@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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