Divisional Predictions

There's still time to vote on the People's Pigskin's lineup for week 2 in the NFL Fantasy Playoff Challenge. While you contemplate your vote, it's time for another set of NFL playoff predictions. Last week's version went 2-2, so following these predictions is just as useful a gambling strategy as doing this.

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints. Last week against Green Bay, the Cardinals pulled a win out of their orifices (or, more specifically, Aaron Rodgers' hands) in a game where defense seemed to be optional. The Cardinals won't have that luxury this week. The Saints have shown that they don't have to turn a game into a shootout to win. They'll hold serve and send Kurt Warner into the offseason (and possibly beyond.)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts. When we last saw the Ravens, they were running roughshod over the New England Patriots. The Colts have had plenty of time to rest their weary limbs, and Peyton Manning got a sneak peak at the Ravens in week 11, when the Colts won 17-15. If the choice is between Peyton Manning and Joe Flacco (who QB rating last week was 10, which doesn't look as good on a quarterback as it did on Bo Derek), you have to go with Manning. The Colts prevail here.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have the home field, but the Cowboys have the hot streak. They've won four straight games, and Wade Wilson ended a personal playoff losing streak that had extended all the way back to the Music City Miracle. If this were a fantasy football game, you would want Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and anyone lining up at receiver for the Vikings. But you would move heaven and earth to start the Dallas defense. They'll be the reason the Cowboys win Sunday.

New York Jets vs. San Diego Chargers. You remember the line "This one goes to 11"? The Chargers have already gotten there. They've won 11 straight games and get to face Mark Sanchez. Yes, his Jets won last week, but he's still a rookie quarterback, and he still threw 20 interceptions during the season. The prediction here is that the Chargers' run will go to 12.

We'll be back Saturday with the results for our lineup poll.