NFL Wild Card Weekend

With the NFL Playoffs about 40 minutes from kickoff, I will leave everyone with my wild card weekend predictions.

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks

Saturday 4:30 Eastern, NBC

The Redskins enter the playoffs on a roll.  Winners of four straight, following four straight losses, this season has been a roller-coaster for this team.  Todd Collins is the most important player in this game.  In his 4 games at quarterback this season he has thrown 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.  He needs to stay smart back there, as Seattle will want to bring some pressure to him early.  I don't think that Seattle will be able to establish a healthy run game and this very well may be the difference.  Either way, this one will come down to the wire and will be close most of the game.  If the Washington can get to 24 they win the game.

My Prediction: Washington 24, Seattle 17

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers

Saturday 8:00 Eastern, NBC

The rough and tough Jaguars will come into Heinz Field roaring and ready to go.  The one concern I have is that if you consider who much Jacksonville dominated these teams' first meeting, it was still only a seven point game.  Jacksonville needs to get ahead early and if they can do so, they should be able to hold on for the victory.  Maurice Jones-Drew, as well as Fred Taylor, will need to be effective on the ground.

My Prediction: Jacksonville 30, Pittsburgh 20

New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday 1:00 Eastern, FOX

As much as I want to see Eli Manning be successful in the National Football League the New York G-men have been too inconsistent the second half of the season against very mediocre teams.  I think the Bucs will wear out the Giants and win this game comfortably.

My Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, NYG 13 

Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers

Sunday 4:30 Eastern, CBS

If the Tennessee Titans are going to have a chance in this game they will need some help from Philip Rivers, which is possible.  He has been inconsistent, at times, this season, but in the end I believe that the Chargers will be able to grind through the Titans with their most important offensive weapon, L.T.

My Prediction: San Diego 31, Tennessee 16

Heroes of the Wild Card

Players who will have great games:

Earnest Graham 

Clinton Portis

David Garrard