Sunday, 1
Baltimore -3 @ Kansas City
Baltimore enters the playoffs as a wild card for the 3rd consecutive year. Their previous 2 trips resulted in victories at Miami and New England on the opening playoff weekend. This year they will go to Kansas City where Joe Flacco will look to become the first QB to win a road playoff game in his first 3 seasons in the history of the league. The upstart Chiefs carry a 7-1 home record into the game, with their lone home loss coming a week ago in a beatdown the Raiders laid on them. This is an intriguing matchup of the league's top rushing offense in the Chiefs versus a stout Ravens defense. I liked the Ravens to win the AFC at the beginning of the season, and though they may not be the favorite by entering the playoffs as wild card, I see no reason they can't beat the Chiefs who only beat one team with a winning record all season. The Chiefs have enjoyed an amazing season and have a bright future to look forward to. Their 2010 season comes to a close on Sunday though.
Prediction - Baltimore 20 Kansas City 16
Sunday, 4
Green Bay +2.5 @ Philadelphia
I believe this game will be the best of the opening weekend matchups. The 2 teams began the season against each other way back in September. One of these teams will end the season versus the same team it began against. In Week 1 Green Bay squeaked out a 27-20 win in Philly. Michael Vick came in off the bench to lead a ferocious Eagle comeback before coming up just short. Vick will be on the field from the opening snap this time around. Look for the Packers to test that quad injury and blitz him from all angles. Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson will be sent numerous times throughout the game. The Packers will counter Vick with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has risen up the QB ranks since taking over In Green Bay and is now widely considered 1 of the top 5 in the league. Rodgers has never won a playoff game though. The Packers are winners of their last 2 games, while the Eagles lost their last 2. But I can't in good conscience pick all 4 road teams. Give me the Eagles on a late David Akers field goal.
Prediction - Philadelphia 23 Green Bay 20
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