Four Down Territory: Wild Card Weekend

Just in case you missed it, the playoffs have started. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything during wild card weekend. All four games were really bad and injuries didn’t make things better for next week.

Let’s start the drive.

1st Down: Stop saying that Odell‘s vacation led to the Giant’s demise. It didn’t. Yes, if you go to Miami a week before the playoffs then drop passes in said playoff game then you’re going to get scrutinized. There were many factors to the Giants taking an L on Sunday, though.

1. DRC being injured thus leading to the “NYPD” being open for shredding.
2. The shredder, Aaron Rodgers, proving why he’s the best doing it.
3. The Giants giving up a hail mary to end the half.
4. Randall Cobb morphing into Jerry Rice.
5. The Giants running into the Packers in the midst of a seven game winning streak.

If we’re going to chastise Odell for anything it should be for him and his mans out here wearing no shirts during warm-ups in the middle of a Wisconsin winter. We know you’re freezing, you aren’t fooling anyone.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/818171913965072385

2nd Down: One major disadvantage of a sixteen week season is injuries. They can happen at anytime but during the end of the year they’re more prevalent. If there’s any reason for this lackluster weekend of football it’d have to be because of attrition. Carr‘s broken leg, Tannehill‘s left knee, and Stafford‘s finger are just a few. To top it off this weekend is in jeopardy thanks to Roethlisberger‘s ankle and Jordy Nelson‘s ribs. I have no doubt that Big Ben will play but it looks like Nelson is going to sit the game out against Dallas. Injuries are part of the game but it’s awful that it’s starting to play a hand during the playoffs.

3rd Down: This weekend’s slate of games looks a lot more intriguing. Out of the many matchups the one that’s most interesting is the Steelers offense against the Chiefs defense. Kansas City is coming off a bye in which Justin Houston became healthy. Big Ben is on a bad wheel which probably points to a heavy dose of Bell, which the Steelers are fine with. If Ben is somewhat healthy then Antonio Brown against Marcus Peters and Eric Berry is must see TV. The weather at kickoff is supposed to be cold and icy, that plays well for a conservative Chiefs offense.

4th Down: Time for some predictions. I went 3-1 last week so hopefully my good fortune continues.

• Seattle vs. Atlanta (Saturday @ 4:35 on Fox) The first game takes us to Atlanta where the Seahawks and the Falcons square off. Out of the four games happening this one is the toughest to call. Atlanta has a spectacular offense but the Falcons have been known to drop an egg or two during the playoffs. I’m going to give Matty Ice some respect and say they win 24-21.
• Houston vs. New England (Saturday @ 8:15 on CBS) Can we send this game to London? Seriously, go do something else. Patriots win 31-10.
• Pittsburgh vs. Kansas City (Sunday @ 1:05 on NBC) As stated in third down this game is going to be one for the ages. Roethlisberger’s ankle will be the main storyline heading in but after the game we’re going to be talking about if this Kansas City secondary is one of the greatest of all time. The Chiefs win it 20-10.
• Green Bay vs. Dallas (Sunday @ 4:40 on Fox) Dak and Zeke will get their first taste of the playoffs against the hottest quarterback in the game. Dak will make some rookie mistakes but handing off to 21 will calm him down. Aaron Rodgers torches this defense but Dallas’ offense will keep him off the field. Dallas pulls out a close one and avenges their loss in Green Bay 27-24.

Extra Tidbits: The Texans would be stupid to cut JJ Watt and if that’s your take then you’re a fool. Don’t be shocked on Sunday when Troy Aikman starts gushing over the Cowboys during the broadcast. Fox really needs to keep him away from covering his former team, it’s hard to listen to.

Tweet Me: @mattgarrett41

As always, thanks for reading.

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