NFC Divisional Playoff Preview

Just like last week's wild-card matchups we're going to break down and predict this week's divisional playoff matchups. First, the NFC...

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints (Saturday 4:30 PM)

Cardinals Offense vs. Saints Defense

The Cardinals offense was flawless last week against Green Bay, the number two ranked defense in football. Kurt Warner threw 5 TDs without Anquan Boldin. There is a chance that Boldin plays this weekend, but even if he doesn't I still expect the Cards to put up points. The Saints D had a chance to rest up and get some players healthy which should improve their pass rush which has disappeared towards the end of the season. Combined with the crowd noise in the Superdome, I expect there to be some turnovers generated. The Cardinals will still probably score between 24-30 points, but definitely not 51 like last week.

Cardinals Defense vs. Saints Offense

If this week's defensive performance is going to be anything like last week's, then expect Drew Brees to have a field day. Brees should be able to carve up this defense, especially with the Cardinals lack of a pass rush. Brees will have time to find open receivers downfield and make big plays.

Bottom Line

The Saints are fresh and have the best home field advantage in football. I don't think the Saints are as good as they were in the beginning of the season, but I think Arizona's defense presents a favorable matchup. It will definitely be high-scoring and has the potential to be the most exciting game of the weekend.

Prediction- Cardinals 28 Saints 35

Game 2- Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday 1:00 PM)

Cowboys Offense vs. Vikings Defense

As much as it pains me to say it, I like this matchup for the Cowboys offense. With the exception of the last game of the season against the Giants, the Vikings Defense has been torched the last month or so of the season. Jay Cutler looked like Peyton Manning in their week 16 matchup dropping 36 points on them. Also, they don't stop the run the way they used to, and speedy backs such as Felix Jones can give them fits. They will try to neutralize Jared Allen's pass rush with screens to Felix who has game-breaking ability. The Vikings pass defense is nothing special, so I expect Romo to connect downfield a couple times in this game.

Cowboys Defense vs. Vikings Offense

This will be the matchup of the day. Is there a hotter unit in the NFL right now than the Dallas defense? They shut down the Eagles high-flying attack in back-to-back weeks and I expect them to come at Favre early and often in this one. The Vikings O-Line has looked suspect late in the season, with Pro Bowler Bryant McKinnie getting benched at one point due to poor play. I expect the Ware/Ratliff/Spencer combo to attack Favre from all angles and for Peterson to have a quiet day. As great of a specimen Peterson is, he has only broken the 100-yard mark in THREE games this season. I don't see it happening against this stout front 7 for Dallas.

Bottom Line

The Vikings had a great last game of the season, but prior to that looked lost in many games. Favre is going to have to win this one by himself, but it won't be enough. This game is featuring two quarterbacks where everyone is waiting for them to do their Jekyll & Hyde routine and turn the ball over in bunches. I honestly don't see it happening for either player. I believe that plain and simple, the Dallas defense is playing too well right now to lose.

Prediction- Cowboys 24 Vikings 17