NFL First Round Playoff Predictions

It is finally here, this is what we have all been waiting for.

Say good bye and better luck next year to the other 20 teams that did not make the cut. The playoffs are right in front of us as the new year of 2012 is under way. Here is what I think the first round has in store for us. Let’s start on the NFC side of the bracket.

NFC

Saturday-Detroit @ New Orleans: This is my upset game for the week and possibly the biggest one of the entire post season. The Lions have the fire power to keep up with the Saints in a shootout; the only question is if Mathew Stafford can protect the football throughout the game. The Saints defense is not going to put up much of a fight. There is no question though, that the Lions interior line on defense can stop the run and put pressure on Drew Brees. If this happens. watch Saints could be on another early bus ride home. The Lions need everything to go right for them in this one.   Prediction: Lions 34, Saints 31.

Sunday-Atlanta @ New York: Neither one of these teams has given me much to work with here. They are both very inconsistent at what they want to do offensively. The Giants defense could be the factor in deciding the outcome in the game. Either they play really well like they did on their run in 2007, or they look like they have this year and let Matt Ryan control the game by practically giving them every third down conversion. Either way look for both teams try to establish the run early and try to take shots down the field with play action often.      Prediction:  Falcons 27, Giants 17

AFC

Saturday- Cincinnati @ Houston: These are the two teams that I am least familiar with and rightfully so because of Houston’s QB problems and Cincinnati’s rookie quarterback and bigger AFC North brothers the Steelers and Ravens who are both in the playoffs. The Texans have the best ground game in the league this year so look for them to try to take over early keeping T.J. Yates out of undesirable situations. They’ve lost three straight and do not look like a team that is ready to be in the playoffs. The Bengals are average on the offensive side of the ball but on defense they are one of the top defenses. Andy Dalton does a good job at managing the game and does just enough so that others around him can make plays. After all that is said, don’t expect either of these teams to make it deep into the post season.    Prediction: Bengals 28, Texans 20

Sunday- Pittsburg @ Denver: This one will not even be close. Even though the Steelers are missing two of their starters and Big Ben is still hurt, I don’t think the Broncos can put up enough points to compete. Tim Tebow has no confidence anymore. There are receivers making their cuts and getting open he is just scared to throw the ball it seems. You’re not going to run the ball down Pittsburg’s throat so we better hope there is a new life in the mile high messiah on Sunday. In the end Denver’s defense will keep it close but the Steelers offense will just be too much for them to handle.   Prediction:  Steelers 35, Broncos 17.

As crazy as this sounds I choose every team at home in the first round to lose this season.