My NFL Playoff Predictions

I'm sure you will look at my bracket and immediately disagree with at least four of my picks. But that's the fun of making predictions - everyone has their own opinion. If three of the four underdog away teams win this weekend, no one would otherwise believe I thought it would happen. And if they don't? Well, I'm not beating myself up over it.

For analysis, I'll take it one week at a time, providing brief offerings of why I like each team. Mostly I'm going with my gut.

WILD CARD ROUND

• JETS at BENGALS: Bengals still not getting the credit they deserve; Jets will be on the defensive.
• RAVENS at PATRIOTS: Wes Welker injury more significant than it appears - Edelman is no Welker. Ray Lewis and the Ravens are always hungry this time of year.
• EAGLES at COWBOYS: Yes, Cowboys rolled the Eagles 24-0 last week, but I trust Andy Reid and the Eagles. This pick might be the one furthest from reason, but I can not deny my gut feeling. Maybe it has to do with Tony Romo's history of performing poorly when it counts.
• PACKERS at CARDINALS: Rodgers is one of the best; I like the Packers to be this year's sleeper.

Alright, so last week is a very good example of why I don't bet on games (although if I did, I'd have probably picked the Cowboys). I predicted only one (Ravens) of the four games accurately. Regardless, only one of those games affects my picks for this weekend.

DIVISIONAL ROUND

• JETS at CHARGERS: The Chargers might have the most balanced attack in the league. Better rested and presumably better prepared, San Diego shouldn't have much trouble pulling this one out.
• RAVENS at COLTS: The Ravens looked great in their dominating win over the Patriots last week, and I could see them carrying the momentum into this game. I just can't imagine it will be enough to beat the Colts.
• COWBOYS at VIKINGS: In what will be my favorite game of the weekend, the Cowboys defense will struggle to stop a powerful Vikings offense. The Cowboys have quite a prolific offensive attack as well, but the Vikes' D should be better at containing it.  
• CARDINALS at SAINTS: Well, I had the Packers winning this one initially, but that will obviously not be the case. You know what though? I still think the Saints will lose. Kurt Warner just keeps proving himself (though his counterpart is no slouch) and I think he wins in another shootout.

Enjoy the games...check back for the updated post next week.