the wildcard prognostications

5 Falcons at 4 Cardinals: the Cardinals are reeling, having lost four of their last six. They beat one playoff team this year (Dolphins) in week two. They haven't beaten a team with a winning record since week six against the Cowboys. The Falcons, meanwhile, come in flying high, having won five of their last six, with three of those wins (Panthers, at Chargers, at Vikings) coming against divisional champs.

This game to me ultimately boils down to Matt Ryan. He's played extremely well so far this year, but will he choke on the sport's biggest stage? I say ... no. But he won't quite play well enough. at Cardinals 28, Falcons 25.

5 Colts at 4 Chargers: I am really looking forward to this matchup. The Colts have won 9 straight, and are arguably the hottest team in football. The Chargers have won 4 straight, and appear to be putting it together at the right time.

Colts v Chargers is almost always competitive. The Colts won on a last second Vinatieri field goal at San Diego earlier this year. The Chargers swept the Colts last year, winning a one point regular season game, then winning by four in the final game played at the RCA Dome. And three years ago, the Chargers ruined the Colts run at perfection, beating a 13-0 Indy team in Indy.

I'm glad NBC picked this one for prime time; it figures to be an instant classic. I truly believe the winner of this game will reach the Super Bowl. at Chargers 31, Colts 27.

6 Ravens at 3 Dolphins: I gotta be honest -- this game really does nothing for me. Both teams are nice stories, a tale of how you can go from loser to winner literally overnight in this league. I will be rooting for Miami, because my favorite player is now their quarterback (and it was so friggin awesome to see Chad go back to the Meadowlands and cram it down the Jets throat, good for him) ... but there's no way the Ravens lose this game. Their defense is just too good. Unless their flight fails to deliver them to Miami, I guess. Ravens 27, at Dolphins 13.

6 Eagles at 3 Vikings: should be another good wildcard round matchup. I honestly don't know who has the edge here. The Vikings defense is solid ... but its strength is stopping the run. And "Fat" Andy Reid isn't likely to run the ball much. The Eagles defense is also solid ... but the Vikings rushing attack can gouge anyone for 250 and 3 touchdowns. I suppose in the end, it comes down to coaching. "Fat" Andy Reid might be clueless at times, but Brad Childress is a certified idiot who has no business being a head coach at any level of football. Poor Vikings fans. First Mike Tice, now Brad Childress. Eagles 31, at Vikings 24.