The NFL Playoffs begin this weekend with the Wild Card games. On Saturday January 5th, the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Houston Texans along with the Minnesota Vikings making the trip to Green Bay. On Sunday January 6th, the Indianapolis Colts square off with the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks battle the Washington Redskins.
Here’s a look into this weekend’s games.
Saturday
4:30 p.m. ET – Cincinnati @ Houston
A rematch of last year’s Wild Card game, the Bengals will take on the Houston Texans. The AFC South champions will hope to revitalize their once prolific offense. The Texans have struggled as of late to put up numbers. They will need their stars Arian Foster and Andre Johnson to come up big to make a run this post season. For the Bengals, their defense will need to bring the pressure for the team to have success.
8:00 p.m. ET – Minnesota @ Green Bay
Adrian Peterson has rushed for a total of 409 yards in two games this season against Green Bay. If Minnesota’s defense can stick to the Green Bay receivers, they just might come out of Lambeau with a playoff win. Green Bay will stick to what it does best, throw the ball and let Aaron Rodgers control the game.
Sunday
1:00 p.m. ET – Indianapolis @ Baltimore
Led by rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, the new-look Colts will look to spoil the Ravens season and keep their own inspirations soaring. The key to this game, for both teams, will be establishing the run. For the Ravens, Ray Rice is their playmaker. Getting the ball in his hands will undoubtedly lead to success. The Colts have the 4th worst rush defense in the league this season. For the Colts, taking the pressure off of their rookie quarterback can only help their cause.
4:30 p.m. ET – Seattle @ Washington
This game will slate two rookie quarterbacks against each other. The game also features two of the top rushers in the NFL this season in Marshawn Lynch and Alfred Morris. The key for both of these defenses will be to key in on the option style offense. Both of these quarterbacks have the ability to burn the defense with their arms and their legs but if the defense keys too much on them, the running backs can make you pay.
The weekend should be action packed with three rookie quarterbacks, two quarterbacks trying to make a name for themselves, and one proven MVP. We’ll see who will advance their legacy.
