What a great weekend of football we got to watch in the Wild Card round. With the Ravens, Packers, Texans and Seahawks moving on to the Divisional Round.
Here are my predictions for the games and some rookie cards to watch out for in them:
Baltimore Ravens @ Denver BroncosI think the Broncos who are on a roll will squeak this one out. Baltimore looked impressive against Indy and are playing much better than the last match up these two teams played but hey, its Peyton Manning and this year he also has a pretty impressive defense to back him up. Broncos win 28-17
ROOKIE CARDS TO WATCHIf Peyton gets the win...well his cards could show some life. And if Baltimore has any chance in this game it goes on Joe Flacco's shoulders and if he can do the performance like last week his cards could spike.
Green Bay Packers @ SF 49ersThe 49ers dominated the first game of the season when these two teams met but both of these teams seem to be heading in different directions. Green Bay comes in a little healthier and with an improving defense. The offense is powerful but could use some serious help in the running game. The 49ers seem to be playing better with Kaepernick in at QB but the defense seems to have on and off games. This game comes down to ball control, turnovers and if the 49ers can score points. With this being said, I think the experience of the Packers will outdo the 49ers 31-20.
ROOKIES TO WATCHThe Packers with no running game will lean on Rodgers who seems to have gotten back his swagger after some off weeks and if the 49ers expect to win Aldon Smith, their best pass rusher, will have to keep Rodgers in the pocket and on the ground
Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta FalconsThe Seahawks are an exciting team to watch and have been on fire. They are playing well on both sides of the ball. Atlanta comes in trying to prove themselves after getting home field in the regular season and trying to show they are just as much a playoff winning team as they are in the regular season. This game is a tough one to pick. I really want to have Seattle win it but I think I have to say Atlanta will find a way to win at home but it will be very close 27-24 Atlanta.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
Russell Wilson will have to be on his A game as he will be going into a very rough environment if Seattle expects to win this one on the road and road winning wasn't a thing for them in the regular season and if Atlanta is smart playing a team that can put up points in a hurry as Washington found out they should stick the burner to the Turner and let him run the ball and keep Seattle on the sidelines.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
As you all know I am not a big Patriots fan lol. But I really can't see them losing this one. Their defense continues to improve with a bunch of young talent and the pickup of Talib has really helped their secondary. They are much better on defense this year than last and last year they went to the Super Bowl. On offense they can score whenever they feel like it. Tom Brady can sling the ball around and now they even have a running game. Its scary for their opponents.
Houston looked like the best team in football early on going 11-1 then faltered down the stretch. They barely squeaked by Cincy last week after failing to get into the end zone on multiple occasions.
New England knows Brady's time is coming to the end soon. With this game at home, Patriots playing well and Houston stumbling...New England wins and sends a message 34-17.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
If Tom Brady gets time and avoids JJ Watt this will be a long game for Houston and their Defense. Houston's key other than a running game is getting Andre Johnson more involved in this game if they have any chance at all.
What do you think about my predictions? Would you have chosen differently?
