What a week 17 it was! From the 1PM games, to the night-cap, we were all in for a treat. The country saw the Bears chances get ruined by the AP-led Vikings. Minnesota squeaked by the Pack in a close one, and secured a spot in the Playoffs against... who else: Green Bay!
On NBC, we all saw RGIII keep up with Dallas and secure the division and a home playoff game against the Seahawks. Even though the past few years have been dominated by the AFC, the NFC has paved the way for an exciting playoff picture. Here's a look at the NFC Wild Card games:
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (8:00 NBC): Part 3. A Wild-Card game against two divisional rivals. Does it get any better than this?
Adrian Peterson will look to have another sensational game, like he has against Green Bay in the 2012-2013 season. Peterson has been a cheese-head killer rushing for 409 in just TWO games; 199 of which came in the 37-34 victory last week. "All-Day" AP will look to prove the Vegas betters wrong, who have the Vikings as 7 point under-dogs.
Fans in Minneapolis will call upon Christian Ponder to put on a show like he did last week. Ponder was among the best QB's of the week putting up 3 TD's on 234 yards. He absolutely picked on the Pack secondary, but this week will be the true test. Charles Woodson WILL BE BACK and he is eyeing a big time comeback.
Woodson's services will be available for "the rematch". Although he hasn't been officially cleared, he said he hasn't suffered a set back with his collarbone and will be ready to go.
Looking to the offensive side of the ball, most writers will call Aaron Rodgers the impact player. I see things a bit differently. I believe that if the Packers can get a solid running game going with Rodgers' air-attack, the Vikes will have no chance. Their defense has been suspect, and I don't expect to see anything differently.
PREDICTION: Packers turn things around at Lambeau. 34-20 Packers WIN.
Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Redskins (4:30 FOX): With the last Wild-Card game of the weekend-- we have the battle of the rookie QB's. Robert Griffin III is looking to secure the Rookie of the Year honor against Russell Wilson, a dark-horse competitor.
Even though Griffin has already solidified that he is the QB of the future, a playoff win would make him an almost "legend" in Washington. The Skins, playing in their first home playoff game since 1999, will look to slow down Russell Wilson. Their defense must be stout to stop the dual-threat QB.
Wilson, the mere 5'10 "other" rookie, comes into the game leading the Seahawks to their 2nd appearance in 3 years. Throughout the year, the 24 year old has been unstoppable putting up an amazing 26TD's for 3100+ yards.
The spotlight may be on the guys under center, but Marshawn Lynch has the ability to steal the show. Lynch will look to barrel through the Redskin defense, and bruise up the line backing corps. With the Redskins lack of run-stopping power-- you might see some skittles fly on Sunday night.
PREDICTION: UPSET: Seahawks' Wilson out-duels RGIII. 24-23 Seahawks WIN.
The playoffs are approaching, and the teams are preparing. Who do you think will go the furthest out of the Wild-Card round?
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I agree with these picks, mainly the Packers' win though. If you want to win at Lambeau, your quarterback has to be consistent.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Even though the Seattle game would be a huge upset, I think that Wilson and Co. can do it
ReplyDeleteDid I read a stat somewhere that the last two times the Redskins were in the playoffs, they were knocked out by Seattle both times? If that's the truth, I believe in trends.
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