FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Last week's picks- 11-5

Overall season-  160-92

63.5% on my picks, not to shabby for my first year picking games.

Let's get into the wildcard picks.

1. Atlanta Vs. Arizona

My pick- Atlanta

    Atlanta was actually one of my picks to go to the NFC Championship, I actually said it in one of my blogs.  This team just has the feeling of a team that will get it done.  

    The only shot the Cards have is if their D can somehow stop the Falcons from running the ball down their throat, which not many teams have been able to do.  And considering the Cards aren't exactly an elite defense (don't crack the top 15 in anything important).

    The Cards only real asset is their offense.  However, they have been non existent over the past couple games and I don't see how they can get their Mojo back in time.  Just a little pressure on Warner and he'll hand out turn-overs like a slot machine hands out coins, and with John Abraham on the Atlanta D it's going to seem like Vegas in Glendale.

Final Score: Atlanta-28  Arizona- 17

Players of the game 

Offense- Michael Turner

Defense- John Abraham

 2. Baltimore Vs. Miami

My pick- Baltimore

    Don't get me wrong the Dolphins have had a wonderful year, but I just can't forsee them pulling this off.

    The Ravens D is just to good.  The Ravens are 3rd against the run, they will make Pennington beat them.  The question in this game is, can Pennington beat them?  I just don't think so.

    Pennington has thrived as a game manager, and has enjoyed a phenominal season, but with his noodle arm and the best ball hawk in the league in Ed Reed playing center field I can't see Chad coming through.

 Final Score: Ravens 17  Dolphins 9

Players of the game

offense- Derrick Mason

defense- Ed Reed

3. Philidelphia Vs. Minnesota

My pick- Eagles

    This will be a hard fought game, these 2 defenses will take total control of this game.  These teams are very evenly matched.  Both have stellar defenses, great run games, and dominant o-lines.  The only X-factor is at QB.

    The Vikings will likely be starting Tarvaris Jackson.  Jackson is a solid QB, but his passing ability is sketchy and his poise leaves much to be desired.  He is prone to mistakes, and can be indecisive.  What makes me wonder is his unwillingness to use his biggest weapon, his legs.  I like the fact that he wants to throw, but he needs to realize his limitations as well as his strengths.  His strength is running, his limitation is his passing skills, if he acknowledges this my vote would be a toss up.

    On the other side you have the savy vet.  McNabb has been there done that.  He's been one of the best QB's since he's came into the league.  He has a great arm, and is a true duel threat.  He has the experience advantage, the leadership advantage, and the advantage in passing ability.

Final score: Eagles 17  Vikings 13 

Players of the game

Offense- Brian Westbrook

Defense- Trent Cole 

4. Chargers Vs. Colts

My pick- Chargers

    It's always a fantastic game when these 2 collide.  They just match-up so well.  The Chargers want to bully, Colts want to finesse.  They are polar opposites, each have advantages and disadvantages at the same positions.

    I see the Chargers coming away in this.  First it's at home for the Chargers, you know that is going to be a huge advantage.  Also Philip Rivers is as hot as anyone could possibly be these past 4 games, throwing 11 TD's to just 1 pick.  LDT lives!!  He has had solid games the last 2 weeks, he is playing like LDT from last year which will pay off huge for the Bolts.

    However the biggest question is, Can anyone cover Vincent Jackson.  What do Nnamdi Asomaugha, Ronde Barber, Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey, and Brandon Flowers all have in common?   Jackson made all of them his B. itch.

One final note.  In the past 3 games against Peyton Manning, the Chargers D has 9 Interceptions. 

Final score: Chargers 31  Colts 28

Players of the game

Offense- Philip Rivers

Defense- Jamal Williams