sportsfanatic

The NFL playoffs get under way this weekend. The first set of games will start at 4 PM ET with the second game being at 8 PM ET. These are the first of the Wild Card round and I think that these games can be very instrumental in how the Super Bowl is determined. Personally I think that the Colts will win their game and move forward as with the Falcons. But, I still want to go over what I think is key for this to happen. So, let’s take a dive into this, shall we.

In the first game of the day, the Atlanta Falcons flies west to confront the Cardinals of Arizona. This will be a rematch of week 17. The Falcons won that game 31 to 27 and I think that they will accomplish this fact again. With that said, I think that they score will reflect a much different game. I think that the Falcons have to shut down the run of Steven Jackson and shut down Tory Holt. If they can manage those two things on defense, then I believe that they can win. On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons need to complete more than 10 passes. Having a completion percentage below 50% just right out sucks and if Matt Ryan is going to lead Mike Smith’s team, then he needs to figure out how to get the ball to Michael Jenkins and Roddy White more often. The final score will favor the Falcons 35-24.

In the nightcap, we will see the Colts of Indianapolis travel west to face the San Diego Chargers. These are the Chargers that up ended the Colts in last years playoffs and sent them home early. However, this is a new year and a new team. Peyton Manning will have all of his weapons and if the line can hold long enough, he will dissect them like insects. Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Anthony Gonzalez will get the linebackers and secondary of the Chargers on their heels all day long. Then, factor in the tandem of Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, and you can understand why Peyton loves Indianapolis. On the defensive side of the ball, the Colts have to make sure that Phillip Rivers can not kill them with his arm. If they can keep the ball in front of them, then they can keep Rivers off his game. The defensive line has to figure out a way to penetrate the offensive line and get to Rivers quickly and often. One of the things that has been his biggest downfall is his attitude. When he gets fluster or right down mad, he becomes ineffective. In my prediction, this game will end with the Colts coming out on top 44-33.

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