Well, that was an unfortunately lackluster weekend of games. My predictions were particularly poor as well. I went 2/4 on my predictions with an impressive record of 0-4 against the spread (ATS). However, it is important to note that it is just as difficult to go 0-4 as it is to go 4-0 ATS. In order to validate my great predictive abilities, I plan on going 4-0 next weekend, in order to prove my brilliant 0-4 record was no fluke. Or maybe I'll go 0-4 again. I haven't decided yet. Before we get to next weekend's predictions, let's first take a look at the games from Wild Card Weekend.
Carolina Panthers defeat Arizona Cardinals, 27-16
We started off the weekend with the worst game of them all. After watching this game, there is no question in my mind that the Cardinals and the Panthers are the two worst teams that made the playoffs. The Cardinals were lucky to score a point in a game where the Panthers kept gifting them with chances. I can't imagine Ryan Lindley will be much longer for the NFL. I'd take Jamarcus Russel over Ryan Lindley at this point. Arizona's offensive performance was the worst in NFL playoff history, based on total yards. They would not have gotten that record had they not run a desperation lateral play with no time left on the clock, which lost them 20 yards. This would have been sensible during a close game, but Carolina had already won, leading by 11 at the time. Who told the players to do that? Did Bruce Arians have a bet on Arizona against the spread? Anyways, the play was a perfect representation of how horribly poor the Cardinals played on Saturday. It was an embarrassment. It is hard to imagine that the Cardinals could find no better option than Ryan Lindley to quarterback their team. What is even more shocking is that that there was a quarterback behind Ryan Lindley on the depth chart. As in, Lindley was their best option. Logan Thomas should be more embarrassed than Ryan Lindley after that performance. Anyways, I'll give a little credit to the Panthers. Cam Newton didn't totally blow it, which will keep ESPN analysts obsessing over the fact that Newton has matured or something. Even though, had Newton taken a knee on every offensive snap, the Panthers probably would have still won this game. Yes, the Panthers were totally dominant the entire game. No, they will not be making a run in the playoffs. Carolina now gets Seattle in the Divisional Round. Good luck with that. Arizona heads home after an incredibly disappointing end to their season, one that had so much promise up until the injury to Carson Palmer. Maybe Carson Palmer deserves the MVP?
Baltimore Ravens defeat Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-17
As I said in my previous post, rivalry games are always hard to predict, so I don't feel too bad about totally botching this prediction. None of my friends are Ravens fans, so I don't expect anyone to be giving me too much slack for this one. Anyways, I guess I underrated the value of Le'Veon Bell because his absence showed in this one, as Steelers running backs combined for a total of 43 rushing yards in this game. It's too bad that the Steelers were unable to overcome the injury to Bell because this game was not as exciting as it could have been. After suffering through the first Saturday game, I was at least hoping that this AFC North showdown would be better. The Ravens and Steelers usually bring out the best in each other. Unfortunately, only Baltimore came to play in this game. The Steelers were able to cut the Ravens lead to five in the fourth quarter, however, it just never felt like Pittsburgh had a chance. The Steelers were just barely hanging on for most of the game, and in the end, the Ravens came out on top as the superior team. Roethlisberger was hit hard and often, and it never seemed like he could get into a rhythm. Meanwhile Flacco was well protected by his line, and his receivers made some big plays for their quarterback. Even though Baltimore is only the 6th seed in the AFC, I don't think anyone will be looking forward to a visit from the Ravens this post-season. If my memory serves me right, they had a pretty good playoff run a couple of years ago. They will be trying to mimic that in 2015.
Indianapolis Colts defeat Cincinnati Bengals, 26-10
The woes of the Cincinnati Bengals continue. The Bengals have still not won a playoff game since 1990. That's a streak that will even make a Raider fan cringe. The Colts allowed the Bengals to stick around for the entire first half, as the Cincinnati running game and defense were both making plays early in the game. It seemed as though Dalton would not have to make the big plays, in order for Cincinnati to win this won. Unfortunately for the Bengals, the Colts turned it on in the second half. The defense went on lock-down mode. Andrew Luck went on Luck mode, and the Colts dominated the Bengals in the second half. Dalton fell to 0-4 in the playoffs. It is tough to blame Dalton for this one. His far and away best target was sidelined due to injury. His running game went anemic after the first quarter. And he was opposed by one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Still, Dalton failed to make any plays for his team. I thought Cincinnati might have been able to give Indianapolis more of a challenge, especially after their impressive win against Denver in Week 16. However, they just didn't show up. Similarly, I didn't expect such an impressive performance from Indianapolis, especially since they got destroyed by Dallas in Week 16. Anyways, the trend is clear. How these teams played in Week 16 is nothing like how they played in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. The Colts were simply the far superior team.
Dallas Cowboys defeat Detroit Lions, 24-20
Finally, my patience had paid off. The only exciting game of the weekend was the one that I predicted would be the least exciting of all. Of course. The Dallas Cowboys made the fans in Arlington believe that this team is for real on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of the miserbale Detroit Lions, who, similar to the Bengals, have not won a playoff game since 1991. Fans of Detroit will feel that they had this game stolen from them, and they have a decent argument. The play in question is obviously the flag that was picked up for a pass interference on Brandon Pettigrew by Anthony Hitchens. I have a few thoughts on this. First of all, I hate this type of PI call. This is just a flag that bails out a quarterback for a bad throw. The only reason Pettigrew contacted Hitchens at all was because the ball was woefully underthrown. Additionally, the contact was minimal, even though Hitchens was "face-guarding." However, based on how this type of play is usually called nowadays, this is always pass interference in the NFL. So, whether or not I generally agree with this type of penalty is moot. Also, you could make an argument that there was holding on Hitchens before the pass was thrown as well. However, in defense of the officials, one play does not define a game. The Lions had other opportunities to end this game, but they failed to do so and let the Cowboys stick around. And, in the end, Romo came through for Dallas, earning the Cowboys a trip to Green Bay.
Well, that's it for Wild Card Weekend. The best of the NFL will suit up for the Divisional Round, as the Broncos, Patriots, Packers, and Seahawks prepare for their home games. Predictions for the Divisional Round will be coming later this week. Stay tuned!
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