NFL Wildcard Playoffs: First Look

First, a little rant: why isn't the NFL web site the first one to have the wild card game times?  And why, even now (10 AM Monday) is it not the top line?  In fact, if you look at NFL.com, you can't even find the times!  Sad for an organization that prides itself on professionalism and fan-friendliness.

Now, about playoff picks: I start with this -- I just had a very bad week.  My two upset specials, the Lions and 'Boys, lost AND I missed the Colts, Panthers, and Vikings wins.  That's not a good week.

And I have no idea on Monday who wins the four games this weekend.

Game 1: Cincy @ Houston.  Cincy is the hot team here.  Texans have gone sour last couple weeks.  Does playing at home make up for that?  They seem the more talented team.  But...do you take Matt Schaub over Andy Dalton?  Do you know?

Game 2: Rematch of Sunday's thriller in Minneapolis.  Okay, first, since they split in regular season, there's none of that "it's hard to beat a good team three times in one season in the NFL."  Vikings are hot, having beaten back-to-back playoff teams and four straight games.  It might be 20 degrees with wind chill factors in Lambeau Saturday evening.  And there's Aaron Rodgers.  Pickin' against him, or the also great Adrian Peterson?

Game 3: Another "hot v. not" game, with hot Colts visiting dead-in-the-road Ravens.  Does Ray Lewis play enough to psych up that defense?  Will Andrew Luck, who led the league in INT's, going to play like the rookie he is in the big game?  Is their D good enough to keep Joe Flacco from winning a playoff game in his fifth consecutive year?  IDK.

Game 4: Redskins are hot and at home.  Seahawks might be best team in NFC.  No way 'Skins win if this is in Seattle, but it's not.  Rookie QB v. rookie QB. Skins version is clearly hurt.  Good D's.

You get the idea: if you are in confidence picks system, I got no confidence.  Remember, there's always one visiting team upset.  Given these games, it could be any of the four.  Good luck with that.

I'll follow up later in the week as more news comes out about injuries, conditions.