Atlanta at Arizona
The Cardinals have a potent passing attack, but while many feel their offense is superior to the Falcons, the Cardinals only averaged two points a game more than the Falcons. The fact is, that the Cardinals don't have much of a running game, while the Falcons have Michael Turner tearing up the league...and that will be the difference in this game. And while the Falcons gives up yards to opposing quarterbacks, so do the Cardinals. In fact, Arizona has the fifth worst defense in the NFL. That should bode well for Turner and rookie QB Matt Ryan. The Cardinals have a seasoned veteran in Kurt Warner at the helm, and the passing attack will score points, but so will Ryan and the Falcon offense.
Simply put, the Falcons have the better team. And for those who think a rookie QB can't lead his team to a victory, think back to when a young Big Ben led his Steelers to the Super Bowl. The Cardinals wilted down the stretch losing 4 of 6 games, while the Falcons finished the season winning 5 of 6. Momentum is with the Falcons, and they should win this game... even on the road.
Prediction: Falcons 34 Cardinals 30

Indy at San Diego
Both teams come into this game on a roll. This game appears to be a tight matchup based on talent and the Chargers having home field advantage, but two things favor the Colts: 1) The Colts are better on the road than the Chargers are at home 2) The Chargers give up an average of 350 yards/game to opposing QBs. And some of those opposing QBs included Russell, Edwards, Huard, and Thigpen. How will they contain Peyton Manning? Answer: They won't. And despite having Tomlinson, the Chargers running attack was pretty dreadful this season, while the Colts run defense was pretty good. This will be a high scoring affair, but the Colts should be able to throw all day on the porous Charger defense. One last note: The Chargers lost all five games against playoff teams this season.
Prediction: Colts 35 Chargers 28

Baltimore at MIami
Perhaps the most difficult game to predict, these two teams are evenly matched. Last year's 1-15 Dolphin team has to be dismissed at this point. That can't be factored into the equation. This is a good team. Chad Pennington has playoff experience which will help a young Dolphin team. The Ravens have an experienced playoff defense which will be tough to beat for Pennington. However, the Dolphin defense played well too. The Ravens attack revolves around their running game, and the Dolphins were up to the task, having stopped most opposing backs. Can Flacco lead this team to victory? This game may come down to the home field advantage, as both teams are evenly matched. Look for Miami to employ more creative offensive plays to try and counter the stout Raven defense. In the end, this game will come down to the QB play, and for that reason, Pennington and the Dolphins get the slight edge.
Prediction: Dolphins 20 Ravens 17

Philadelphia at Minnesota
Two teams that ended the regular season on a high note. Both teams are evenly matched despite two different styles of football. While the Vikings have Peterson, Brian Westbrook is equally talented, so the matchup at RB is almost a push. Philly has the playoff-tested QB in McNabb, while Tavaris Jackson is still a question mark. The Eagles WRs are as good as Berrian and company. Andy Reid even holds an edge over Brad Childress in the coaching department. Add all of this together, and you've got an Eagle victory on the road. Only an injury to McNabb or Westbrook will derail the hot Eagles. Look for dump passes to Westbrook all day long. The Vikings will be vulnerable to the short pass and screen. If the Eagles can jump out to a first half lead, Peterson (and the crowd) will be taken out of the game
Prediction: Eagles 33 Vikings 23



Court Adjourned!