2008 NFL Playoff Picks

Well for all of us NFL fans the playoffs are finally here and things may have never been more unpredictable. This year has a few upstart teams, which can be hard to predict, but I will do my best. Here are my picks for the first week of the playoffs.

AFC

The wild card weekend in the AFC pits Indianapolis (-1) at San Diego. The Colts have been flying somewhat under the radar and have a nice winning streak going. The same can be said for the Chargers, but the Chargers have been playing some lesser competition, let's face it the AFC West was very weak and that's including Denver. I have to go with Colts in this game; they are the favorite (-1) on the road. The Chargers just haven't proved much to me by going 8-8. Take the Colts minus the point.

In the second AFC Wild Card Game you have Baltimore (-3) at Miami. Miami has had a great year and their offense has been reliable, but so has the Ravens defense. I just don't think Miami will be able to run on Baltimore and that will be their downfall. The Ravens won't need to score many points; I think their defense wins them this game, take the Ravens on the road.

NFC

In the NFC you have the upstart Atlanta Falcons (-2) at the Arizona Cardinals. Atlanta had a fantastic year in a very tough division. Matt Ryan has easily been the rookie of the year and may be up for the MVP trophy. On the other hand Arizona also had a very good year, but in a very bad division. Both teams can score points, this is Matt Ryan's first playoff game, so who do you pick? Personally I like the Falcons, this will be Matt Ryan's coming out party on a national stage and I don't think the Cardinals defense can stop Atlanta. Take the Falcon's minus the points.

In the other NFC game you have Philadelphia (-3) at Minnesota. The Eagles looked fantastic in their final game of the season vs. Dallas. However, with the Eagles you never know what team will show up. They look great one week and poor the next. The Vikings have played more consistent, but I don't think they stand a chance if the Eagles play well. The Vikings quarterback play has been average at best and if the Eagles keep playing like they did against Dallas well look New York the Eagles are on a roll. Take Philadelphia minus the points.