2013 NFL Playoff Preview (Wild Card Weekend)

1^st Round Byes

AFC: 1) Denver Broncos (13-3), 2) New England Patriots (12-4)

NFC: 1) Atlanta Falcons (13-3), 2) San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)

AFC Wild Card

3) Houston Texans (12-4) vs 6) Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

4) Baltimore Ravens (10-6) vs 5) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

NFC Wild Card

3) Green Bay Packers (11-5) vs 6) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

4) Washington Redskins (10-6) vs 5) Seattle Seahawks (11-5)

Wild Card Predictions:

1. (3)Houston over (6)Cincinnati (Saturday 3:30pm CT-NBC): The Texans struggled down the stretch with three December losses, but Saturday’s home crowd at Reliant propels the Texans to their second home playoff victory in franchise history.

2. (3)Green Bay over (6)Minnesota (Saturday 7pm CT-NBC): Aaron Rodgers and the Pack get some much-needed revenge at Lambeau after falling to the Vikings in Minneapolis last Sunday.

3. (5)Indianapolis over (4)Baltimore (Sunday Noon CT-CBS): The Colts were the good feel story in 2012 and continue the fight against leukemia with Chuck “Strong” Pagano, pulling out another win against a banged up Ravens squad.

4. (5)Seattle over (4)Washington (Sunday 3:30pm CT-FOX): This will be a great opening round game, but the Seahawks squeak out the victory at FedEx because Russell Wilson is healthier than the banged up Robert Griffin III.

Super Bowl XLVII Prediction: (1)Denver over (5)Seattle:

Peyton Manning overcame all the odds in 2012 after missing the 2011 season due to two neck surgeries and mesmerized the Broncos’ organization and fan base throughout the season.  He ended the season with eleven consecutive victories after a 2-3 start and will guide the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVII in his hometown of New Orleans. Manning will win his 2nd Super Bowl (XLI) and the Broncos win their 3rd (XXXII, XXXIII).

Pete Carroll has certainly turned around this organization and turned the Seahawks into a dangerous team.  Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and Golden Tate have had great offensive seasons, leading the team to two 50 point performances to begin the month of December, and the defense has allowed only 15 points per game.  Don't count out the Wild Card Seahawks because six of the last seven Super Bowls have featured a participant in Wild Card Weekend.