Playoff Preview and Predictions

Bengals vs. Texans
This rematch of last year’s playoff game features two teams that appear to be going in different directions: Texans have been embarrassed in three of their last four games while the Bengals have won seven of their last eight. However, Houston has a much stronger team all around. Bengals have two Pro Bowlers, Texans have eight. Texans will be getting Brooks Reed and Alan Ball back after both missed recent games with injuries. Bengals have had a rough time protecting Andy Dalton, allowing 46 sacks and J.J. Watt and the Texans are one of the best defenses at pressuring quarterbacks. Dalton had a poor game in last year’s playoff matchup of these same teams, throwing three interceptions and getting sacked four times in the 31-10 blowout. The Bengals have A.J. Green but the Texans have their own superstar wideout, Andre Johnson, along with Jonathan Joseph, a lockdown cornerback that has done a good job neutralizing Green in previous matchups. Arian Foster had 153 yards and two touchdowns in Round One last year, and Houston was 7-0 in 2012 when Foster ran for more than 100 yards, so expect a whole lot of him in this game. I expect a similar outcome as last year. Texans 31, Bengals 16.

Vikings vs. Packers
Everything worked out for the Vikings last week; Adrian Peterson had a great game, Christian Ponder was very good, the defense shut down the Packers for one and a half quarters and they got an early lead big enough to withstand the Packers’ comeback. In a crazy game like that, I guess it simply comes down to the Vikings having the ball last. Adrian Peterson has really burned the Packers the last two years, rushing for 584 yards in three of the last four games and touchdown in each. But this weekend, I think he will have another outstanding game and the Packers can still win. Green Bay is getting pretty healthy and while they have holes, they are the better team with a much more explosive offense. Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Greg Jennings will be more than the Vikings can handle. The Packers are a much better home team than away. Ponder is dealing with a sore elbow, I don’t have a lot of confidence in him or his receivers, and the Packers’ defense will keep the Vikings’ a one-dimensional offense. Last week Minnesota had a few miracles; it’s a little much to expect lightning to strike twice. Packers 28, Vikings 24.

Colts vs. Ravens
The Ravens have not been playing well the second half of the season while Ray Lewis was out. The Colts are a great story this season with Chuck Pagano’s comeback against leukemia, Andrew Luck’s emergence and heroics, and the team breaking out in a big way. Andrew Luck has some good chemistry with Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. But I’m giving the edge and putting my confidence in the experience of the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh have won five playoff games. The Ravens are an excellent home team. Ray Rice has been effective when given the ball, and is healthy since for some reason they hardly ever give it to him. I expect a big game for Rice, something in the area of 150 total yards and a couple touchdowns. The presence of Ray Lewis on the field will be a big boost for a struggling defense. Despite their disappointment down the stretch, the Ravens did show the Giants that they can still play big when it matters. Andrew Luck will get his chances down the road, but I’m sticking with Baltimore and look forward to another week with Ray Lewis in uniform. Ravens 28, Colts 17

Seahawks vs. Redskins
These are two exciting football teams that are both really hot right now. There’s nothing to really nitpick about either team, especially the offenses. Seattle has one of the very best secondaries in the league and RGIII will have a tough game throwing the ball down the field. Redskins have the best rushing offense in the NFL, but Seattle’s not far behind at #3. One area of concern for the Redskins: their defense was the most generous team on third downs, even during their seven game winning streak. Wilson has been the highest rated third down quarterback for half the year, averaging 9.3 yards per pass, and the Seahawks have converted 51% of their third downs over the last six games. The Seahawks Pete Carroll and Marshawn Lynch have led the Seahawks to a playoff win just a couple years ago, but that was in friendly Quest (now CenturyLink) Field in Seattle. All five of the Seahawks’ losses this year were on the road and this game is also on the East Coast. The Redskins have pretty much played seven straight playoff games already, and they may be getting a little burned out. This will be an exciting game. Seahawks 34, Redskins 28

You’ll have my preview of the second round next week but here’s the rundown of my Playoff and Super Bowl Predictions

Falcons over Seahawks
49ers over Packers
Falcons over 49ers

Broncos over Ravens
Patriots over Texans
Patriots over Broncos

Super Bowl
Patriots over Falcons