It’s the first weekend of 2013, and the first weekend of the postseason in the NFL. I am a blogger, and I have a tradition: make NFL picks and mostly get all of them wrong. Let’s go, in order of how the games will be played on your television.
Houston vs. Cincinnati: The Texans and Bengals played last year in the first round. Actually, I believe it was even this time slot, in this setting. The only difference? The Texans didn’t have Matt Schaub. This will be the first career playoff start for the Houston QB, after they went to TJ Yates, the third stringer last year. The Texans won it 31-10. Despite the slide the Texans are on, and the form that the Bengals are playing in, I have to give the nod to….
Green Bay vs. Minnesota: The Packers can’t slow down Adrian Peterson, this is true. The thing is, while Adrian Peterson is definitely a key to the Vikings winning, stopping him isn’t a key to defeating the Vikings. He runs just as well in games the Vikings lose as in games they win. He runs for more yards a carry (7.3 vs. 5.5) and nearly as many yards a game (127 vs. 133.5). The Packers won’t stop Peterson, but that won’t be the deciding factor. Can Christian Ponder keep the offense diverse and flowing? (Maybe) Can the Vikings slow down Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay? (Almost certainly not) The winner in Green Bay will be….
Indianapolis vs. Baltimore: Naturally, I will take a keen look at this game, being that the Colts are my team. I really like this match up for the Colts, because the Ravens are sort of coasting off of a first half surge, and have really struggled with injuries on defense and incompetence on offense. If I had seen Luck perform in the post season before, or if his entire offense wasn’t built on rookies, I would be more confident. The whole Ray Lewis saga might be that final straw. I would love it if the Colts won this game, but in reality…
Washington vs. Seattle: This may be the best game of the day. Of course, it very well might not be. I think Seattle is clearly the better team, but they also have to fly cross country to take on a team that isn’t a pushover. Still, the game is later in the day, which is great news for the Seahawks, and they have a more complete team in all phases of the game. I expect a close game through the first three quarters, but for one team to wear the other down thanks to short passes and bruising running. BEAST MODE The winner?
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