2013 NFL Playoffs

After seventeen weekends of football, we have finally narrowed down the playing field to twelve teams.  Some teams got in on the final week such as the Redskins and Vikings. After it was all said and done, we were left with some very interesting match ups for next week. Here are the games and my predictions for the first round of the playoffs.

AFC
First Round Byes: 1. Denver Broncos 2. New England Patriots

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens: These two teams are completely opposite. You have a very young Colts team with a rookie quarterback (Andrew Luck) against a veteran Ravens team led by Joe Flacco. The Ravens found out earlier this week their captain middle line backer Ray Lewis will retire at the end of this season so they will be playing with a lot of emotion. This is Andrew Luck's first playoff game so look for him to be shaky early. My Prediction: Ravens 24 Colts 13

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: The Texans have struggled down the stretch of the regular season. After starting 11-1, they lost three out of their last four games to finish 12-4 and ended up dropping to third in the AFC. On the other hand, the Bengals finished the season strong winning 7 out of their last 8 games. Even though the Bengals are underdogs, I predict them winning in a close one. My Prediction: Bengals 17 Texans 14

NFC
First Round Byes: 1. Atlanta Falcons 2. San Francisco 49ers

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: Adrian Peterson has basically willed this Vikings team into the playoffs. With barely a passing game, Peterson has averaged over 150 yards per game this season and came up just 9 yards shy of breaking the single season rushing record. The Packers are getting a lot of key players back from injuries such as Randall Cobb and Charles Woodson so look for them to rebound from their defeat in the last week of the regular season to the Vikings. My Prediction: Packers 31 Vikings 17

Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins: This is a very exciting dual between two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. An interesting fact is that both sides have rookie quarterbacks. The Seahawks Russell Wilson broke the rookie passing touchdown record with 26 this season. RG3 has led the Redskins to seven straight wins entering the playoffs with his spectacular play making skills. Even though the Seahawks are favored, they are 3-5 on the road this season so that is why I am picking the Redskins in a close one. My Prediction: Redskins 24 Seahawks 21