Jan 04 2009
NFL Playoffs: Sunday Preview
With the first of the wild card games behind us and my head hung in shame, it is time to move on to Sunday’s games. I can only hope to more precise in picking winners than I was the time before. With that said, let’s move forward.
The first of Sunday’s games will take us south to Miami Gardens where last year’s NFL punching bag turned this years AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins 
embark on their quest to achieve a Super Bowl Ring. The first opponent that stands in their way is none other than the Baltimore Ravens. Both of these teams sport rookie head coaches and the Ravens match the Falcons by having a rookie starting quarterback.
One of the first things that you have to look at is not too many people put these teams into the playoffs prior to the start of the season, including yours truly. I really did not give either of these teams a chance. In defense of my prediction of the Miami Dolphins, I rated them prior to having Chad Pennington. So, now, let’s reel it back in and focus on today’s game.
The Miami Dolphins have to pull out every trick play in the book and this time, Ricky Williams has to hold onto the ball. The Dolphins will go with their 2 headed monster attack at running back and Baltimore has to stop it. If the Dolphins can run, it will open up their passing game and Pennington will rip them apart. In their earlier meeting, Chad passed for 295 yards, but the running game was basically non-existent. If the Ravens can repeat that feat today, they will win.
With that said, I am predicting that the Dolphins will win today.
As for the evening game, I am surprised that these 2 teams are not ready to puke. Their season has to be reminiscent of a roller coaster ride. Personally, I do not think that either team really belongs, but it is not my call. Both teams have the type of offense that I would not want to have to depend on each and every week and they sport a defense to match. Personally, I think for a team to win this game, they have to be less sloppy than their opponent.
If I had to pick a winner, I think that the Philadelphia Eagles can not be beat by the Minnesota Vikings.
