Wildcard Picks

Saturday - 1-9-10

  Jets v. Bengals - 3:30 p .m. NBC

• The least intriguing match-up of the weekend. Last Sunday's beat down makes me very skeptical the Bengals can win this game. As much as I hate picking the Jets and Rex Ryan, the Bengals can't turn it on that much, even at home.
• Nick Mangold came on JRIB yesterday and Calvin Pace went on Rome's radio show today. They're loading up on Jungle Karma.

       Winner: Jets

  Eagles v. Cowboys - 7:00 p.m. NBC

• I've never believed that Romo could win a meaningful game. That changes here. Third time won't be the charm for the Eagles.
• Romo must play well and have time to deliver the ball, but this year the Cowboys get that elusive playoff win. Dallas' defense will be the major factor in the game. Must get pressure on McNabb.
• It's tough to pick against Andy Reid and McNabb, who are 6-0 in playoff openers since 2000. The Cowboys are 0-5 since 1996. If Romo and 'Son of Bum' Phillips don't get a playoff win this year, they will be buried. Especially by me.

     Winner: Cowboys

Sunday- 1-10-10

  Ravens v. Patriots - 12:00 p.m. CBS

• The Ravens could win, but I'm not going against Belichick and Brady at home in the first round. Even without Welker, they will find a way to advance.
• Everyone is wondering how they'll manage without Welker and the Patriots typically feed off that kind of doubt.
• The Ravens are a good team and Ray Rice is one of the league's top backs, but have had trouble closing out close games this year.

      Winner: Patriots

  Packers v. Cardinals - 3:30 p.m. FOX

• All the "experts" are predicting the Packers are the team to make noise in the NFC playoffs. They have looked good, won 7 of last 8. Handled the Cards last week.
• I'm going the other way. I've got Warner coming up big in a game people don't think he will win. That's how it works with Warner. He loses the games he should win and wins the games he should lose. (ex.- beat Minnesota, lose to San Fran.) Warner is known as a big game QB. If he can stay upright and not fumble six times I like Arizona's chances.
• Another reason: I don't trust McCarthy. Possibly went too hard last week while Whisenhunt shut it down. Rodgers is very consistant, but is playing in his first playoff game.

     Winner: Cardinals

I've asked Jevne Sports Journal consultant Josh Jevne to submit his playoff picks for comparison. Not much difference, but makes the Packers game more interesting.

                                                    Zach                                 Josh

Jets/Bengals                             Jets                                    Jets
Eagles/Cowboys                  Cowboys                         Cowboys
Ravens/Patriots                      Patriots                             Patriots
Packers/Cardinals                 Cardinals                           Packers

All Times Central