NFL Wildcard Weekend
It’s Wildcard Weekend in the NFL, a week that many think is more exciting than some actual playoff weekends — because we get to see what teams will make it, even though they didn’t really make it. Eight teams will duke it out to see who goes on, and which team has had their luck run out.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are the favorites here, even though it will be the first time they’ve ever appeared in the playoffs. The Bengals will be starting rookie QB Any Dalton, while another rookie, T.J. Yates will take to the field for the Texans. Even though Dalton has been starting for his team the entire year and has been the one to take them this far, Yates has also done his part ever since stepping in for first Matt Schaub and then Matt Leinart. Even with Houston having slight odds against Cincinnati, this one might be a truly wildcard.
Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are most likely going to be the clear winners in this game, having 3 more wins this season than the Lions and already trouncing the Lions 31-17 earlier in the season in Week 13. Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for a total of 5,038 yards this season, but it still doesn’t match up to QB Drew Brees, who set an NFL record with 5,476 yards of his own. The Saints will emerge victorious on Saturday, and the Lions might be humbled enough to stop taunting and teasing teams come next season.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
Going into this game, you can’t look at the stats to back up your pick. The game will be played in New York and that may help the Giants, as they have a record of 4-4 on home turf; however, the Falcons have an equal record of 4-4 on the road. Looking at the quarterbacks, Eli Manning has had an outstanding year for the Giants, passing for 4,933 yards and 29 touchdowns. Matt Ryan on the other hand, still has just as many touchdowns but doesn’t have as much yardage, passing for only 4,177. Pick with your heart on this one, as the stats really won’t tell you much and the Giants are favored by only three points.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos
The Steelers might not be heavily favored over the Broncos with only 8 points, but this game is going to come down to two things: Tim Tebow’s miracles and the many injuries on the side of the Steelers. Tebow has been disappointing for the last three games leading his team to loss after loss; but the Steelers will be playing a substitute running back, as Rashard Mendenhall is out with a torn ACL and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be playing with a sprained ankle.
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