UTTQ Predictions: Wild Card Weekend

A compelling comeback attempt in the second half of the season was not enough for me to reaffirm my grip on the regular season predictions, and Insider Access managed to escape with a one game lead. Now it's a whole new ballgame, with the wild-card weekend starting. And wild card weekend can certainly be wild. I have a feeling that at least one big upset is coming. But we'll see...for now, here's my picks for the first weekend of the 2011 NFL playoffs.

CINCINNATI 24, HOUSTON 23

A battle of two rookie quarterbacks will be, more importantly, a battle of two relatively new playoff teams. The Texans have made the playoffs for the first time in NFL history. The Bengals last made the playoffs 2 years ago, but the team features an influx of relatively new, young talent. Which team will step up to the plate? The Texans have the benefit of playing at home, but have been on a losing streak as of late. Three disappointing losses to the Panthers, Colts, and Titans have really put in question Houston's chances at making a run. The Bengals have managed to play tough in close games for most of the season. I'd really like to see both of these teams make it to the next round, but one team has to lose. Unfortunately for the Texans, it was a nice run while it lasted.

PITTSBURGH 20, DENVER 17
Up front, this matchup may seem like the most uneven wild-card game of the week. Look closely, though, and it could be a very tight game. First, let's start with the preeminent favorite, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Black & Gold haven't been so dominant as of late. Despite only 1 loss in the last 7 weeks, many of their games have featured sloppy offensive gameplay. The loss of Rashard Mendenhall cannot be underestimated, especially with Ben Roethlisberger still nursing his ankle injury. Luckily the defense manages to keep them in games. On the other sideline, the Denver Tebows have struggled as of late as well, with 3 straight losses to end the season. Quarterback Tim Tebow and the offense have been particularly ineffective. If the Denver D can keep them in the game, this one may be closer than we think. Then again, would you rather trust the Steelers offense vs. the Denver defense, or vice versa? Yeah, thought so.

ATLANTA 27, NEW YORK 31
New York may just be warming up at the right time. The Giants got a signature win against NFC East foe Dallas last week, and will look to continue their rejuvenation process against the Falcons. The Falcons are a curious team that can turn it on when needed but tends to play somewhat sporadically. The tough call on this game will depend on what the Falcons bring to the table, and not necessarily what the Giants bring. The G-Men have the defense to handle the Falcons and the offense to keep them honest. Do the Falcons have the tools to survive? Let's not forget this team has not beaten a contender since Week 7 against Detroit (or, alternatively, Week 10 against the Titans). They certainly have the weapons, but the Giants will use their tried-and-true ground and pound formula to keep Atlanta at bay. One big play can certainly swing the score in this game.

DETROIT 31, NEW ORLEANS 49
Everyone expects this one to be a shootout. Who can't when you have two premier offenses facing off against each other? Two 5,000 yard, 40-touchdown passers in Matthew Stafford and Drew Brees will face off in a rematch of a regular season game, coincidentally in the same stadium that another prominent football rematch will take place two days later. Brees and company have been absolutely unbeatable in the Dome, and will look to take on the upstart Lions franchise hungry for a playoff victory. If any team this weekend has a chance against the Saints, it's this Lions team. They want it, and they know it. An entire city (a la New Orleans of 2009) is on their backs. The key to this game will be minimizing mistakes. If the Lions can capitalize on the Saints mistakes (however rare they may be), and can keep pace with Drew Brees and his army of offensive weapons, then they have a chance to stay in it. Unfortunately, as evidenced last week against the Packers, Detroit still has a few unpolished elements on their team, and needs a miracle surge to win in this one.