Now that we have completed all but 1 meaningful college bowl game (featuring The Ohio State Buckeyes vs. the Oregon Ducks for the national championship on Jan 12), my focus has now shifted to working with team of experts here at NFL headquarters to provide you with the most insightful information as you prepare to make your WildCard Weekend game predictions.  With 2 games later today and 2 tomorrow afternoon, we have a full slate of interesting games to kickoff the quests for the HSBT.

Before we get into the meat of this post, a reminder that your picks for all 4 weekend games are to be submitted through our website by 4:00pm EST today.

#5 Arizona Cardinals (11-5) at #4 Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)
The Panthers are the first team in 4 years to make the playoffs with a losing record, but won their last 4 in convincing fashion.  On the other hand, Arizona will be taking the field with their #3 QB, who sports a 1-5 record in games he started this year.  The Carolina D is coming on strong, while the Cardinal D is reeling over the past 5 games.  Panther QB Cam Newton is finally healthy and playing like he’s back at Auburn, when he won a national championship.  A solid and very productive running game is helping immensely.  With 2 games to go in the regular season, Arizona had a lock on the #1 seed in the NFC, but has faltered behind the “leadership” of QB Ryan Lindley.

This one is looking like it will be a Carolina blue day for the Cardinals, as the Panthers steamroll their way to the next round.
Carolina 31, Arizona 13

Cardinal CB Patrick Peterson, arguably the most dangerous defensive back and return specialist in the league, has a pick-6 and punt return for a TD, as Arizona upsets the heavily favored Panthers on their home turf.  A repeat of the 2009 Divisional Round game in Charlotte.
Arizona 23, Carolina 21

#6 Baltimore Ravens (10-6) at #3 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
Just seems like the playoffs need to have the Steelers playing a home game for some reason.  The last time these 2 teams met each other in the playoffs (2011), it was a dandy, with the Steelers hanging on for a narrow 31-24 win in Pittsburgh.  This game features 2 bombers with Joe Flacco and Big Ben.  Look for a high-scoring affair, as both defensive backfields are less than stellar.  Add to this the loss of Pittsburgh RB Le’Veon Bell (40% of the Steeler offense the last 5 weeks), and the Steelers may toss it 50 times to a very capable corps of WR’s.  The Ravens have a more balanced attack, and their run D is stout.

Turnovers and field position will be the keys in this rainy affair, with the Terrible Towels making the difference.
Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 23

And just when we thought Joe Flacco could not pull out another big playoff win on the road, he does it again.
Ravens 26, Steelers 20

#5 Cincinnati Bungles (10-5-1) at #4 Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis is 0-5 in the playoffs.  ‘Nuff said.  Plus, QB Andy Dalton has a knack for putting up his worst efforts in the playoffs.  And even though the Colts have been very sloppy and highly inefficient the last 4 games, they have QB Andrew and that’s all the Luck they need this weekend.

Marvin Lewis goes 0-6.
Colts 30, Bagles 16

Andy Dalton puts up regular season numbers in a stunner.
Cincinnati 23, Indianapolis 21

#6 Detroit Lions (11-5) at #3 Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
“America’s Team” is back in the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.  The Lions have not won a playoff game in 58 years (where are Bobby Layne and Night Train Lane??).  The ‘Boys looked solid this year, behind RB DeMarco Murray.  QB Romo will try his best not to mess up and it will not be difficult if he can hand the ball off to the leagues’s leading rusher and hit a corp of receivers (Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten stand out).  They average over 40 points the past 4 weeks.  Meanwhile in Motown, it was a mixed year that failed to live up to expectations, even though they are in the playoffs.  Erratic play was the weekly headline, but they have won 4 of their last 5.  Never count out the Matthew Stafford to Megatron connection.  They will have to have a huge day.

“Northeast Texas’ Team” marches on.
Dallas 33, Detroit 17

Megatron grabs 14 balls for 204 yards and 3 TD’s, while Jerry Jones’ tears mess up the $200 per square yard carpet in his suite.
Lions 27, Cowboys 26

Reminder
Picks for all 4 weekend games are to be submitted by 4:00pm today.  Simply go to the website and click on the “Submit Picks” tab at the top.  Enjoy the games and see how you’re doing in real-time on our website available for participants in the “Standings” tab).  I will be at the controls with updated scores as they happen.  Best of luck to everyone (but more best of luck to 2015 Winner).

~~ The Commish