There's still some time to vote on our lineup for the first round of the NFL Fantasy Playoff Challenge. In the meantime, I could offer an extensive breakdown of entertainment's answer to the People's Pigskin: the People's Choice Awards. Of course, that would force us to discuss Mariah Carey's epic speech, and you know what? The less said, the better.
Instead, it's time to offer another set of predictions. This time, the People's Pigskin is taking a crack at forecasting the National Football League playoffs, starting with the wild card round. For those of you keeping score at home, the last round of Landshark Maniacs predictions went 1-4, dropping the season record to 42-33, and we don't have the luxury of blaming it on resting the starters.
N.Y. Jets at Cincinnati Bengals. This is one of three games that are rematches of regular season finales. Everyone is talking about how the Jets beat the Bengals in the finale to earn a playoff berth. However, it seems as if the Bengals were playing possum to some extent, at least to the extent that a Bengal tiger can play a small marsupial. Cedric Benson didn't play at all last week, most of the other Cincinnati starters were out by halftime, and Chad Ochocinco tweaked his knee before the game started. (Yes, we all heard that he's tested the knee and has pronounced himself OK.) Also, the Jets are on the road starting a rookie quarterback who hasn't covered himself in glory since the weather has turned cold. The prediction here is for a Bengals win.
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys. Again, a rematch from last week, when the Cowboys thumped the Eagles and earned a division title and home-field advantage for this week. The inimitable Bill Simmons has already covered what home-field advantage means these days, but Dallas is still a team that won games down the stretch, including one at New Orleans to end the Saints' hopes for a perfect season. The defense has shown up, Miles Austin has taken on the role of No. 1 receiver, and call here is for a Cowboys win.
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots. This is the only wild card game that isn't a week 17 rematch. This is also the one that changed the most as a result of a week 17 injury. Wes Welker's shredded knee may put to rest any talk about forcing teams that have wrapped up playoff spots to play as if the Super Bowl were being held in December, but it also forces the Patriots to do something they don't want to do: run against the Ravens. Ray Rice, on the other hand, should be salivating about facing a defense that inspired their own coach to go for it on fourth down on his own 28 yard line. The Ravens get the win here.
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals. This one may be the hardest game to predict. This game could also be billed as a fantasy football Pro Bowl. In the end, it should turn into Aaron Rodgers' coming out party. Anyone who had Mr. Rodgers on a fantasy team knows he can put up big numbers against any kind of defense. And anyone who had Greg Jennings on a team knows Rodgers is willing to throw it to anyone on the Green Bay squad. He'll put up more big numbers and lead Green Bay to the next round.
We'll be back tomorrow to unveil poll results.
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