NFL WILD CARD PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- The weekend is upon us and you know what that means, the NFL playoffs are here. We have four exciting matchups this week, 2 of them rematches from the regular season. It should be an exciting and enjoyable thing to watch.

#3 Indianapolis (12-4) vs. #6 Kansas City (9-7)
The Kansas City Chiefs needed a miracle in order to land a playoff birth, and they got one. Now they have a shot at the NFL's worst rushing defense, with the second leading rusher on their side (Larry Johnson). Johnson should get the ball 30-40 times in this game if the Chiefs expect to win. You better believe that Peyton Manning will be on his game because he is hungry for a championship. Kansas City's defense isn't exactly spectacular, giving up over 208 yards of passing per game. Manning should be able to exploit that and find Harrison and Wayne, and the Colts win despite a horrible defense.
Final Score: Colts 34 Chiefs 21

#4 New England (12-4) vs. #5 New York (10-6)
This will be the third time these two teams have met this season, splitting the season series. The Jets won the first time they visited Foxboro, but expect it to be much more difficult this time around. The Patriots are brilliant in the postseason, and they have the leg up in this matchup because of their offensive supremecy. The Jets just don't have the explosiveness necessary to win this game, but Chad Pennington and Eric Mangini have made a nice run.
Final Score: Patriots 27 Jets 13

#3 Philadelphia (10-6) vs. #6 New York (8-8)
Yet another 3rd meeting, once again these teams split the season series. The Giants have struggled recently, Eli Manning cannot seem to get it together. On the other side, the Eagles lost quarterback Donavon McNabb and everybody expected them to pack it in and give up. Veteran Jeff Garcia would not let that happen. He has strung together 5 wins in a row, bringing his team a division title. However, I expect the Giants to get it together on both sides of the ball and upset the Eagles in this one.
Final Score: Giants 31 Eagles 21

#4 Seattle (9-7) vs. #5 Dallas (9-7)
Even though both teams have the same record, this game shouldn't even be close. The Cowboys have a much better football team then do the Seahawks, and you better believe Bill Parcells will have his guys ready to play after they limped into the playoffs. Expect Tony Romo to get back on track and the Cowboys to knock off the defending NFC champs.
Final Score: Cowboys 31 Seahawks 14