Nut-Cutler time Two days. Four games. The best of the best. Most times. Frankly, the AFC throughout is so stout, interesting and good. It makes me weep.
Despite the boring NFC, there's tons of rooting interest and amazing storylines that run circles around anything else going on.
To the games:
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Why Baltimore Could Win
Because it's a coin flip. This is a three-point game if there ever was one. One play here or there. A lucky bounce here or there. Plus, this is Joe Flacco's third rodeo. It's time for him to crap or get off the pot. What if this is Flacco's coming out party?
Why Pittsburgh Will Win
Because they just do. Because of those two rings on their fingers. Because the rapist Ben Roethlisberger has already had his "coming" out party and it's brought him success and two sexual assuault raps.
Pittsburgh 23, Baltimore 21
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Why Green Bay Could Win
Their defense is quick and athletic. Aaron Rodgers is really good. James Starks is a BEAST.
Why Atlanta Will Win
The wild card week does funny things to people. One good win by one team and a week off for another and we conveniently forget that the team with the bye earned that bye. We've forgotten that Atlanta handily won a division with three playoff-caliber teams in it. We've forgotten about Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez. The Falcons can win battles up front. We've also forgotten that the Packers are riddled with injuries and that James Jones is going to drop about four passes in this game.
Atlanta 24, Green Bay 17
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears
Why Seattle Could Win
If they get incredibly lucky and Matt Hasselbeck plays the game of his life for the second straight week.
Why Chicago Will Win
It's do or die time for a number of quarterbacks. I think this week could be a precursor to the fates of Rodgers, Flacco and Jay Cutler. Cutler's ability mirrors that of the fortunes of the Bears. I give the Seahawks credit for jumping up and biting the Saints in the ass. However, they don't have home-field advantage any longer and the difference between the Bears' defense and that of the Saints' is otherworldly. It'll be a whole new game for the Seahawks. Why no one has given the Bears credit is beyond me. You don't have to like them to realize you don't sleepwalk to 10 or more wins.
Chicago 33, Seattle 10
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Why New York Could Win
If Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson find room and turn this into a short, low-scoring game. If the Jets keep the Patriots to less than 23 points, they'll like their chances. Also, Tom Brady will need his worst-ever playoff performance.
Why New England Will Win
You don't tug on Superman's cape. Especially if you yourself have no superpowers. Tom Brady not having his worst-ever playoff game. That young, athletic defense. Those young pass catchers. And because the Jets barely beat a not-very-good, injury-riddled Indianapolis team. This doesn't bode well against a very-good, healthy New England team.
New England 35, New York 24
