NFC Wild Card Weekend - Previews and Predictions

Saturday, 4:30 PM ET
Spread: Seattle by 3.5

Seahawks Offense vs Redskins Defense

• Seattle's identity on offense has shifted from a run first, rely on Shaun Alexander attack, to a pass oriented one. They must get a little creative in the rushing attack, perhaps running from some spread sets and that will allow them to be more balanced. The Redskins can thrive if they can force Seattle into a one-dimensional offense but while their secondary is good, they are still young and inexperienced. Look for some big plays in the passing game from Matt Hasselbeck.

Redskins Offense vs Seahawks Defense

• I like the look of the Redskins offense. They commit to the run with Clinton Portis and make big plays in the passing game when they are needed, which is the kind of effort you need when you are on the road in the playoffs. Seattle's defense has been great this year but their biggest challenge will be to account for Portis out of the backfield and not to get lulled to sleep in the running game and allow big passing plays. It will be a big advantage if the Seahawks can force turnovers like they have been doing recently.

Intangibles

• We all know what Washington has gone through. They are on an inspired run and its no fluke that they are in the playoffs. In the past four weeks they beat two of the competitors for the six-seed (Chicago & Minnesota) and two playoff teams (New York and Dallas). Seattle has a big advantage with the home field. If they can pounce on Washington early it could be a long afternoon for the Redskins.
  

Prediction

• I like Washington to get off to a good start, grab a lead and fend off a late surge from the home team in a tough battle. Redskins 20, Seahawks 17
  

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
Spread: Tampa Bay by 3

Giants Offense vs Buccaneers Defense

• The Giants biggest enemy are their own selves. When they aren't successful it's usually because they are dropping passes, turning the ball over or Eli Manning is tacking a 15 yard sack. The key for Tampa Bay will be to shut down the run. If they are having trouble, it will open up play action opportunities for New York, which they excel at. Also for the Bucs, look to disguise coverages on 3rd and long and hope to force some of those "Eli Manning" bad decisions.

Buccaneers offense vs Giants Defense

• This one is pretty simple, Tampa Bay must protect the passer. The Giants biggest strength is their pass rush and if they get going, they will be difficult to stop. The Bucs must run the ball effectively and Jeff Garcia can't get greedy. He may have to throw the check downs a lot but if it moves the chains, then no problem. If they do protect Garcia well, then look for him to attack a vulnerable Giants secondary.

Intangibles

• The Giants probably don't mind being on the road, where they have won seven straight. The question will for them will be, after their tough inspired play from last week, will they pick up right where they left off or will they be emotionally drained and come out sloppy? The advantage for the Bucs is Jeff Garcia. He's very familiar and has a good track record against the Giants. Is that just a trend or does he really have a leg up?

Prediction

• The Giants will play a very sound game and come out on top of a back and forth affair against the unknown Bucs. Giants 27, Buccaneers 20