WILD CARD PLAYOFF ROUND PREVIEW
AFC
#6 Chiefs (9-7) @ #3 Broncos (11-5)
Kansas City barely snuck into the playoffs after a very slow start, that included a 55-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Since the bye, they've gone 6-2 and fought their way past the San Diego Chargers into the playoffs. If they want to make it to their third straight AFC Championship, they must get past the rival Denver Broncos, whom they were swept by this season, losing 23-19 in both matchups.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 26, Broncos 23
The Chiefs are a playoff built team. They will finally get that last touchdown needed to get past their bitter rivals, and will look for payback against the Titans next week.
#5 Ravens (9-6-1) @ #4 Patriots (10-5-1)
These two teams met in Week 10, and the game ended in a 31-31 tie. This time, both the Ravens and Patriots will fight to see who will move on in the playoffs. Borderline rivals, these two teams always seem to have great playoff matchups, and this Wild Card round duel should prove to be no different.
PREDICTION: Ravens 35, Patriots 31
This game will probably come down to the last drive, and the Ravens will either hold the Patriots off, or punch it in late in the game. Or maybe even both.
NFC
#6 49ers (11-5) @ #3 Eagles (11-5)
After going 31-1 in the span of two regular seasons, the 49ers started off the season 0-2, and many started to question whether or not they had what it took to turn it around. As it turns out, four of their five losses on the season came to playoff teams, and they were just barely able to sneak into the playoffs. They have a heavy task, however, as they will face a very strong Eagles team.
PREDICTION: 49ers 31, Eagles 17
The 49ers will prove that they are still the 49ers, and will start off a strong playoff push with a big win over the Eagles.
#5 Seahawks (12-4) @ #4 Saints (8-8)
These two teams always seem to have great playoff matchups. This should be no different. The Saints come into the playoffs limping to an 8-8 record, just good enough for an NFC South title berth. The Seahawks, who have been disappointing in the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl three years ago, will look to get another victory over the Saints in the playoffs.
PREDICTION: Seahawks 38, Saints 24
This game will be decided by whether or not the Saints can stop Marshawn Lynch, which is unlikely, due to the fact that the Saints boast the third-worst run defense in the league.