2009-2010 Wildcard Playoff Predictions
The divisional round features a rematch of three week 17 games, none of which were particularly enlightening. The marquee Dallas/Philadelphia game should be entertaining, while Joe Flacco gets another shot at the Wes Welker-less Patriots.
New York Jets 16, Cincinnati Bengals 24
Nobody really understands how the Jets got into the playoffs in the first place, but Carson Palmer and the Bengals should be able to put together enough offense to force New York into an early vacation. Rex Ryan’s tears should freeze on his face.
Philadelphia Eagles 42, Dallas Cowboys 38
The Cowboys shut out the Eagles to win the division and force this game to Dallas. However, the Eagles have traditionally done well against the Cowboys late in the season and Tony Romo’s late-season woes are well documented. The Cowboys are due for a shootout.
Baltimore Ravens 17, New England Patriots 23
New England hasn’t lost a playoff game at home in the Tom Brady era. Don’t expect that trend to buck against a streaky Baltimore team. Wes Welker’s season-ending injury hurts, but the Patriots will figure out how to make use of their available personnel just like they have been for years. New England’s bigger worry should be who they play next; on the road to San Diego or Indianapolis will be a tough game for a team who has performed poorly on the road this season.
Green Bay Packers 35, Arizona Cardinals 31
The Packers are firing on all cylinders and stumbled upon an unexpectedly stingy defense when they switched to the 3-4 in the offseason. Aaron Rodgers has improved on his shortcomings in close games and has Green Bay in a winnable situation against a Cardinals team they’ve beaten before.
