NFL Wild Card Preview: Sunday Games

NFL Wild Card Preview: Sunday Games

These articles were written by Marshal Cummings, and posted by me (Billy Montoya.)

Seattle at Washington- Sun 2:30pm ET

Seattle and Russell Wilson head across the country to try and put the fire that is the Washington Redskins rushing offense out…….. of the playoffs that is. Russell Wilson continues to improve each week and over the last 17 weeks he has made leaps and bounds all the way into the post season. Although he is getting all the attention I believe this Seattle Defense is the story. The Seattle D has two giant corners who can really cover some ground. They seem to have more than 11 players on the field at times. These boys are not afraid of contact either. Ask Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers. Colin Kaepernick, the Niners second year quarterback, left his tight end out to dry and he took a punishing blow that put him out for the rest of that game and the next. Marshawn Lynch a.k.a Beast Mode has had quite the year. In fact he is the second leading rusher in the league. A steady dose of Beast mode should keep RGIII off the field and limit the opportunities the Redskins will have at making the jaw dropping plays that fans have grown accustomed to this season. All the things I have listed above seem to make Seattle the clear choice here. That’s why I’m picking Washington. I know what you are thinking Seattle is on a tear and dominated one of the most complete teams in the NFL two short weeks ago in those 49ers. However they have to make the long journey across this great country of ours. That is very taxing on a team, especially after a brutal 17 week season where the Seahawks have had some physical games. Washington should pound Alfred Morris and catch the Seahawks D creeping up with some play action. Look for RGIII to find Pierre Garcon and the rest of the Redskins receiving core to get some big plays on those talented corners I mentioned earlier. RGIII can throw the deep ball as good as anyone in recent memory. This I believe will be the key matchup of the game. RGIII against the Seattle secondary. If he can keep them honest, Alfred Morris should have success against a seven man front. These two will feed off each other for many years to come. Lookout NFL the Redskins have two rookies with some real staying power.

Prediction

Washington 24 Seattle 17

Player of the Game

Robert Griffin III

Indianapolis @ Baltimore

Does Luck finally run out in Baltimore? This game has two stories that should keep these teams motivated. Although Baltimore has hit a slump these past few weeks I believe they step it up for the most motivational player in NFL history. Ray Lewis has announced this will be his “final ride” as a Baltimore Raven. Colts Coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed earlier this season with Leukemia. The support that was shown for him around the league was just beautiful. In his own locker room players shaved their heads to show support. Heck even two cheerleaders shaved their heads to show the beloved coach how much he means to the organization. The better story is Pagano and the Colts. They lost arguably one of the best Quarterbacks in history and went from the worst record in the league to a playoff team. Unfortunately stories can’t win games. I believe Luck does indeed run out of magic and the Baltimore ravens send them home. Look for Ray Lewis to get the Ravens back on track and hold on tight because everyone in that city wants to send Ray Lew off into the sunset with another Ring. How will they do that you ask? Simple Ray Rice, Ray Rice, followed by hey diddle diddle Ray Rice up the middle. The Ravens could be championship contenders if they would just remember they have mighty mouse in the backfield. Joe Flacco one day may be in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in this league but Ray Rice already is a top five back in this league. Let Mighty Mouse take you to the promised land Baltimore. Everyone is sick and tired of hearing how Joe Flacco thinks he gets disrespected. Ray Lewis deserves more from this coaching staff than letting Joe throw him home with an early exit.

Prediction:
Indianapolis 10 Baltimore 27

Player of the Game:
Ray Rice