SATURDAY
Kansas City at Indianapolis 3:35 pm NBC - Is it weird I think this could be the best non-Packer game of the weekend? I am introducing a new Sportandfashion-news theory for this game called the 'Arizona Theory.' It is based off Arizona Cardinals 2009 team that got crushed by Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season only to beat the same team in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Kansas City suffered an embarrassing home defeat to Indianapolis 23-7 earlier this month, but remember, Chiefs had locked up the fifth seed and they knew there was a chance they could be seeing Indianapolis in this round of the playoffs. This means they could be showing all sorts of shit Indianapolis did not see the first time around.
Andy Reid has not been to the playoffs since 2010, and he did not win a playoff game since 2008. Same goes for Kansas City with their team not having a playoff win since 1994. But this game will come down to which star shines the brightest... Jamaal Charles or Andrew Luck. Indianapolis boasts one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL meaning Charles could have a huge game on the fast track at Lucas Oil. Last three games are not really indicative of what the Colts have done against ground. Tennessee's second game they rushed for 162 as a team, Cincinnati rushed for 155 yards and Arizona rushed for 120. Charles might be the difference maker.
But that's not to say Luck could not have the same day with the Colts. Kansas City's secondary have become their biggest problem of their comeback season. While the Chiefs have not faced a ton of great quarterbacks this season, but when they have, results are not the greatest. Luck seemed to move the ball better in the last couple of games without forcing the ball as he only has one interception in the last four games
Indianapolis seems to beat giants this season. They always seem to play up to their opponent. Alex Smith on the road and winning seems to mix like oil and water. Indy in a close one. Indianapolis 34 Kansas City 29
New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:10 pm NBC - These are two of my favorite teams to watch this season so this game should be a delight to watch. I really would be surprised if we see a blowout even though the odds might be against New Orleans. I really think this is a game where I would be nervous as an Eagles fan.Many people have already pushed the narrative about Saints not being a good road team as well as how much dome teams suffer in cold weather playoff teams. It almost reminds me a bit of Atlanta in 2002 with Green Bay. A little different elements, but no one gave Atlanta a chance, no one. I feel like some of that is happening with New Orleans. Drew Brees will be able to move the ball against this defense, but they will need to run the ball to create some balance. Saints have a big problem not involving their run game more, and that needs to happen on Saturday night.
Philadelphia is the bandwagon team of the playoffs. They are a fun offense with likable players such as Nick Foles, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy. People go head over heels to tell you how great Chip Kelly has been this season. This might have to be a Shady game for Philadelphia because New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. They really have not allowed many gaudy numbers against the pass. They do not force many turnovers, but it seems like New Orleans does not give up the big play as much as other teams taking away one of Philadelphia's big parts of their offense.
This is a game that applies to the logic 'Until you can do it, I don't believe you can do it.' I cannot take New Orleans on the road in a big game until they prove they can win one of these games. I BELIEVE YOU NARRATIVES. Philadelphia 27 New Orleans 21
SUNDAY
San Diego at Cincinnati 12:05 pm CBS - There are two people I have came around to liking in 2013, Jason Dufner and Phillip Rivers. There are more people out there whom I have come to like, but in sports, Duf and Rivers are guys I choose to like versus disliking. Rivers being a crybaby is somewhat annoying, but the guy is just so quirky, it works perfectly for me. He is an oddball unlike some of the other robotic-like quarterbacks I have to respect it.
Rivers will be up against it on Sunday with Cincinnati having one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. They also force turnovers which is a problem for Rivers at times. San Diego quarterback will need to be in control if they want to win the game, and see if their rushing attack can at least give them something because they will need to keep their defense off the field as much as possible.
Andy Dalton is sixth in the NFL at passing the football. That is incredible because I do not consider him that good in any sort of scenario. But one thing the Red Rocket does well is take advantage of bad pass defenses this year except for San Diego. Dalton really struggled on the road this season facing the Chargers in a game I think many people forgot about. Just a mirage or something to keep an eye on? Like Rivers, Dalton needs to limit his turnovers as much as possible.
This is the third straight playoff appearence for Cincinnati, their fourth in five years. They still have not won a playoff game since 1990. I think that changes with a spirited performances at one of the toughest places to play this season. CIN 24-21
San Francisco at Green Bay 3:35 pm FOX - I made a pick as well as a full breakdown of this game earlier today. Check it out.
Charlie.
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