There are four wildcard playoff games this weekend.
Saturday: Kansas City @ Indianapolis and New Orleans @ Philadelphia
Sunday: San Diego @ Cincinnati and San Francisco @ Green Bay
Breakdown:
1. Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts dominated the Chiefs in their own stadium 23-7 in week 16. This game will be played in Indy's warm, comfortable dome so you'd think that the Colts would enjoy a solid advantage, right? I'm not so sure. I have a feeling this is going to be a very close game. The Chiefs finally get back elite pass rusher Justin Houston (who was sidelined with an elbow injury the last time these teams played one another). Still, I like the Colts to win a squeaker that will probably be decided in the final minute.
My prediction: Indianapolis Colts 23, Kansas City Chiefs 20
2. New Orleans Saints at Philadephia Eagles
The common meme in the sports media these days is that the Saints can't win on the road. A common meme for the first half of the season was that the Eagles couldn't win at home. In any case, with the Eagles possessing a pass defense that is dead last in the NFL, Drew Brees should be able to exploit weaknesses and have a big day. Nick Foles is an excellent quarterback, finishing first in the league in passer rating (119.2). But can Foles, with zero playoff experience and his coach Chip Kelly, likewise with zero playoff experience, topple Sean Payton's offensive juggernaut? Once again, I expect this game to be very close, but with the Saints just getting by on a final touchdown drive from Brees.
My prediction: New Orleans Saints 21, Philadelphia Eagles 20
3. San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have scored an average of 42 points over their last five home games. Yes, the Chargers continue to delight their fans and confound the experts, but this game will likely go as expected.
My prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 34, San Diego Chargers 24
4. San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
By the end of this game, the temperature could be well below zero at Lambeau Field. The Packers have a lot of experience playing in this weather. The 49ers do not. Let the experts choose the 49ers all they want. Aaron Rodgers almost beat the 49ers on their own turf to start the season and he will not miss here. Not in these conditions and not in his own stadium.
My prediction: Green Bay Packers 21, San Francisco 49ers 17