It's Wildcard weekend around the NFL, and with the Bengals and Texans set to kick it off at 4:30 from Houston it's time for the Dolphinsider's picks and predictions for all the matchups this weekend has to offer, as well as my prediction for Super Bowl XLVI. Enjoy.
Cincinnati @ Houston: Well, this is a toss up. Two rookie quarterbacks playing in their first ever playoff games going head to head with the season on the line. Gulp. TJ Yates started strong coming off the bench, winning his first three games filling in for the wounded Matt's (Shaub and Leinart). However, it appears age has caught up with the first year man out of North Carolina, losing his last three games and throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions in that span. On the other side, rookie Andy Dalton has had a sensational rookie season, leading the Bengals to nine wins and throwing 20 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions. Both defenses are outstanding with each being in the top 10 in league, so expect a low scoring affair in this one. I'll give the edge to Dalton and the Bengals, winning their first playoff game in nearly twenty years. Their last playoff win? In 1991, against the Houston Oilers.
Pick: 20-13 Bengals (Result: 31-10, Texans)
Detroit @ New Orleans: This game screams shootout. Both offenses' are elite, with the Saints being 1st in the league and the Lions not far behind at 5th. Drew Brees has been lights out this season, throwing for 46 touchdown passes and 29 of those coming at home, where he'll once again be this weekend. Matthew Stafford has also put up tremendous numbers this year, which has really been his first full season due to past injuries. Stafford led the Lions to 10 wins for the first time in over a decade, and thew 41 touchdown passes along the way, with 16 of those going to pro bowler Calvin Johnson. With these two teams being very good on offense and very average on defense this game could easily go either way, but here's a stat that may sway your decision very quickly- The Saints are 8-0 at home this season, and that's where they happen to be again tonight. On that note I'll give the edge to Brees and company in an offensive beauty from the bayou.
Pick: 45-34 Saints (Result: 45-28, Saints)
Atlanta @ New York: What a season Eli Manning has put together, huh? He called himself elite before the season began and certainly walked the walked, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 61% of his passes, not to mention setting the single season record for most touchdown passes (15) in the 4th quarter of games. One word, clutch. Speaking of elite quarterbacks, if Matt Ryan isn't there yet he may be with a win tomorrow. Ryan led the Falcons to 10 wins this season, and has numbers that nearly mirror Eli's. Rookie wide receivers will play a big part in this game, with Victor Cruz on one side and Julio Jones on the other expect a lot of double teaming from both defensive coordinators. This game will come down to who can stop who more, and with that I'll give my edge to the Falcons 12th ranked defense over the Giants 26th ranked defense.
Pick: 28-24 Falcons (Result: 24-2, Giants)
Pittsburgh @ Denver: That was just an awful performance last week Tim Tebow, come on. 6-20 for 60 yards and an interception. Are you kidding me? Now the kid has to look the likes of Troy Polamalu and James Harrison in the eyes, yikes. Tim, you thought that Chiefs defense was good? Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet buddy. This Steelers defense is fast, yet big. Hard hitting, yet swift. Feisty, yet patient. Needless to say, running on this defense will be about as likely as the Dolphins playing in a playoff game this weekend. You do the math on that one. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this will be a walk in the park for Big Ben and the boys, because I don't believe it will be by any means. The Broncos field a pretty good defense of their own, with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller leading the charge Denver must control the game defensively if they want any chance at winning. However, Brian Dawkins has been ruled out for this game, and with that Veteran leadership on the sidelines the final nail will be put in the Broncos coffin.
Pick: 24-9 Steelers (Result: 29-23 (OT), Broncos)
Super Bowl XLVI
Saints OVER Ravens: I said it early on, the Saints have flown under the radar this season. Up until Drew Brees came knocking on Dan Marino's door, nobody was talking about the Saints. If you look at this team compared with the one that won it all in 2009, I believe this one is better. Drew Brees, if at all possible, has gotten better since then and thats due in large part to added weapons such as Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles. Brees has throw for 46 touchdowns this season, 4th highest all-time, and did you see that post-game speech he gave after his record breaking night? How could you not pick these guys after watching that? Something tells me the Saints just have "it" this year, and with the road to indianapolis going through Green Bay, I believe Drew Brees and the Saints are the only team capable of knocking off the mighty Packers. Give me the Saints to win their second Super Bowl in three years, 31-23.
