The playoffs are finally here, and much to the chagrin of most NFL fans, this may be the final year of the 12 team playoff format. Next year will most likely begin the era of the 14 team playoff format. I would prefer the playoffs to remain at 12 teams; however, I am beginning to accept 14 teams as an inevitability. Two more teams equals more money. Two more teams equals fewer fired coaches. It's a no-brainer for the league, even if a large majority of the fans of the NFL are against it. Let's face it, we're all still going to watch the NFL playoffs, even if there are 14 teams instead of 12. With that in mind, let's take a look at the exciting matchups that the 2015 Wild Card Round has brought us.
Arizona Cardinals (11-5) @ Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)
Saturday, 4:20 PM ET (Current Line, Panthers -6.0)
The first matchup of the post-season is definitely one of the more intriguing ones. Arizona looked like they would be the top seed in the NFC this season, until a critical injury to Carson Palmer. When Drew Stanton subsequently went down, all hope seemed lost for Arizona. Now, with Ryan Lindley starting for the Cardinals, the Panthers are almost a one touchdown favorite in this wild card matchup. I think that the Cardinals defense will keep them in the game, but the total lack of offensive production should doom them. Since Palmer's injury, Arizona has scored 87 points over seven weeks (12.4 points/game). That's awful. Meanwhile, Carolina comes in riding a four game winning streak. These teams are going in totally opposite directions, and Carolina has homefield advantage. It is hard to imagine the Panthers losing this game.
Prediction: The Cardinals get four field goals from Cantazaro, but it is not enough. Cam Newton Superman dives into the end zone with 2:30 left in the 4th quarter to seal the win, 17-12.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Saturday, 8:15 PM ET (Current Line, Steelers -3.0)
I don't think there is anyone that is disappointed that we will get to see Pittsburgh and Baltimore play each other one final time this season. The Ravens and Steelers split the season series, so it is fitting that the fates of these two teams should come down to the playoffs. When Baltimore and Pittsburgh get together, the hits are hard and the football is good. Rivalry games like this are always hard to predict. You have to like the Steelers at Heinz Field, but the injury to Le'veon Bell has the fans in Pittsburgh concerned. Will homefield advantage be enough to propel them past the Ravens?
Prediction: The game is back and forth up until late in the fourth quarter. With a one point lead, the Steelers are trying to run out the clock, when Dri Archer breaks free for a 65 yard touchdown run to seal it for Pittsburgh, 28-20.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Sunday, 1:05 PM ET (Current Line, Colts -3.5)
This is another tough game to predict. Andy Dalton has been horrid in the post-season, but the Colts have been far from impressive recently, including a 42-7 drubbing at the hands of the Cowboys. The most obvious game to look back on, if you are looking for any insight into this game, would be Indianapolis's 27-0 victory over Cincinnati in Week 7. However, if I've learned anything from the NFL, it's that the regular season means nothing when the post-season rolls around. The Bengals are trying to usher in a new era of football in Cincinnati, looking for their first playoff win in my lifetime. Will Dalton finally be able to pull it together during the playoffs? It might be tough if AJ Green is not able to play.
Prediction: With the game tied in the 4th quarter, Andy Dalton leads the Bengals down the field, only to see Mike Nugent miss the game-winning field goal as time expires. They head to overtime, and after an Andrew Luck interception, Mike Nugent redeems himself with a 39 yard field goal. Bengals win 24-21.
Detroit Lions (11-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
Sunday, 4:40 PM ET (Current Line, Cowboys -6.5)
Is this finally the Cowboys' year? Dallas is playing some of their best football in years, and they look poised to make a run in the playoffs. However, if they want to have any success in the post-season, they will first have to get through the Detroit Lions. The Lions have looked good for most of the season, but the offense has the potential to totally shut down at a moment's notice. Fortunately for Stafford, Dallas is no defensive stalwart. Will Detroit's defense be able to step up against Dallas's potent offense? Will the Lion's passing attack be revitalized in the playoffs?
Prediction: Matthew Stafford's first pass of the game is intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Brandon Carr. The game is never close after that, as Tony Romo throws for 3 TDs and leads the Cowboys to victory, 34-21.
The Wild Card round should produce an exciting quartet of games, Hopefully they can set the tone for the rest of the 2015 playoffs. Enjoy Wild Card Weekend!
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