The Ravens downed the Steelers and the Panthers went past an historically bad Cardinals yesterday and we have two more games in this wildcard weekend.
Sunday- Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts - Sky Sports 2- 6.05 PM
The Bengals make their fourth consecutive appearance in the play-offs but they and especially QB Andy Dalton have a lot to prove at this level.
The main criticism of this team has been their inability to perform in the playoffs or “primetime” games. It’s hard to figure out where the team stands, a great win over the Broncos a fortnight ago was overshadowed by a loss to the Steelers, where the Bengals flattered to deceive again.
They are supremely talented, with superb players defensively and offensively but star receiver AJ Green’s late withdrawal due to a concussion is a big blow to their offense. Green’s presence would have given Dalton a superb target, and also aided other receivers such as Mohamed Sanu. Their defence is solid and having picked off Peyton Manning three times a couple of weeks ago, they should be high in confidence. These two teams met earlier in the year and the Bengals didn’t register a point, in a twenty seven point loss. It’s unlikely to remain the same this time around.
The Colts are fortunate to play in a weakened division, they have struggled against some of the better teams this season, losing to the Patriots and the Broncos not to mention being destroyed 42-7 by the Cowboys.
The Colts defence is not great, at its best it is only slightly above average. They do have some solid players in Vontae Davis, and Corey Redding but there are a number of glaring weaknesses to be found in the safety and linebacker spots.
In their previous match against the Bengals, the Colts were relentless, sacking Dalton four times and surrendering a mere 135 yards of total offense. The Bengals have certainly improved offensively since then, with the running back tandem of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard in particular looking menacing. As the Bengals are now more run-oriented they will approach the game differently. The rookie, Hill had a great December, he scored three TDs and put up 395 rushing yards in his final three games. He will be key to the game on Sunday.
The Colts on the on the other hand have little running game to speak of, and will rely heavily on their young star Andrew Luck. Luck has had a rough time in the playoffs in years gone by. He managed a superb comeback win against the Chiefs last season but inaccurate throws and poor decision making from him were a key reason the Colts found themselves in a hole to begin with. He is tremendously talented, but can at times be a bit too aggressive in his decisions.
TY Hilton is Luck’s best receiver and his speed is a threat for any defence. The Colts have some weapons, and can put up points against pretty much any team. This game is certainly tight to call, it is clear that Luck is by far the better QB, but it is after all a team game. One wonders if Dalton can finally win that playoff game and help justify the new contract he received at the start of the year. If Dalton struggles in the playoffs again, he may only have another year or two as the Bengals starter.
The Line: Colts -6. Balls.ie Pick; Bengals cover
Sunday - Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys- Sky Sports 2 - 9.40 PM
To wrap up wildcard weekend, we have what should be the best game. The Dallas Cowboys finally got some help around Tony Romo. The offensive line finished its rebuilding project with the selection of Zach Martin in the first round (Owner/GM Jerry Jones was overruled, he wanted Johnny Football, ESPN might have spontaneously combusted had that happened) He and Dallas have had a stellar season, Romo has put up MVP like numbers while DeMarco Murray broke a franchise record for rushing yards.
The Cowboys offense is capable of putting points on any team, and they have illustrated that this season winning all of their away games, most notably in Seattle. Their offensive line is the best in the NFL, Romo has time to pick apart defences, he sees the field brilliantly and with a receiver like Dez Bryant finding an available target is never too difficult.
But as in years gone by, the Cowboys defence is still vulnerable, that old adage about the best defence being a good attack could not be truer for the Cowboys. This offense has kept the defence off the field and limited the opportunities for the opposition.
The Lions are defined in many ways by their defence. Ndamukong Suh best encapsulates the bad boy persona of the Lions D and only plays tonight having won an appeal against suspension having stamped on Aaron Rodgers’ leg last Sunday.
Dominic Raiola was also suspended for stepping on a Chicago Bears player two weeks ago (his 6th violation since 2010) and it’s an understatement to say this D plays on the edge.
Their defensive backs have improved, with some solid performances out of Darius Slay and Glover Quin in particular. Not forgetting DeAndre Levy, he doesn’t attract the attention of other linebackers, but Levy has been one of the best in the game the past two years. On offense, they have struggled somewhat, Calvin Johnson missed some games, and his yardage numbers decreased but he is still a top receiver.
With their talent, the team should probably be better offensively. Matthew Stafford is one of the higher paid QBs in the league, but hasn’t taken that next step that he looked capable of making in 2011.He has got some decent weapons, the offensive line has been below par, but Stafford needs to elevate his game. This should be a close contest, I think the Cowboys will win out, but don’t be surprised to see the Lions sneak it.
The Line: Cowboys -7; Balls.ie Pick- Lions to cover
