By Julian Passman
Who: Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Indianapolis Colts
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium
When: 4:35 PM ET, Saturday, January 4, 2014
Preview: After winning only two games in 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs have come a long way from being the league’s worst team last year. Newly hired coach, Andy Reid, has done a magnificent job implementing the west-coast offense in Kansas City, and guiding Alex Smith to one of his most efficient and productive seasons yet. Jamaal Charles provides a versatile threat out of the backfield as he has 19 total touchdowns on the year, 7 of those coming off receptions. The Chiefs defense will be relied upon heavily to stop Andrew Luck and company, something they struggled to do in their Week 16 meeting which the Colts won 23-7. Indianapolis is riding a three game win streak into this meeting with Kansas City While they don’t do one specific thing that astonishes, they are consistent on offense and do a decent job at defending against the pass. In order to win, the Colts will need to improve on their 26th ranked rush defense, or else Charles and Davis will have a field day in Indianapolis. The Colts’ success will fall on the right arm of Quarterback Andrew Luck, who will try to lead Indianapolis to the Divisional Round, something he failed to do last year.
Prediction: If the Chiefs can establish the run game early, it will be a long day for Indianapolis at home. They have had trouble stopping opposing backs all year, and Charles is as good as they get. I’m picking Kansas City 21-17.
Who: New Orleans Saints Vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field
When: 8:10 PM ET, Saturday, January 4, 2014
Preview: The Philadelphia Eagles have turned it around. After an abysmal performance against the New York Giants in week 8, Philly only lost once for the remainder of the year, finishing out the season 7-1. First year coach, Chip Kelly, has created one of the league’s most potent offenses, led by the NFL’s leading rusher, Shady McCoy, and blossoming young Quarterback, Nick Foles. On defense, Philly has been better of late, but still rank last in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game. With Drew Brees and his arsenal of weapons coming to town, the Eagles secondary will be put to the test in a big way. The Saints were once again in the NFL’s elite, but often looked like a completely different team on the road. New Orleans was a perfect 8-0 and home, but stumbled to a 3-5 record when away from the Super Dome.
Prediction: Drew Brees is one of the league’s best, and should lead the Saints to a victory against a porous Eagles secondary. Expect this one to be a shootout with two high-octane offenses. I’m going with the Saints 34-31.
Who: San Diego Chargers Vs. Cincinnati BengalsÂ
Where: Paul Brown Stadium
When: 1:05 ET, Sunday, January 5, 2014
Preview: The San Diego Chargers weren’t expected to make the playoffs. Yet, after finishing the season with four resounding wins, the Bolts have made there way into the post-season for the first time since 2009. It has been an impressive season for veteran Quarterback, Phillip Rivers, who threw for 4,500 yards and 32 TD’s in what was a year of revival in his career. He has developed a great connection with rookie Wide Out, Keenan Allen, who has amassed 1,046 yards and 8 touchdowns in an excellent campaign. The Chargers have struggled on defense all year, and have a tough task ahead of them in trying to defend Andy Dalton and company. Cincinnati looks like a competitive contender for this year, and many years to come. Andy Dalton has led this young group to the playoffs for the second year in a row, and hopes to advance past the first round for the first time in his career. The Bengals are led by one of the league’s most stout defenses, ranking in the top 5 in both opponent pass yards allowed and rush yards allowed.
Prediction: I see this one as one of the most obvious games in this Wild Card Weekend. The Bengals are a far better team than San Diego, and for that reason, I’m going with Cincy 28-17.
Who: San Francisco 49ers Vs. Green Bay Packers
Where: Lambeau Field
When: 4:40 ET, Sunday, January 5, 2014
Preview: The Packers have a flare for the dramatic. On the last week of the season, Aaron Rodgers found Randall Cobb for a last-minute Touchdown to defeat the Bears and win the NFC North. With Rodgers back under center, the Packers are a dangerous team in the post-season, however their weaknesses on defense may be too much to overcome. Standout linebacker, Clay Matthews, will once again be out this weekend, leaving an already depleted defense even more vulnerable. There is a big test ahead of them on Sunday with Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers coming to Green Bay. San Francisco has one of the league’s best defenses but also possesses a potent offense with Kaepernick at the helm. The Packers have struggled in their recent meetings with San Francisco but this game will fall on the shoulders of the Packers defense and their ability to stop the 49ers offense
Prediction: This should be one of the most entertaining games of the Wild Card Weekend, the Packers have not had success against San Francisco of late and with a porous defense, I look for that to continue. I will go with San Francisco in a close one, 28-27
Beneath The Helmet 