NFL - Wildcard predictions

The BCS may not have a playoff system, but the NFL sure does. Wildcard games kickoff this weekend with four matchups. The Chargers defeated the Broncos on Sunday night to get a playoff spot and the Dolphins beat the New York "Bretts" for the other AFC playoff spot.

Our experts return after a holiday break with Anshul sitting just two games behind Kevin. The picks will continue through the playoffs but won't include the Super Bowl, so can he catch Kevin? Kevin has held the led the majority of the season, but can he hold on now that the playoffs have started?

Standings:

	Last week	Season total
Anshul	11-5	151-86
Kevin	8-8	153-84
Sean	8-8	138-99

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009

Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Anshul	Kevin	Sean
Atlanta	Atlanta	Arizona

Anshul says:
Given the Cardinals have been playing terribly as of recent and Atlanta continues to roll, I have to give this to the Falcons. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner have done wonders to turn that team around and have the chance to go deep into the playoffs.

Kevin says:
We've seen how poorly the Cardinals have been playing for the past few weeks, especially since they barely secured a playoff spot. I know that the Falcons have the capability of getting far in the playoffs; the Cardinals are just a small obstacle.

Sean says:
I wouldn't count the Cardinals out of this game. They have an impressive offense and have been playing very consistently throughout the season, holding their own against formidable teams in the NFC. They certainly deserve their spot in the playoffs and can pull a win on their home turf.

Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Anshul	Kevin	Sean
Indianapolis	Indianapolis	Indianapolis

Anshul says:
It took the Chargers till the very last game of the season to get into the playoffs. The Colts struggled early also but then turned it on and have won nine straight! With Antonio Gates and L.T. slowed by injuries this week, I have to give this one to the surging Colts and MVP Peyton Manning.

Kevin says:
The Chargers are quite lucky to have even earned another game. However, they cannot compete with the Colts.

Sean says:
How are the Chargers even here? This is not fair. L.T. knows he's not winning this game.

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Anshul	Kevin	Sean
Baltimore	Baltimore	Baltimore

Anshul says:
It would be nice if the Dolphins won the Super Bowl to completely turn around a 1-15 season a year ago. Unfortunately, it looks like their road ends here. Baltimore has one of the most imposing defenses in the league and have something new as of recent: an offense to support it. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has been playing well recently and can lead the Ravens deep into the playoffs with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed backing him up.

Kevin says:
A potential upset is not likely here. The Ravens are still a powerhouse and can limit any team's offensive production and overall momentum. The Dolphins have shown a vast improvement since last year, but the Cinderella finish is a little too much for this team to expect.

Sean says:
I'd love for Miami to win here. Plenty of teams formidable teams have beaten the Ravens. Yes, the Dolphins can win here, but in all likelihood, they won't be able to adequately penetrate the Ravens' defense.

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Anshul	Kevin	Sean
Philadelphia	Minnesota	Minnesota

Anshul says:
I know the Eagles have been inconsistent all season long, but it looks like they've finally gotten their act together. Minnesota has also found some success passing recently, but the Eagles have a ball-hawking defense that can limit the Vikings' offensive production to aid Donovan McNabb.

Kevin says:
The Eagles crushed the Cowboys and definitely deserve the final NFC wild card spot, but are obviously inconsistent with their successes. I see the Vikings advancing to the next round, but probably not much farther than that.

Sean says:
I can't talk about that last Eagles game. Not now. All I'll say is that the Vikings have been more consistent and they had better win.