DTTWSB NFL Wildcard Playoff Picks

The time is now! NFL playoffs have arrived for everyone to enjoy for the next month. This is when the intensity goes to an entirely different level. The players, coaches and even fans know what's at stake. In the past several years, the we've seen some teams from the wildcard round make a run at the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers did it last season. I'm not sure if we'll see it again, but I know these teams won't go quietly. In the final week of the regular season, I went 9-7 with my picks. That brought my 2011 regular season total to a disappointing 155-101. I know for sure last season my record was a lot better. The season is the season though. My goal for the post season is to go undefeated with my picks. I think I can do it starting with my wildcard picks. Here's who I have advancing to the divisional round next weekend. Enjoy the games folks!

Bengals at Texans: Texans

This is the first game of the playoffs and probably the most evenly matched one this weekend. These two teams played a great game about a month ago which saw the Texans win on a TJ Yates touchdown pass with two seconds to go in Cincinnati. A lot of people are overlooking this game but I think it may end up being a classic. Both teams have close to no playoff experience at all. We may see some sloppy play early on because of jitters, but I think the second half will be a great football game. With all that said, I have to go with the home team in this one. Even though Yates is battling a shoulder injury, I think the Texans ability to run the football with Arian Foster will keep their offense on track. They also get star wide receiver Andre Johnson back as well. The biggest reason Houston will win is because of their second-ranked defense. With the home crowd behind them, they're going to tee-off on rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. I like Dalton a lot, but I don't think the pieces around him are ready for a playoff atmosphere. I like the Texans to advance.

Lions at Saints: Saints

Woah nelly! We may have a shootout on our hands in this Saturday Night Special. Both of these teams have quarterbacks who threw for more than 5,000 yards in the regular season. That's unheard of in this league. The crowd is going to be in a frenzy tonight to support their hometown team. With all the potential offensive fireworks that may go one, I like the Saints to pull away late and advance to the next round to take on the 49ers. The Detroit defense is predicated on only rushing the passer, and that's something easier said than done against the Saints offensive line. I believe Brees will have his way with the inconsistent Lions secondary. New Orleans also can run the ball down your throat, something the Lions aren't good at stopping. This game will not be a blowout by any means because the LIons can put up points as well, but Detroit is too one dimensional on offense to continually score against a Gregg Williams defense. In what should be a high-scoring affair, I like the boys from the Bayou to flew their muscles late and pull out a convincing victory.

Falcons at Giants: Giants

In my opinion, this is the game of the week. These are two fairly evenly matched teams that bring great quarterback play to the game. Eli Manning and Matt Ryan have some serious weapons to work with on the outside. I think those weapons are some of the best in the league, which is why this game will be decided in the trenches, the old fashioned way. I give the New York Football Giants the advantage in the trenches, especially playing at home. The Giants are coming off two big wins against their rivals so they're feeling real confident right now. Atlanta is also feeling confident, but hasn't beaten the good teams in this league. I truly think the Giants have found their elite pass rush once again and a steady running game on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan will be under immense pressure on obvious passing situations because his offensive line is average at best at protecting the passer. If the Falcons want to win they'll have to run the ball, something they won't be able to do if they get down early. I think Eli will have his way early with the Falcons secondary and use his running game late to ice the game for the Gmen.

Steelers at Broncos: Steelers

The unthinkable has happened. Second year quarterback Tim Tebow has led the Broncos to the playoffs after they started the season 1-4 under Kyle Orton. Even though the Broncos are out matched in this game, that Denver crowd will be going crazy to start the game. Tebow Time has instilled belief among Bronco fans that hasn't been there since John Elway was the quarterback. Unfortunately for them, the clock will strike midnight when the Steelers come to town. I'm not saying this game will be a blowout because both teams have great defenses, but I do think the Steelers will control the game and play and force the Broncos to play at their pace. Tebow will be facing his worst nightmare this week, Ben Roethlisberger is another quarterback who has ice water in his veins. We've seen it time and time again from Big Ben. Even though he's hobbled by his ankle injury, I believe he'll gut out an ugly victory for the Steelers. The biggest reason Pittsburgh will advance to the next round is because their defense will shut down the Broncos running game. Once you do that, you shut down their entire offense because there are zero weapons outside to threaten a defense. The story has been nice all year, but it comes to an end Sunday evening. Give me Pittsbugh in this one.