NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview

NY Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
Spread: Bengals, -2.5
o/u: 33.5
There is no possible way you should expect a repeat of last week's 37-0 Jets win. The Bengals will be playing the starters who rested because of injuries last week, and that alone changes the complection of this game. That being said, gametime conditions are expected to be very similar to last week. Expect a lot of running, with some passes thrown in, probably in the red zone. And the Jets are the better running team, and the better defensive team.
Pick: Jets 24 - Bengals 17

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys, -3.5
o/u: 45
The Cowboys have beaten the Eagles into submission twice this season, and there is no reason to think a third game will change that. Last week, with homefield in the first round on the line, the Eagles didn't even bother to show up. They actually had something to play for, and were shut out in Dallas. Now they have even more to play for, and they might show up a little. Dallas is the hottest team playing this weekend, and they look as good as they ever have. Will they win the Super Bowl? Probably not. They will win this weekend, though. As a result, Wade Phillips wins his first playoff game, and Andy Reid loses in the first round for the first time.
Pick: Cowboys 31 - Eagles 17

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Spread: Patriots, -3.5
o/u: 43
The Ravens almost ended the Pats undefeated season in 2007, and they almost won in New England in Week 4 this year. Now they want that win that they feel they deserve. The Ravens are almost the opposite of New England. They play hit you in the mouth defense and run the ball hard. The Pats have a flashy pass first offense with no run game that covers for a weak defense by scoring lots of points. Like most Ravens-Pats games, this one will probably be close. Despite what the experts keep saying, Julian Edelman is a perfect replacement for Wes Welker. It will be Ray Lewis that comes out on top though, with a big stop in the fourth quarter to seal a victory.
Pick: Ravens 28 - Patriots 24

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Spread: Pick 'Em
o/u: 47.5
On the one hand, the Pack won last week, 33-7. On the other hand, they did it against Matt Leinart, who threw 2 picks. Thanks to injuries suffered last week, though, the Cards could be without standouts Anquan Boldin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Both are hard blows to take. Those are also blows the Packers can exploit. Look for Aaron Rodgers to take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather and an offensive line that can finally protect him long enough for him to throw the ball.
Pick: Packers 38 - Cardinals 24