NFL Playoffs Wild Card preview

My NFL Playoff Wild Card preview

AFC Playoffs:

 Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens:

This one could go either way. If Big Ben comes out guns blazing and can get a few touchdowns on the board the Ravens are going to have a tough  time keeping it close with how their offense has been playing. I think it will be a low scoring, grind it out type of game in a big rivalry game. 20-17 Pittsburgh moves on.

Indianapolis Colts-Cincinnati Bengals

I have lost my confidence in Andrew Luck. His turnovers are getting to costly for this team to advance in the playoffs. The way the Bengals Defense gave Payton Manning trouble, I fear for Luck. That being said, if Luck doesn't turn it over and manages the game by keeping his offense on the field with long drives that keeps his defense off the field and fresh the Colts will be in good shape. On the other side of the ball is the inconsistent Andy Dalton. I don't know if he will show up or choke, but if he doesn't try to do too much and hits his wide receivers for some big plays they will be in a position to win. 

My prediction is that we will have a tie game near the end of 4th quarter, Andrew Luck will deliver another game winning drive setting up the clutch Adam Vinitari for a game winning field goal. 23-20 Colts go on to the next round. 

NFC Playoffs:

Dallas Cowboys-Detroit Lions

The Cowboys are on a roll. Their run game with DeMarco Murray is one of the best in the league and Tony Romo is having an MVP like season. The Cowboys Defense is playing great too. The Lions will have their hands full trying to stop Dez Bryant and Murray. Lucky ily for the Lions, Suh won his appeal and his suspension was upheld. His presence will help, but it won't be enough to stop the Cowboys offense. Even if Stafford and Calvin Johnson connect for over 100 yards and a couple of touchdowns, I see Stafford getting pressured into a turnover or two that will be the difference in this one. 31-20 Cowboys go on. 

Arizona Cardinals-Carolina Panthers

The least interesting game goes to this match up. The Panthers are a sad team this year. Going from one of the best teams last season with a great defense to a team with a struggling Cam Newton and an average defense. I was impressed with their blowout win against the Falcons to clinch the division, but that won't be enough to beat the Cardinals.  The Cardinals QB situation is the only reason this game will be close. My prediction is that the Cardinals keep the Panthers very limited. 20-10 Cardinals go on to the next round