The NFC Wildcard games showcase a rematch of the rematch that is the on-going battle between Minnesota and Green Bay. This turn in the epic takes the action back into Lambeau Field where the Packers look to protect their home field advantage. While the late game highlights two super-rookies looking to lead their team to the promise land. The Seahawks have a tough road to hoe as they must win three games on the road to earn a Super Bowl berth; we know they are unbeatable at home in CenturyLink Field but how will they fair should they need to travel for three consecutive games.
Alright, let’s get into the matchups and pick some winners.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
This game comes down to one thing; the success of Adrian Peterson. The Vikings will only go so far on the arm of Christian Ponder, while they will most certainly go further on the back of Peterson. That might be a good thing considering Peterson has gashed the Packers defense for back-to-back 200 yard games (alright one was a 199 yard effort, close enough). If the Packers can’t stop what they already know is coming then Aaron Rodgers will get a long time on the sidelines to watch his defense get beat up on the field. For the Vikings to pull an upset here they will need Ponder to protect the football and avoid those costly interceptions. They will also need the defense to step up and pressure Rodgers into making hurried throws to his receivers. If the Vikings can avoid giving up the big plays down the field then they can keep this game within their grasp.
The Packers are going to be amped up for this game; the defensive unit has been taking a beating this past week for giving up so many yards to Peterson and they will be looking to make a statement. I really don’t see any defense stopping Peterson, it just comes down to containing him and if they can limit the yards gained to around 100 then they should consider that a success.
Randall Cobb looks to be healthy enough to go this weekend which is good news for Packer fans as Cobb has been the big play guy this season. With Cobb and Jeremy Ross returning kicks the Packers could find themselves with favourable starting field position on most drives. Bottom line for me is that Aaron Rodgers is just too good to let this game get away from him. Playing in front of a boisterous cheese-headed crowd on the cold tundra-like field of Lambeau is what Packer football is all about and the tradition of winning these kinds of games will continue come Saturday.
PICK: GREEN BAY PACKERS
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins
The wildcard weekend comes to a close with this gem of a matchup as Seattle travels into Washington to play the Redskins. This game marks the start of what could be a very tough road to New Orleans for the Seahawks. The Hawks left Seattle knowing that they were not going to benefit from the home field advantage again this season as from here on out they are banished to the road.
I realize that everyone wants to compare Russell Wilson to RGII and base their game picks on how each quarterback fares against the other. The more impactful matchup will be the top-ranked Seahawks defense squaring off against the Redskins pistol spread option offense. I think the Seahawks will be fine offensively as Marshawn Lynch will be able to run the ball effectively against the Skins which should alleviate some pressure off the wide receivers and Wilson to make some plays down the field. A steady dose of Lynch, followed by some quarterback option plays will keep the Skins defense off-balance all night long.
The Redskins will find themselves in trouble against the Seahawks as this will be the toughest defensive unit they will have faced to date. Offensively, Kyle Shanahan has installed sets that are geared to the strengths of his quarterback RGIII and these have in turn paid dividends as the Redskins hold the top ranked rushing attack and the fifth best overall offense in the league. For the Redskins their keys to success involve being able to establish this top-ranked run game of their own while containing that of the Seahawks.
Seattle has the recipe for a road win here and that is a stellar defense mixed with an outstanding running game. These two factors alone will win you many a game; however, they are essential for road teams looking to get a victory. This game should be a closely contested one and will likely be filled with highlights and quick strike scoring plays. This one has the makings of a fantastic finishing game to the wildcard weekend. It is too bad that the season must come to a close for one of these exciting young quarterbacks; however, RGII and the ‘Skins will just have to accept it.
PICK: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS