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NFL Playoff Preview: NFC Wildcard

In my opinion, the NFC has been the superior conference all season long. The playoff field in the NFC is simply loaded with talented teams that all have a shot and could make a case for representing the conference in the SuperBowl. It will be fun to watch as these teams battle it out and eliminate each other. The Packers and 49ers get to sit home and relax for a week while Wild Card weekend takes shape.

#6 Detroit Lions at #3 New Orleans Saints

The Lions did themselves no favors last Sunday when they allowed Matt Flynn to throw for 6 touchdowns and defeat them. This is the worst possible scenario the Lions could have ended up with in the playoffs. Had they won the game last Sunday they would be heading into the Meadowlands in a much favorable matchup against the Giants. Instead they must go against Drew Brees in the SuperDome in New Orleans. The Saints are undefeated at home this season and are riding an 8 game win streak to close of the season.

The main question here is do the Lions actually have a chance? They do have a chance, but after their defense got lit up by MATT FLYNN, can you imagine what Drew Brees will do? These two teams played earlier in the season and the game was close early on. That is until Brees broke it open and it turned into a blowout. The Lions have the fire-power to keep up with Saint Breesus, but any mistakes or turnovers and the Saints will take advantage.

The Lions did not have Ndamukong Suh in the regular season meeting, but it remains to be seen if he will be a factor in this game. The Saints should establish their run game in this one to set up the play-action pass. The Lions do not have answers for Jimmy Graham and Marcus Colston defensively. How will they stop Darren Sproles getting out in space?

This may turn out to be the highest scoring playoff game in NFL history, so be prepared for a wild shootout. I think the Saints home field advantage will just be too much for the Lions who are just happy to be back in the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Pick: Saints

#5 Atlanta Falcons at #4 New York Giants

The Falcons have taken a different path to the playoffs this season. After being the #1 seed in the NFC last season, they've decided to go the road warriors rout. Both of these teams are heading into the playoffs hot and off of big wins. That's the ideal way you want to head into the playoffs. The Falcons have been getting it down with Michael Turner on the ground all season long and of course the emergence of Julio Jones in the passing game for Matty Ice. The Giants had a bunch of roadblocks on their road to the playoffs, but they survived a lackluster year in the NFC East and are now riding a similar wave that took them to the SuperBowl back in 2007.

Many believe the dome Falcons will have trouble with the weather in East Rutherford, NJ come Sunday. Everyone forgets that Matt Ryan played his college football at Boston College. He's played in many outdoor cold weather games. His name isn't Matty Ice for nothing.

There's something I like about the Giants heading into these playoffs. It seems as if they've regained their swagger and Eli's ELITE play has been behind it. The emergence of Victor Cruz as a playmaker has revived the Giants' offense. The defense is also returning to form.

I think the Giants will control the clock and make the bigger plays in this game. The defense will have to stop Michael Turner if they want to win this game. The Falcons aren't very successful if he doesn't rush for over 100 yards.

Pick: Giants