@nategrayzone Playoff Blog Series Part 1: Wild Card Weekend Picks
Wild Card Weekend
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Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers 8pm EST
@nategrayzone: Green
Bay 28 – Minnesota 18
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers were behind the
Chicago Bears who led the NFC North halfway through the season. Green Bay and
Minnesota managed to come out and represent the NFC North for the 2012 NFL
Playoffs.
Every football game is about momentum, but that will be a
huge factor in this game and it matters who gets off first to a hot start and
keep it rolling. Two players are the main factors for each team, Aaron Rodgers
(GB) and Adrian Peterson (MIN).
One of the main reasons I pick Green Bay over Minnesota is
because it will be that much more difficult for the Vikes to beat the Pack
again, right after their week 17 victory to secure the 6th seed playoff spot.
The pressure will be on both teams, but each one face a different kind of
pressure. Green Bay is fresh from the week 17 loss and Leslie Frazier's Vikings
have a confidence boost and have shown they are capable of beating the Packers.
Minnesota has some takeaways and learning points from that victory to prepare
for Green Bay in the Wild Card matchup. The Vikings primary weapon is Adrian
Peterson who will have all eyes on him from the Green Bay Packers defense. AP
has to play up to the expectations. Every player will be instrumental as
everyone needs to turn their game up a notch during the playoffs. If AP’s rush
is contained, that will pressure the Vikings passing game.
Green Bay will be focused and they do not want to lose
again. Green Bay Packers has the overall advantage in coaching, and playoff experience,
with a Vince Lombardi trophy. They also have a genius in quarterback Aaron
Rodgers.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans 4:30pm EST
@nategrayzone: CIN 24- HOU 20
Despite the Houston Texans high performance season, I didn’t
predict them to make it far through the postseason. This matchup features two improved teams than
they were when they met in the playoffs last year. Bengals quarterback Andy
Dalton makes me think about how Colts QB, Andrew Luck will be in his second
year. This can be that game Houston will lose in the postseason.
The Bengals
ended their year strong, winning seven of their last eight games. The Houston
Texans lost three of their final four games. The Texans have a solid offense,
and the Bengals have a defense that can reduce their offensive production. Running
back Arian Foster (HOU) will be a challenge for the Bengals run defense. The deciding
factor in this game will be J.J Watt and Texans disrupting the offensive schemes
and making it difficult for Andy Dalton. The Bengals air attack and defensive
breakthrough plays will win this wild card matchup.
@nategrayzone picks
foresees crucial interceptions by Houston Texans Matt Schaub that will
negatively impact his team. Follow @nategrayzone
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