NFL Wildcard Weekend Preview

The playoffs are finally upon us. The best sports tournament outside of maybe March Madness. Its win or go home from here on out. Every game is a must win and 12 teams all have Super Bowl aspirations. The Colts and the Saints cruised to a combine 27-0 record, but are 0-5 since. They have byes though for their hard work as well as the Chargers in the AFC and the Vikings in the NFC. Now to take a look at the slate of games ahead this weekend.

AFC Wildcard Game
NY Jets at Cincinnati Bengals: This a rematch of last weeks finale for both where the Jets embarrassed the Bengals and got themselves into the postseason. The Bengals were without key players like HB Cedric Benson. The Jets' defense is vastly improved under new head coach, Rex Ryan, and the stellar play of CB Darrelle Revis. The Bengals' offense struggled last week against that Jets' defense and should be able to have a better performance this week. The Jets sort of backed in, but they did display a little something last week that might make one wonder if they could make a run now they are in. Bengals haven't won in the postseason in two decades. That is tough to overcome mentally, but I think they have shown they can get over mental obstacles this year. PICK: JETS

NFC Wildcard Game
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys: These two are heated rivals and there is even more fire burning in this one due to the way that the Cowboys beat the Eagles last week and won the division. The Cowboys won both games this year and it is never easy to do that let alone what they are attempting to do; win three games over one team in one year. The Cowboys defense has shutout its last two opponents and halted the Saints when they were 13-0. The difference in the Cowboys this year and last year is that defense and much credit should go to Wade Phillips' schemes and the play of MLB Keith Brooking. The Eagles have been hot and cold for most of the year on offense and were cold last week. They sometimes depend on WR DeSean Jackson too much to make a big play. Expect a closer, much heated one that could come down to the end. PICK: COWBOYS

AFC Wildcard Game
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots: The Ravens have had ups and downs in play most of the year and look to make another run to the AFC Championship Game. To take the first step, they must get through one of the teams of the decade. The Patriots are not the juggernaut they used to be and it has been a trying time at points this year for QB Tom Brady as he returned to play after a serious knee injury. The biggest blow might the fact that they lost WR Wes Welker last week in essentially a meaningless game. His absence could be the difference. I still think the Patriots know how to win even without a star or two. PICK: PATRIOTS

NFC Wildcard Game
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals: This one has the potential to steal the show as they square off again this week, but with both teams playing their starters. They have two of the top 10 QBs in the NFL and could certainly put up a lot of points. The Packers are a sleeper team in my opinion and could get hot and make a run this year. The Cardinals might be without one of their big weapons, WR Anquon Boldin. Their defense rose up last year and will need to again if they plan on heading back to the Super Bowl. PICK: PACKERS

Let's hope all of these games aren't blowout and kick off the 2010 postseason fittingly. Which players will rise up and get their teams to the next round and step closer to Miami.