Bengals vs. Texans
So last year's playoff opening matchup is set to kick us off again this year. The Bengals had a mostly up and occasionally down season as the Texans limp in losing 3 of their last 4. The Texans boast one of the league's best defensive players both on the active roster and in the IR. They have what I used to think was the best running back in Arian Foster, a veteran QB and a late surging great receiver. Meanwhile the Bengals boast a Texans-light defense a good game manager and a throw-can-be-clutch-when-necessary QB and the league's second best receiver. I didn't hear the stat, but I heard all day on the radio that QBs in their first playoff appearance are doomed to fail. But Schaub has been playing for about 36 years now. The Texans have been flat lately whether it be at home or away. I hope they win, but I don't think they will. Bengals 20 Texans 14.
Vikings vs. Packers
The Vikings' magic carpet ride sponsored by Adrian Peterson must end at some point. There is a stat that Ponder has never played in sub 40 degree weather and that alone is enough of a factor to count them out. I also remember being told Tampa Bay couldn't win a game in cold weather in 2002. Bottom line, the Packers are a machine that didn't need to win last week in a rival's house. This week they get back EVERYBODY and like 2 years ago maybe found a new running game. Rogers is a machine and will not let his team lose. Packers 38, Vikings 20.
Colts vs. Ravens
Andrew Luck's struggles on the road were well publicized earlier this year, but he did everything he needed leading a culture of change for the worst team last year. They are an inspirational team, but Ray "I be stabbin" Lewis changed the Colts' luck. With Ray Lewis letting it be known he will retire at the end of this year will fire up the team and crowd beyond what Seattle could ever hope to muster. The Ravens will control this game via defense as that's just what happens in football. It will be magic. I can actually see Lewis reinjuring his arm and his team rallies for him. Either way, I can't see the Colts winning. If they do, Luck may be one of the future's greatest quarterbacks. Ravens 17, Colts 10.
Seattle vs. Redskins
The "teams I hate bowl". Fact of the matter is, due to owning Marshawn Lynch in fantasy, I watched a lot of Seahawks games. Let me tell you, I no longer hate them (this incarnation at least). They are as complete of a team as the Broncos. They don't have that must-have wide receiver, but everybody contributes. Russel Wilson now shares the Rookie QB touchdown record with Manning, and his play is very definitive of a leader. I think this team has it all in all three phases of the game. On the flip side, I still hate the Redskins. RG3 is a really good QB and with Pierre Garcon on the field they have been like 9-1 I think? They get to host a decent-on-the-road-late-in-the-season Seahawks team. I think its the first time two rookies have started opposite each other in the playoffs. That said, only one rookie qb makes it out of Sunday. RG3 is gimpy, but he still owned Dallas along with Alfred Morris running a mudhole in the Cowboys. Seattle has given up rushes on the road so perhaps this is an advantage for I think the number 1 or 2 rush attack. I cannot ever, in good consciousness, pick the Redskins to ever win. Seattle 21, Redskins 17.
In the further future, I think you will see the Broncos decimate the Bengals (or if the Texans do it, the Ravens). The Patriots will then get payback in a great game vs. Baltimore. The Packers go to San Francisco and come out smelling like roses and Seattle proves to be the more dominant bird in Atlanta.
Expect the exact opposite to happen across the board.
-Jim Duba
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