@nategrayzone Wild Card Sunday Picks: Ravens and Redskins
Wild Card Sunday
Facebook: Nate Gray Zone
Seattle Seahawks at
Washington Redskins 4:30PM EST
From Washington to Washington, east to west coast, the Seattle
Seahawks travel to meet the Washington Redskins for the wild card round. Another
bout of two rookie quarterbacks in the playoffs, Russell Wilson (SEA) and
Robert Griffin III (WAS).
Although RG3 is not one hundred percent healthy, he will
have an outstanding playoff debut. The Redskins also have a complete second
string quarterback in rookie Kirk Cousins who will get the job done when
needed. Seattle are also solid at the QB with Russell Wilson.
The Redskins have an effective running game in Alfred Morris (4.6 yards
per carry), who ranks close with Marshawn Lynch (5.0 yards per carry) Remember,
mid-point through the season, Lynch, led the NFL with most yards after contact.
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have a unique fire that keeps them in the winning
business. That will be a huge factor in this game for them and they have the
right personnel with a desire to win.
The Redskins led the NFL in rushing yards for the 2012
season (169.1 ypg). Seattle ranked number 3 behind them (161.2 ypg). Both of
these teams have a huge running impact. According to the numbers, Seahawks run
defense is number 10, while Washington is in the better half amongst them at 5.
Slowing the run game and quarterback will be the winner in this game. This will
be decided by defense execution and coaching advantages.
It will be a close knit tight game and it will come down to
that one right call, right play, at the right time with perfect execution. Seattle
has a better D-line and cornerbacks than Washington, but the Redskins will
measure up today and both defenses will match evenly. It will be all about that
major defensive stop and come down to the wire. It seems to shape up to a final
drive game; the team with final possession, and how they execute. RG3 is that
guy to get this done and Redskins can win.
@nategrayzone Picks: Washington
Redskins 27 – Seattle Seahawks 24
Indianapolis Colts at
Baltimore Ravens 1:00PM EST
@nategrayzone Special note: Best wishes to the Colts OC,
Bruce Arians……
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has started in 5
playoff seasons since beginning his NFL season of five years. Based on his
experience, the presence of Ray Lewis, and running back advantage in Ray Rice,
Baltimore will win this game. Baltimore is not the defensive threat they once
were, but they still have a solid defense and it is one that is respected. Ray Lewis
is the honorary most respected linebacker in the NFL today. You can look
forward to more on Ray Lewis on his impact in football and retirement coming
soon at my blog, Nate Gray Zone.
The Indianapolis Colts has had a great season despite their
ups and downs with health issues. Their rookie quarterback Andrew Luck
continued to improve for the better each week. He has set his own NFL record
for rookie quarterbacks and has led his Colts team into the playoffs. This will
be a great learning experience for the rookie Luck and his teammates. They will
only get stronger and better for the next season. The Colts match up squarely
and fairly with the Ravens offensively, but the Ravens have the QB and defense
advantage that will pull them through this game.
Follow @nategrayzone
@nategrayzone Picks Ravens 30 – Colts 13
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