SportsFullCircle

Considering I haven’t written much lately, I figured this was a great opportunity for me to get my thoughts out on the first round playoff matchups.

Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals:

I’ll take the Cardinals to win here. They have a proven quarterback who has won everything from Super Bowls to MVPs, going against a rookie quarterback. Rookies never seem to fare well in the playoffs (just look at Ben Roethlisberger who beat the Jets only because of two missed Doug Brien field goals and Shaun King who barely won his first round matchup). I think the Falcon defense will not be able to stop Arizona’s downfield passing game, and will have lots of trouble stopping all the weapons at wideout that the Cards possess. I expect Matt Ryan to struggle on this big stage, forcing the Falcons to rely mightily on Michael Turner. The Cards will key in on the running game and will be able to contain Turner to an extent. Without Turner having a huge day, I can’t see the Cardinals having a chance. Final Score: Atlanta 13 Cardinals 24

Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers

This one will be close in score because of Indy’s style of play, but the Colts will be in control from beginning to end. The Colts will use all the time possible on offense, keeping their defense off the field. The Chargers who could be missing LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates generally play the Colts well, but the Colts are on a roll winning 9 straight and the Chargers backed into the playoffs and only got in because of their extreme luck. The Chargers have proven time and again this year that they are an awful team, almost squandering a game to Kansas City and generally playing bad against good teams. Final Score: Indianapolis 23 San Diego 17

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins

The Ravens have proven that they belong in the playoffs, despite what many expected. Their rookie coach and quarterback come into this game together, but I expect them to pull through like they did when they beat the Dolphins earlier in the season. The Ravens will win because the ball will be taken out of Flacco’s hands, and will be given to Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain who will run over the Dolphins defense. I think this game could go either way, but I expect the Ravens defense will ball hawk like they normally do, and force Chad Pennington into mistakes that he seldom makes. Final Score: Baltimore 20 Miami 13

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings will win this game at the hands of Adrian Peterson. He is an unstoppable force, and will single-handedly win this game for the Vikings. Peterson’s running will lead the defense to key off of Tarvaris Jackson, who will rarely throw the ball, but will do so mainly on designed roll outs on which he feels very comfortable. Many people are picking the Eagles because of their great game against the Cowboys. However, I think this is short-sighted considering it is apparent the Cowboys suck. Also, the Eagles only scored 3 points against the Redskins; total. The Eagles will have trouble scoring in this game, but McNabb and Reid may have bought themselves one more year together because of their playoff push. Philadelphia 10 Minnesota 16