Wild Card Weekend 2014: My Playoff Predictions

It’s what we look forward to every season, the playoffs.  For better or for worse, the NFL’s single elimination tournament gives every playoff team hope that they can win it all.  While a six seed ensures that you will not see your home fans until next season, it does not eliminate you from Super Bowl contention.  In the recent past, Wild Card teams have made a habit of winning Super Bowls, and with the talent from the 5 and 6 seeds this year (particularly from the NFC), I can see it happening again.  Anyways, I have looked long and hard at these matchups, and I believe I have made some solid predictions for all four games.  Let’s take a look at what I think of the Wild Card Weekend matchups. 

Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

Saturday, 4:35 PM ET (Current Line, Colts -1)

Our first matchup of the playoffs is the one I expect to be the most one-sided, even though the Vegas Line for this matchup is the closest of all four games.  The Chiefs got beaten up by the Colts in Kansas City earlier this year, 23-7.  The Colts have homefield, a stronger team, a better quarterback, and a more impressive résumé of wins.  Like I mentioned in my previous post, the Chiefs had one win against a team that finished above .500 this year, and that was the Eagles in Week 3, while Vick was still playing.  Meanwhile, the Colts have racked up wins against the Broncos, Seahawks, 49ers, and Chiefs.  I would be very surprised to see the Chiefs win this game. 

Prediction: The Chiefs score a TD on their opening drive; however the Colts quickly dash any fears of an upset, as Andrew Luck and the Colts cruise by the Chiefs, 27-13

New Orleans Saints (11-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Saturday, 8:10 PM ET (Current Line, Eagles -2.5)

I am having a bit of trouble predicting the outcomes of the two NFC games.  I expect both to be tightly contested matchups.  Both games just have too many question marks.  As I stated in my previous post, I really don’t know what to expect from the Eagles.  They come in as one of the hottest teams in the league, having won 7 of their last 8 games.  However, they barely snuck by the Romo-less Cowboys in Week 17 to clinch the division.  Normally, with all the momentum going for Philadelphia, I would be inclined to pick the Eagles to win.  However, my gut is telling me to go with the Saints.  I’m not sure trusting my gut is a great idea though…

Prediction: Drew Brees throws a TD to Kenny Stills with 13 seconds left on the clock to win a thriller, 38-35

San Diego Chargers (9-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

Sunday, 1:05 PM ET (Current Line, Bengals -7)

I tend to agree with the seven point line here.  The Bengals beat the Chargers earlier this year in San Diego, and the Bengals are 8-0 at home this season.  Additionally, the Chargers are definitely the weakest team in the playoffs.  The Bengals have been inconsistent at times, so I don’t expect this to be quite as straight-forward as Cincinnati fans are hoping it will be.  The one thing the Chargers have going for them is their clear advantage at quarterback.  However, this one advantage might be thwarted by some awful weather forecasts for the game (36⁰F with rain and snow).  It will be interesting to see if the underdog role is enough to motivate the Chargers to victory. 

Prediction: The Chargers are down by 3 with 2:30 left in the game, when Rivers slips on the slushy field and fumbles the ball.  Vontaze Burfict picks up the fumble and scores, sealing the deal for Cincinnati.  Bengals win, 27-17

San Francisco 49ers (12-4) @ Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)

Sunday, 4:40 PM ET (Current Line, 49ers -2.5)

This is the game that I am most looking forward to watching.  With temperatures expected to be around 0 degrees and two great franchises going head-to-head, I expect an exciting game at Lambeau.  The Packers have gotten Rodgers back just in time, and with a game under his belt, it looks like Rodgers has shaken off the rust from his long injury stint.  This matchup is turning into quite a little rivalry, which will hopefully bring out the best of both teams.  You have to think that the bad weather aids the Niners, but the Packers are always tough to beat in Green Bay.  Additionally, they have proven that they have a respectable running game during their time without Rodgers.  However, the Niners are the hottest team in the league right now, having won six games in a row.  I just don’t expect the Niners’ season to end in the first round of the playoffs. 

Prediction: Both defenses step up big, but it is the Niners who escape victorious, as Phil Dawson kicks a game-winning 41 yard field goal with no time remaining.  Niners prevail, 20-17.

Colts, Saints, Bengals, 49ers.  I feel confident with my picks in the AFC; however, I feel as though both NFC games could go either way.  I am just hoping for some exciting football.  Enjoy Wild Card Weekend!