a lot about who is the best team in the NFL, and I've stood firmly behind the Seahawks, because of the completeness of their team, and the will to win of Russell Wilson in the clutch.  We're seeing a passing of the torch in the AFC, from Tom Brady to Andrew Luck.  The same is going on in the NFC, as the elder Brees, who is known for his end of game heroics, is in the time of passing his own torch to youngsters like Wilson and Colin Kaepernick.  This game is a picture of that, as Wilson brings his team back from down late, and the defense holds on for the victory.

Final Score: New Orleans 20 Seahawks 24

Indianapolis vs. New England

As the Colts travel into New England high on an improbable Wild Card weekend win, I think we all need to take a deep breath. Was the Indy comeback victory impressive? Of course. But I put that result more on the Chiefs deficiency than I do the Colts proficiency. The bottom line is this: The Colts defense couldn't stop the Chiefs without Jamaal Charles. So the young guns led by Andrew Luck (emphasis on luck) travel into New England with their heads high and their chests puffed out. Meanwhile, Tom Brady and Bill Bellichik watched the game last week and counted all the Colts deficiencies on defense. The Colts gave up 44 points to an average QB and a slightly above average offense with Charles out with an injury. Tom Brady in his prime would put up 40 points on Saturday night. Tom Brady nearing the end of his prime will put up at least 30. It has been a unique experience watching Tom Brady slowly transition into a game manager. He has done it with great maturity and self-respect. He knows he doesn't have the weapons he used to, so he is utilizing his running game to control and dictate the flow. This will not change on Saturday night. Blount will go for 100 on the ground. Vereen will go for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown and break the Colts defense in critical moments in the second half with key third down receptions out of the backfield. Andrew Luck is a good quarterback. However, Luck is not a great quarterback and he doesn't have close to enough weapons around him to make this a game. In Foxborough? Critical playoff moment? Brady every time. 

Final Score: Indianapolis 17 New England 31

San Francisco vs. Carolina 

So Carolina, here is your shot. You want to be respected, you want to be considered with the top teams in the NFC. Here you go. Prove yourselves. Fresh off of a hard-fought win in Green Bay, San Francisco travels indoors to the dome in Carolina to meet the up and coming Panthers in a battle that is sure to entertain. Look at the Panthers offensive roster. How is this team any good? Steve Smith seems like he's been in the league for 30 years. Olsen is just slightly above average. Their running attack is headlined by two average running backs who haven't gone over 1,000 yards in 4 years. The answer is three-fold. 1. Their offense really isn't that great. 2. Any average offense can be saved by an athletic QB and a solid offensive line. 3. Their defense is just that good. 

Carolina beat San Francisco just a few weeks back IN Candlestick by a 10-9 final. This game may be high scoring but the competition level will be no different. Prepare yourself for one of the best games of the 2014 playoffs. These two squads bolster two of the most stifling defenses that I've seen in the last few years (excluding Seattle's offensive defensive machine). I honestly can't see either team going up more than a touchdown in this game. The 49ers are flying high on confidence and the Panthers are desperate to prove themselves to the league. Cam Newton is a very good weapon; however, he suffers from inconsistency in the passing game. Match that with an average group of receivers and you get a team that can often times look lost on the offensive side of the ball. San Francisco doesn't have these types of games where they take a half off on offense or defense. This will be the difference in this match-up. Expect stifling defensive performances. Expect long, calculated drives. Expect football as it is meant to be played. Carolina takes the lead in the 4th quarter but Kaepernick orchestrates a last minute drive finished by a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis that puts San Fran in the lead for good. 

Final Score: San Francisco 20 Carolina 17

San Diego vs. Denver 
Ahhh, yes, another regular season matchup renewed!  Props to the NFL schedule makers this year, they really picked a lot of good matchups that are being repeated in the playoffs.  So the Chargers were the first team this season to hold the Broncos under 30 points in a game, as they played them close and lost by 8.  The second matchup the Chargers beat the Broncos by 7.  The case can be made that San Diego doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs right now, especially after barely scraping by the Kansas City second string with help from the refs. But, they're here.  And I would go so far to declare that they have the biggest amount of momentum going their way right now given the events that got them into the playoffs, which is how they steamrolled the Bengals last week.  Yes Caleb, more momentum then the 49ers even!

Now, the Broncos. Sorry, I'll just refer to them as Peyton Manning.  2013 was a historic year for many reasons, and Manning is most of them.  He is one of the greatest QBs of all time, with one of, if not the best team of receivers of all time.  Pair that with a killer running game, a dangerous kick returner and a defense that has gotten better all year, and you've got a dangerous recipe for any team they play.  In these team's two matchups, neither team ever scored 30+ points.  I believe that will change this weekend, as both put up over 30 in a shootout for the ages!!  This game will be like watching the fights of old, the Elways and Montanas, the Bradshaws and Starrs.  In the end, Manning's inability to produce in the playoffs haunts him again, as Rivers' magical run continues at least one more week!!! Manning will get that second Super Bowl ring, but it will be the storybook ending, as it is two years down the road, after a storybook career, a comeback from neck surgery and the perfect age to retire while on top of the world.

Final Score: San Diego 42 Denver 33

Showcase Showdown

Who Will Take Home the Lombardi?

By Eric Berkenpas, Ryan Frisco and Caleb Musselman

So before the NFL season began, each of Sports Eye View's writers chose a team to win the Super Bowl.  Here we are, going into the first round of playoffs, and each team is still in the running.  The Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.  Now, we battle it out again!

Photo cred www.washingtonpost.com

Ryan - Just like I think Russell Wilson is the best QB in the league, I still think the Seattle Seahawks are the best team in the NFL.  And I don't mean they have the most starpower, I mean they have the most COMPLETE team in the league, which is why they have the best record, and have the best shot at the championship.  Last season they made the playoffs, but were still a work in progress.  This year, Wilson is more seasoned, Marshawn Lynch is in full beast mode, and the defense has only gotten better.  I'd like to see any team go into Seattle right now and try to score more then 15 points against the Seahawks.  We all know it's just not happening!

Photo cred nypost.com

Eric - Unfortunately for the Seahawks, the Super Bowl is not played in Seattle, it is played in New York. The weather will very likely be cold and there is a good chance of icy/snowy precipitation. Is Seattle used to that? No. Is San Francisco? Definitely not. Is New England? Absolutely, in fact you could say they excel in that weather. The issue New England will have is getting through Denver, who they already beat in the regular season. Unfortunately for Denver, they have a QB who has a track record of choking in the playoffs and New England has a QB who has a track record of excelling in the playoffs as well as arguably the greatest playoff coach of all time! There is a lot of playoff inexperience on the Patriots and they haven't been a dominating team throughout the year, but they found a way to win 12 of their 16 games and will continue finding ways to win en route to their 4th Super Bowl ring since the year 2000.

Photo cred www.csmonitor.com

Caleb - Hello everyone. As I write we are one day away from Wild Card Weekend and 2 days away from the 49ers first of 4 straight playoff wins. Did I mention they are already on a six game winning streak? San Francisco hasn't lost a game since a November 17th. Everyone rants and raves about momentum and peaking at the right time. This team is primed for a Super Bowl run. During this six game winning streak they managed to defeat the who? The Seahawks. Sure it was in San Francisco but beating this supposedly unbeatable team and this supposedly unbeatable quarterback must be recognized. The 2012-13 playoffs were just a screenshot of what the Niners can do. The Seahawks defense is pretty tremendous. However, what often goes unnoticed is the fact that their offense heavily relies on their defense to create turnovers and touchdowns in order to win games. The 49ers defense is just as strong as Seattle's minus the turnovers. However, San Fran's offense doesn't need any help scoring points. Kap and company will be just fine. Regarding the Patriots, they may very well make their way to the Super Bowl. However, they will need a Brady miracle to defeat any of the beasts of the NFC in the big game.

Photo cred www.komonews.com

Ryan - Hold the phone Caleb.  I agree with your San Francisco points, they are very valid....but don't go supporting the Patriots!  I'm very surprised, after seeing the way this entire season played out, that Berk is still on the Tom Brady bandwagon for the Ring!  Let's just take a look at who New England BARELY pulled it out against! The Bills, Jets, Saints, Broncos, Dolphins, Texans and Browns.  Any of these games very well could have, and SHOULD have, been a loss for the Pats.  Granted, Tom Brady did pull it out in the end against them, but New England showed plenty of flaws all throughout the season, leading to way too many nailbiters.  With this many errors, against teams that are playoff caliber, Brady won't be able to get away with winning the game this many times.  Also, there's a reason they haven't won since 2004 (when they CHEATED! ).  I'm surprised if they make it past their divisional round game. 

And also Berk, you're talking about Seattle not being able to play in cold, wet weather?!  Come one man, they live and play in Seattle, where it's always cold and wet, and they rarely lose there!  It's practically a home game playing in New Jersey for them!  I like their chances.  And also, since I wrote my first section, I came across another column from an NFL analyst, in Yahoo Sports that totally supports my stance.  This is Frank Schwab;

Photo cred theadvocate.com

"That's why Seattle started the season No. 1 in the Shutdown Corner power rankings, and why the Seahawks finish the season No. 1: They are the only team without a clear flaw.

In Football Outsiders' DVOA per-play metric (it stands for Defense-adjusted Value Over Average and is FO's primary tool for measuring the true strength of teams), the Seahawks finished seventh in offense, first in defense and fifth in special teams. No other team finished better than 10th in offense and defense, much less all three categories. Seattle posted the fifth best DVOA among all teams dating back to 1989, which is as far back as Football Outsiders has tracked it. Add in the best home-field advantage in the NFL, and the Seahawks are clearly the Super Bowl favorites.

People bemoan parity and the lack of a dominant team, but that's exactly what Seattle was through the season. They might lose in the playoffs before hoisting their first Lombardi Trophy but make no mistake, if that happens it would be an upset."

That went long, and it's all I have. Finish it up boys, just try and prove me wrong.

Eric - Ryan, there is no doubt the Seahawks are statistically the best team in the playoffs and on paper have the best chance of winning. However, when is the last time that spelled a Super Bowl victory? Maybe the last time the Patriots won the Super Bowl. I can surrender the weather argument partially though New York does have colder and snowier winters than Seattle and will be much more optimal weather for New England than it will for either Seattle or San Francisco.

Photo cred sportsofboston.com

Of course I am still on the Patriot wagon to get a ring! I don't care who they barely beat, the fact is, they beat them. That is what New England does, they win. Each of their 12 wins counted for as much as each of Seattle's 13. 34-3 is the same as 21-20. If you want to go down that road, let's talk about Seattle's 27-24 win at home against Tampa or their 17-10 loss at home to Arizona. How about their narrow escape from the Titans, Rams or Texans? Those close wins don't look any better or worse than New England's. What it comes down to is the Patriots have a QB and coach who know how to win, especially in the playoffs, and have proved it throughout their entire careers. Russell Wilson and Pete Caroll have yet to prove that. And lastly, you keep mentioning home field advantage but seem to be forgetting that A) the Super Bowl is played in New York, not Seattle and B) how close New York is to Boston and how far away Seattle is. If anyone has anything close to a home field advantage in the Super Bowl, it's New England. Caleb, finish her off!

Photo cred www.usatoday.com

Caleb - So here we are just a few days after Wild Card Weekend. What an amazing cinematic experience these games were. So, as the last of four games provided more excitement than many expected, San Francisco survived to see another day. Or did they? Did they just survive or did they go into one of the most dramatic and storied environments in sports, in the worst of weather that they weren't supposed to be able to handle and beat a team that played their best game of the year with probably the best overall quarterback in the game under center? The 49ers showed on Sunday that they are the clear favorite to win it all. Stack every element against this squad and they still find a way to win. Better yet? They are just under a year past a taste of the Lombardi. Seattle is really good. New England has a legit shot. Any of these three teams could win it all, but the 49ers have everything it takes to beat Seattle in the NFC Championship game. Ryan searched the internet for an article written that spoke about Seattle being the perfect team and the clear favorite. On Monday morning ESPN.com and NFL.com both had a feature article that talked about San Fran as the favorite to win it all. We can all find people who agree with us on the internet. People can even find crazies who agree with them that Russell Wilson is the best QB in the league.

The simple truth is that the hot team always wins in the NFL. The Giants and Ravens are perfect examples. Seattle is going to be absolutely crazy when San Fran and Seattle match up in the NFC Championship. If this was the first time they played up there this year, I'd give the game to Seattle. But you don't think Jim Harbaugh has been scheming in his off time about how he plans to battle those fanatical elements in Seattle? As the hype grows, the pressure grows for NFL teams. KC felt the pressure this year of an undefeated season and folded like a stack of cards. Just like you referenced, Ryan, Seattle has been the favorite all year. As the pressure rises, the 49ers continue to win. They will beat Carolina by 3 this week. Then it's game on.

So what do you think? How do you see the playoffs shaking out in 2014?

Fourth and Long

Wild Card Weekend Previews

by Caleb Musselman

It seems like just last week Ryan and I were writing our predictions for the 2012-13 playoffs. Now the new year brings with it playoff surprises, massively disappointing seasons and the reigning Super Bowl champs doing the bad kind of sitting at home watching; not the kind Seattle is doing. Just one year removed from claiming the #1 seed in the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons stumbled their way through a disastrous and injury riddled season that proved Matt Ryan is nothing without his weapons. The top of the AFC playoff picture looks surprisingly similar as both Denver and New England replicated their 2012-13 record on their way to clinching the first and second seeds once again. Houston (2-14) followed Atlanta off the deep end while Philadelphia rose from the ashes of a 4-12 season to claim the not so highly touted NFC East crown and the #3 seed in the NFC. As the dust settled after a crazy Week 17, the playoff picture may be set, but the nation is preparing for a wild playoff ride. Who expected the Ravens to win last year? Who expected the Chiefs to go from 2-14 to 11-5? Anything can happen in this game and this year's Wild Card Weekend is sure to pack it's share of surprises. 

Onto the match-ups.

#5 Kansas City (11-5) vs. #4 Indianapolis (11-5) 

photo cred: www.arrowheadpride.com

Kansas City travels into Indianapolis after a rather interesting season for both squads. Beginning the season 9-0 after a horrid 2-14 record last season, many were wary of possible deception due to a poor strength of schedule. After finishing the year 2-5, it seems the critics had some basis as the Broncos defeated KC twice and doomed them to the Wild Card. Headlined by a suffocating defense and a tremendous running game, the Chiefs have the pieces to make some noise. Indianapolis, on the other hand, waltzed through a season without much competition. While much was said about the weaknesses of the NFC East, the bottom three teams in the AFC South combined for a pungent 13-35 record on the year. This was undoubtedly the worst division in football. Because of the crap-shoot of teams in their division, the Colts seemed to struggle with consistency throughout the year. While Andrew Luck experienced a slight sophomore slump, the Colts managed some uncanny wins (San Francisco, Seattle, Denver) and some mysterious losses (Miami, San Diego, St. Louis). Without a myriad of offensive weapons, this Colts team seems a few coins short of a dollar in this year's playoffs. As they showed throughout the season, they could beat any team on any given day, but they seem to lack the consistency and dominant star power to put together a legitimate playoff run. 

photo cred: www.helmet2helmet.com

Prediction - In a game where the winner seems destined to have short-lived playoff hopes, these two teams will put on a show that will be a must-see game. In the end, the Chiefs have more weaknesses than Indianapolis. Further, they peaked much too soon in a sport that is all about momentum and streaks (ask Eli). Andrew Luck will get his first playoff win in a game that comes down to the wire while Viniatieri pounds a plethora of field goals through the uprights. A last second field goal gives the Colts a 26-24 victory. 

#6 New Orleans 11-5) vs. #3 Philadelphia (10-6)

photo cred: www.nfl.com

As an Eagles fan, I am still shocked every time I see that 10-6 mark next to Philly's name. A team that was floundering at 3-5 just a few weeks ago seems to have finally put all the pieces together at just the right time. Finishing the season on an impressive 7-1 streak marred only by an ugly defeat at Minnesota, the Eagles once again reign supreme in the NFC East and have earned a crucial home game against the Saints. New Orleans was 8-0 in the Superdome and only 3-5 when playing on the road. This is an extremely interesting match-up that I truly believe could go either way. Which Nick Foles will show up? The seven touchdown wonder or the timid youngster who lost 17-3 to Dallas a few weeks ago and showed glimpses of resurfacing in their Week 17 play-in game? Will the Eagles be able to put pressure on Brees? Will the Saints defense be able to contain Lesean McCoy? Both of these teams can put up points in bunches. The Eagles put up the fourth most points in the league while ranking 32nd in time of possession (an unbelievable stat). The Cowboys found out first hand in Week 17 how quickly the Eagles can make you pay for costly mistakes. As New Orleans travels into hostile Philadelphia for what promises to be an electric game, I truly believe this game will come down to coaching. Payton vs. Kelly - Visor vs. Visor. For Chip, he must resist the urge to fall into the Saints style of pass first football. If McCoy gets over 25 touches, the Eagles have a legitimate shot at winning this game. For Payton (and Ryan), he must find a way to pressure Foles and force the Eagles into some turnovers. Easier said than done. Finally, Brees must get Jimmy Graham involved early and often. The Eagles linebacking crew has been known to struggle against TEs. 

Prediction - My gut tells me the Eagles are a season away from beating the Saints in the playoffs. If this game was in NOLA I'd give the Saints a 10 point Wild Card win. In Philadelphia, the Eagles will fight til the bitter end. At the end of this one, a drive in the final two minutes capped by a Brees to Graham TD hookup gives the Saints a 34-30 victory. Watch out for Philly in 2014-15, but for now the Saints move on.

#6 San Diego (9-7) vs. #3 Cincinnati (11-5) 

This is the least interesting game of the playoffs. I truly believe neither of these teams have a shot at the Super Bowl, and not for a lack of talent. What about the Bengals? Dalton (Raggedy Andy) is not the right guy for that job and their running game isn't consistent enough for them to make a run. The Chargers stink. Easily the most inconsistent team in the league, Philip Rivers has, once again, found a way to personally excel while not leading his team to success. He's a great player but a poor leader. Dalton has better weapons and the
Cincinnati cold will leave Mr. Rivers high-tailing it back to paradise in Southern California with another great statistical season and another average team performance. It may seem like I'm minimizing the talent in this match-up. Don't get me wrong, the Bengals are a solid team. They just don't have a shot against the big guns in the league. 

Prediction - Dalton throws for 300 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions as the Bengals cruise to a 31-23 win in a game that is never truly within reach for San Diego. Bye bye Philip. In another week, bye bye Andy. For now, the Bengals live to see another day. 

# 5 San Francisco (12-4) vs. #4 Green Bay (8-7-1)

The Green Bay Packers are not a good football team. Aaron Rodgers is a very good football player. Now that that is out on the table, let's move on. The 49ers are still my pick to win the Super Bowl. While Denver and Seattle have garnered the majority of the press in the second half of the season, San Francisco has not-so-quietly finished the season on a seven game winning streak to finish at an impressive 12-4. While the Niners struggled through the first half of the season with most of their weapons on the IR, they now have hit their full stride at the most opportune time. The 49ers vs. Aaron Rodgers. Somehow, Rodgers will still find a way to make it close. Kaepernick will have his usual solid but not flashy day while Gore rushes for 125 and the San Fran defense controls the field position battle all afternoon. 

Prediction - Rodgers, Cobb, Nelson and Lacy keep the Packers in the game but Green Bay's defense fails them at all the wrong times. San Francisco grinds down the Packer defense with long drives and critical 3rd down conversions throughout the game. Gore's bull-headed rushing style provides the Niners with a second half cushion and a late Rodgers comeback attempt falls short in the 4th quarter (give Rodgers a better D and this game is totally different). San Fran goes into Lambeau Field and flexes its way to a 34-24 victory over the Packers.

So there are my predictions. Any of these games could go either way, but that is the beauty of the NFL. For now, I'm sticking with my picks. Think I'm crazy? Clinically insane? Comment and give me your predictions and why you think I'm wrong. 

Goodness, I love the NFL.