Pigskin Doctors NFC Playoff Preview Week One

For the first time in a non-strike season, we have an NFL team with a losing record advancing into the playoffs. The NFC West crown was happily grabbed up by the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks who will host the first game of the NFL Playoffs in a home match against New Orleans.

Thanks to a loophole in the NFL Playoff system, the Seahawks slipped into the postseason while Tampa (10-6) and NY Giants (10-6) will be watching the games at home.  While it might not seem fair that the best teams during the season don’t make the playoffs, those are the rules and we’re stuck with them for now.

Let’s take a look at the two NFC Wildcard Playoff games slated for this weekend.

New Orleans at Seattle, Sat. 4:30 pm NBC

Drew Brees threw for 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns, but had a sad 22 INTs this year. His 448 completions were in 2nd place overall and only 2 behind that dude named Peyton.

The two teams met in November and Brees tossed 4 TDs and 2 INTs as the Saints rolled over the ‘Hawks 34-19. Overall, the Saints are the defending Super Bowl Champs and that still carries a bit of weight while the ‘Hawks had a losing season and lost 7 of their last 9 games. Even with the game in Seattle and the possibility of rainy weather,  I look for the Saints to come out slinging the ball early as Seattle tries to figure out what hit them.

On the plus side, Pete Carroll may start Charlie “I’m A Lumberjack, and I’m OK” Whitehurst for his first playoff game as Matt Hasselbeck is still battling injuries and old age.  Neither QB gives this anemic offense much chance but Hasselbeck has the veteran edge. If Carroll is looking at Chuckin’ Charlie as the future QB, this would be a great chance to giving him some experience.

Our Prediction : Saints 28, Seahawks 6

Green Bay at Philadelphia, Sun 4:30 FOX

Another rematch here as the Pack visit the Eagles again. The two teams met the first week of the season and the Pack won 27-20 but inadvertently gave the Eagles a boost when they did this to Kevin Kolb. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews obliterated Kolb which set into motion the return of Michael Vick.

The Eagles are sticking with Vick for now and it looks like Aaron Rodgers is back to normal play after his concussion.  The matchup of Charles Woodson on DeSean Jackson coupled with Clay Matthews stalking Michael Vick will have me glued to the TV, guaranteed.

But I have to give a slight edge to the Packers.  Aaron Rodgers came close in the playoffs before but lacks the wins in the postseason to be considered one of the elites.  The Eagles are an explosive team but a little voice inside says to look out for Rodgers.  He very well may be the difference maker in this game.

Pigskin Prediction : Pack 24, Eagles 21