AFC wild-card round
| SATURDAY, JAN. 8 | ||
 | Lucas Oil Stadium, 8 p.m. ET, NBC |  |
| SUNDAY, JAN. 9 | ||
 | Arrowhead Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS |  |
Jets vs Colts
Even though the Colts have home-field advantage in this matchup and are technically the higher seed, if the Colts win I feel like that's the upset! Peyton and bunch have basically been in the playoffs since week 13 (when they were 6-6) fighting for life just to make the second season. Many people are saying this is an off year for the great Peyton Manning (interceptions, dropoff in wins), but considering the injuries and number of players making their NFL debut this season, this may have been Manning's BEST year in just keeping the team intact, as division winners, and hosting a first round game.
But their opponent are the Jets. HBO's Hard Knock Jets. The same self-annointed/proclaimed Jets led by their fearless coach, Rex Ryan. I like the way Rex called Peyton out and aired Brady out this week, but I fear they may have fueled and motivated the Colts. They always say "Don't make checks your ass can't cash"; well there must be a lot of gwop in that Jets locker-room, and I'm a Rex Ryan believer. LT's rejuvenated season kind of teetered off, Sanchez is coming off injury, and the secondary looks more vulnerable then ever. With that said I'm going with the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets in a fairly one-sided decision.
JETS 27 Colts 17
Ravens vs Chiefs
The KC Chiefs had a great regular season and should be commended. They came out of nowhere and sustained consistency despite having a no non-sense formula. What was that formula? A solid defense with an old school, traditional, smash-mouth football running offense.
Jamal Charles (on my fantasy team this year) finished second in the league in rushing yards this year despite not even starting for his own team! The starter, Thomas Jones, maybe a better fit for this kind of game against the Ravens. Baltimores dee isn't quite as dominant as in yesteryear, but they instill fear and intimidation behind their heart and soul Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed and DL Haloti Ngota.
In some NFL stadiums, the crowd can really affect the opponent and the games outcome (ie Seattle and their "12th" man). Arrowhead Stadium in KC is one of those type stadiums, but I don't think that'll be enough to derail Baltimore. QB Matt Cassell is still fairly fresh off an apendectomy and if he doesn't play well, that trickles down to the rest of the team. I don't think it's going to be a blowout, but the Ravens will find a way to pull it out and render the Chiefs to say "Nevermore."
RAVENS 24 Chiefs 20
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