NFL Picks: Wildcard Weekend

Saturday, January 3

Cardinals 3:35 PM Panthers

Carolina made the playoffs despite starting the season 3-8-1 by winning a historically bad NFC South. Meanwhile, Arizona started the season 9-1 before finishing 2-4 after losing not only starting QB Carson Palmer, but backup Drew Stanton. I expect Carolina's defense (which shutdown Atlanta last week) to frustrate Ryan Lindley and Cam Newton to make enough plays in a low scoring slugfest.

Ravens		7:15 PM
Steelers

Seems like this rivalry meets in the playoffs every year, as Baltimore and Pittsburgh will battle for a third time this season after each won a home date with the other by 20 points in the regular season. I'll take Pittsburgh at home (even without Le'Veon Bell) simply because Baltimore's offense (especially Joe Flacco) has not looked good the last two weeks in a blowout loss in Houston and squeaking by the Browns.

Sunday, January 4

Bengals 12:05 PM Colts

I thought I was ready to take Andy Dalton for the first time in a playoff game due to Jeremy Hill and their defense and the turnover-prone Colts, who have no running game to help out Andrew Luck. But who am I kidding, they lost 27-0 in week 6 (their offensive line got manhandled) and won't have AJ Green in this game due to a concussion.

Lions		3:40 PM
Cowboys

The Cowboys' offense is great behind Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, and that great offensive line. Detroit's defense, however, is great too. I think Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson have a big day as the Lions pull off the shocker in Big D.

Last week: 12-4
Season record: 171-80-1