Playoffs?!?! Are you kiddin’ me?

Yes, ladies and gents, one of the NFL’s wildest regular seasons has finally come to an end. This year has seen back and forth starting quarterback battles, vicious hits, and the introduction of the Calvin Johnson rule. Tom Brady has been flawless, while the Texan’s defense, NFC West, and the Metrodome’s structural stability have been disturbingly flawed. But alas, the post season is here.

The Patriots head into their first-round bye as the Super Bowl favorite, with no true favorite from the NFC. The Atlanta Falcons boast the NFC’s best record, but the reigning champion Saints and often electric Eagles offer legitimate challengers. Seattle and Kansas City limped through weak divisions to earn what looks to be first round, home field losses.

Here’s a rough breakdown of how this weekend’s games should go:

No. 5 New Orleans Saints at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks  - Looking at these two teams, you wonder who came up with the playoff’s seeding. But, as we all know, each division champ will host a home playoff game. Drew Brees has had another good year, throwing for more than 4600 yards, while Seattle has struggled with both Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback. Despite the Saint’s banged up offense, playmakers like Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, and Robert Meachem match up well against Seattle’s defense. On the other hand, Seattle’s only real offensive weapons are Mike Williams and an up and down Marshawn Lynch.    

My prediction: 38-10, Saints

No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts – Not many people want to face Peyton Manning in the playoffs. Rex Ryan doesn’t seem to be one of those people. Although he recently praised Manning’s study habits and greatness, he’s been vocal about the Colts’ vulnerability, after their subpar season (by the Colts‘ standards). Injuries have taken their toll on Indy, with key losses in Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, and Austin Collie. Both are still loaded with star power. QBs Manning vs. Sanchez. WRs Wayne and Garcon vs. Holmes and Edwards. Defense’s Freeney and Mathis vs. Revis and Cromartie. RBs Addai vs. Tomlinson. The Colts aren’t running over teams like they used to, but late in the season, as always, Manning leads them into the playoffs with promise. Sanchez has proven he can win, but I think Manning has enough left in the tank to squander the Jets’ hopes of advancing.

My prediction: 31-27, Colts

No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs – Kansas City opens the playoffs at home, but I’m not sure how much of an advantage they have. Kansas City is only in the playoffs because of their weak division and underwhelming ability to beat the league’s worst teams. Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe had great years, but it will take spectacular games from them, along with Matt Cassel to overcome Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. (Catch that one, spell checker.) Both teams run pretty balanced offenses, so this game will come down to defense and who executes best. Baltimore’s numerous offensive weapons and hearty defense give them the edge in this one.        

My prediction: 27-24, Baltimore

No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia clinched their 3^rd seed in week 16, while Green Bay needed a win in Week 17 to get in. Both teams enter the playoffs with the spotlight on quarterbacks Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers, who have been roughed up recently. Vick comes into the playoffs after an MVP worthy year, but bruised and beaten in a Week 15 loss to Minnesota. Rodgers also enters just weeks after suffering a concussion, but recent performances show he’s back and ready to make a run for the NFC title. The Eagles carry one of the league’s most explosive offenses, sparked by WR DeSean Jackson, RB LeSean McCoy, and of course, QB Michael Vick. In my opinion, the only way Green Bay walks away with a win is if Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk continually hit Vick and keep him from making plays with his feet. Asante Samuel and Charles Woodson are proven defensive game changers. This one boils down to who capitalizes on turnovers late.

My prediction: 31-24, Philadelphia

But…when all is said and done, this has been a crazy year in the NFL. Late game heroics and huge blowouts have highlighted one of the most exciting seasons in recent NFL history. We’ll preview next week’s matchups and get into who needs what with the upcoming NFL Draft soon.

Quote of the Day:  “Making plays counts, but not as much as the people who make them.”