Atlanta (-2) vs. Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals may have the best wide receiving core ever assembled. Fitzgerald, Breaston, and Boldin make up the most dangerous trio in years if not ever. The problem for the Cardinals lies in their inconsistent running game. The Cardinals are dead last in rushing yards per game at only 73 yards per game. The Falcons do not share the same problem. Michael Turner and the rest of the Falcons average 152 rushing yards per game, which is 2nd overall in the NFL. The surprising Falcons have been led by Michael Turner, rookie QB Matt Ryan, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White. The Cardinals are 16th in rushing defense and will need a fantastic performance to stop the Falcons rushing attack.
Prediction: Even in Arizona, the Falcons balanced attack will outlast the Cardinals one sided offense. Since the Falcons don't need to worry about the running attack, they will focus on Kurt Warner and be able to create pressure in the pocket. Expect the Falcons to play an overall solid game and defeat the Arizona Cardinals. Atlanta 31, Arizona 24.
Philadelphia(-3) vs. Minnesota
The Eagles against the Vikings may be the hardest matchup to judge in the entire playoffs. Either team can beat any team in the league, and lose to any team in the league (except the Lions). The Vikings struggled in both games against the Detroit Lions winning both games by a combined 6 points. The Eagles on the other hand tied the 4-11-1 Bengals. Both teams finished week 17 strong with huge wins. Both teams have future hall of fame running backs in Westbrook and Peterson. What both of these teams do not have is a consistent passing attack. The Eagles seem more explosive with McNabb, but Tavaris Jackson has looked solid over the last few weeks going 3-1.
The Arizona Cardinals may have the best wide receiving core ever assembled. Fitzgerald, Breaston, and Boldin make up the most dangerous trio in years if not ever. The problem for the Cardinals lies in their inconsistent running game. The Cardinals are dead last in rushing yards per game at only 73 yards per game. The Falcons do not share the same problem. Michael Turner and the rest of the Falcons average 152 rushing yards per game, which is 2nd overall in the NFL. The surprising Falcons have been led by Michael Turner, rookie QB Matt Ryan, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White. The Cardinals are 16th in rushing defense and will need a fantastic performance to stop the Falcons rushing attack.
Prediction: Even in Arizona, the Falcons balanced attack will outlast the Cardinals one sided offense. Since the Falcons don't need to worry about the running attack, they will focus on Kurt Warner and be able to create pressure in the pocket. Expect the Falcons to play an overall solid game and defeat the Arizona Cardinals. Atlanta 31, Arizona 24.
Philadelphia(-3) vs. Minnesota
The Eagles against the Vikings may be the hardest matchup to judge in the entire playoffs. Either team can beat any team in the league, and lose to any team in the league (except the Lions). The Vikings struggled in both games against the Detroit Lions winning both games by a combined 6 points. The Eagles on the other hand tied the 4-11-1 Bengals. Both teams finished week 17 strong with huge wins. Both teams have future hall of fame running backs in Westbrook and Peterson. What both of these teams do not have is a consistent passing attack. The Eagles seem more explosive with McNabb, but Tavaris Jackson has looked solid over the last few weeks going 3-1.
Comments
I was rooting pretty hard for my beloved Vikings, but I knew in the end it would be to no avail.
Comment 1 (of 1)
|
|