2007 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard

Once again another NFL season has come and gone. This year's field features many new faces, as well as the common visitor. Below are my thoughts on this weekend's Wildcard matchups.

...Don't worry I included my upset pick

AFC


New York Jets @ New England Patriots


Why New York May Win: The Jets clinched a playoff spot with a win against Oakland this past week. The amazing season for first year coach Eric Mangini continues to roll on. In Week 2, New England defeated New York 24-17. Week 10 things were different as the Jets beat the Pats in Foxboro 17-14. New York is very familiar with this New England team. Mangini worked under Belichick for 6 years and knows how he thinks. New York can win if they stick to their game plan of running the ball and chewing up lots of clock time. All year the Jets have shut up critics. No reason to think they will not do it again.

Why New England May Win: Tom Brady. As long as the 3 time Super Bowl champion is in Foxboro, the Pats will always be a huge threat in the playoffs. The Pats are still upset after the Week 10 loss to New York. Belichick's team will come out firing on all cylinders. Just remember if New England does run the tables again, it will be 4 Super Bowl wins in 6 years. Now that's a dynasty.

Prediction: The amazing Jets' story has been a great to watch all season long. Sunday that all comes to a crashing halt. When it's playoff time in Foxboro, fear the Pats. New England has been in this situation many times. Not so much for New York. Besides the battle of Brady vs. Pennington is one that greatly favors the Patriots. Pennington has never had much success in the postseason.

34 Patriots 20 Jets



Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts


Why Kansas City May Win: How the Chiefs rallied their season together and made the playoffs is beyond my knowing. Herman Edwards has a running back in Larry Johnson who is a ruthless player. He punishes opponents...and of course scores all the time. To make matters better for this running team, Indy has an awful run defense. That fact alone is enough for KC to pull off the upset.

Why Indianapolis May Win: Yes the run defense is bad, but Peyton Manning is still the QB. Not having a Super Bowl ring kills Manning year in and year out. You don't think he wants to win this game? You don't think that the rest of his team is sick and tired of dealing with the criticism? The defense has trouble, but it is improving. A couple weeks ago against Cincy the D only surrendered 16 points. But I feel the real reason Indy will win, will be the superb play of #18.

Prediction: This is a tough one. Indy has not looked promising in recent weeks. For crying out loud they lost to Houston. Even though they are 9-7, KC can run the ball. That alone, in my thinking, is going to be the decider in this game. Yes, Peyton will play great, but the offense can only do so much.

30 Chiefs 22 Colts UPSET SPECIAL



NFC


New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles


Why New York May Win: Giants were on top of the world at 6-2. They finished 8-8 and having been hearing for months how this team is not living up to par. The team is in the playoffs and the NFC is not that strong. Those 2 facts alone are enough for the Giants to run the tables. New York has played Philly twice this year. They know this opponent and I can assure you Coughlin and crew are still hurting from that Week 15 loss at home against Philly 36-22.

Why Philadelphia May Win: Once McNabb went down you could of stuck a fork in Philly. I thought they were toast. Then in came Jeff Garcia. The savior out of San Jose State has transformed the Eagles' season. The defense is one of the best and the offense has a more valiant leader in Garcia as oppose to New York's Eli Manning.

Prediction: Sorry New York, but that amazing playoff run is not happening. Jim Johnson (Philly Defensive Coordinator) is going to have his crew eat the inconsistent Eli Manning alive. Furthermore, Philly is one of the hottest teams in the league. And remember, always choose the hot team over the disappointing, confused, and not-up-to-par team.

28 Eagles 17 Giants



Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks


Why Dallas May Win: Parcells's team really ended the season on an awful note. I mean they lost TO THE LIONS! This is a good team, Romo is a good QB, and the defense is an exceptional unit. The Cowboys are not going out how they finished the regular season. Against an uncertain Seattle defense, Dallas will need to stick to what made them so feared earlier in the year to be victorious.

Why Seattle May Win: Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselback have not been playing with each other as much this season as in the years past. Finally, the two have gotten some games into together. More importantly, Seattle has been to the Super Bowl. They know what it takes. Playing with that same swagger Seattle had last postseason is something that will lead this team to victory Saturday.

Prediction: This is the most difficult one to choose. I do not feel Bill Parcells leaves the game of football on a lousy Wildcard loss. Dallas is going to Seattle to play. The D will show up and Hasselback will be forced into a couple critical INTs. That will be enough for Parcells's team to stay alive one more week.

26 Cowboys 21 Seahawks