Both of these teams got to this game in unexpected ways. The Houston Texans have been plagued by injuries all season, but managed to overcome it and earned their first playoff berth in franchise history. At quarterback, the Texans have been relying on third-string rookie T.J. Yates. Yates was injured last week, but the team says he will be ready to play. The Cincinnati Bengals went through an offensive makeover when they let wide receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens leave and traded away quarterback Carson Palmer. This meant that the Bengals too turned to a rookie quarterback, theirs being Andy Dalton. Dalton has done a good job and especially likes to get the ball to fellow rookie A.J. Green. Both teams' defenses are much improved and have helped to carry their teams at times this season. The trendy pick here is the Bengals, but I like the Texans to win. This is primarily because they have the two best players on the field in wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster. While Foster didn't quite live up to the monster year he put up last year, I think he'll be the difference in this one. Prediction: Texans 20 Bengals 16
Detroit Lions (10-6) @ New Orleans Saints (13-3) - Saturday, 8:00 PM EST, NBC
Just like the previous game, this is a rematch from the regular season, a game the Saints won by two touchdowns. The New Orleans Saints had another season of offensive dominance with Drew Brees wreaking havoc and setting records all over the field. Brees and company put together yet another excellent regular season. However, the Saints don't want a playoff repeat of last year, when they were upset by the Seattle Seahawks. On the other side of the ball, head coach Jim Schwartz has done a marvelous job transforming the Detroit Lions from a 0-16 team in 2008 to a ten-win playoff team in 2011. The main reasons include an improved defense and impressive offensive displays by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Just like Brees, Stafford threw for over 5,000 passing yards. Johnson is a nightmare matchup for any secondary. The Lions are whining (something they excel at) that they are not getting the respect they deserve. They are probably right, but I think the Saints will dominate the Superdome once again. Prediction: Saints 41 Lions 27
Atlanta Falcons (10-6) @ New York Giants (9-7) - Sunday, 1:00 PM EST, FOX
These teams are both thinking about history, but in opposite ways. The Atlanta Falcons have seen the last two seasons end in opening losses in the playoffs. On the other hand, the New York Giants are trying to draw comparisons to their Super Bowl winning run of 2007. Here's my problem with this: none of it matters. However, if the players let it matter and it gets in their heads, then it certainly could. There is no denying the mental edge in sports. The Atlanta Falcons put together a solid season, but were never capable of coming up with a big win over a top team. Quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, and wide receiver Roddy White still lead the way on offense, but the new threat is rookie wideout Julio Jones. Everyone, myself included, thought the Giants were going to have another meltdown and miss the playoffs, but in two must-win games the last two weeks, the Giants got it done. Quarterback Eli Manning and many of the mainstays are the same, but the Giants saw some of their youth step up big this season. On offense, Victor Cruz has become Manning's new favorite target. On defense, Jason Pierre-Paul had a breakout season that earned him a spot on the All-Pro team. Prediction: Giants 31 Falcons 17
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) @ Denver Broncos (8-8) - Sunday, 4:30 PM EST, CBS
Everyone is considered about the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive injury woes, with losing running back Rashard Mendenhall for the entire playoffs and quarterback Ben Roethisberger nursing a severe ankle sprain. However, being a Steelers fan myself, I would say that the team isn't giving it much thought. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his players are focused on how they are going to win this football game. The Denver Broncos and quarterback Tim Tebow are the favorite topic of discussion for the media. Everyone has an opinion, and they are convinced they're right. While I do have an opinion, I will avail you of listening to that. What I will tell you is the facts. The Broncos have backed into the playoffs on a three game losing streak. In those games, Tebow has played poorly. For them to have any chance, he is going to have to play well against what is a tough Steelers defense. While it probably won't be a pretty game, I think the Steelers will do enough to win and live to play another day. Prediction: Steelers 20 Broncos 3
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