NFL Playoffs - Sunday Preview
AFC Wild Card Game
Miami Dolphins (10-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) - Heinz Field
The Steelers will start as heavy favourites against the Dolphins in an AFC Wild Card game at Hienz Field on Sunday. The Dolphins upset the Steelers 30-15 earlier this season in a victory which kick started the Dolphins 6 games winning streak. Running back Jay Ajayi ran wild against the Steelers that day and with backup quarterback Matt Moore in action the Dolphins will need Ajayi at somewhere near his best again if they are to cause a big boilover. The Steelers have surged into the finals on the back of 7 straight victories to finish the regular season. With teams quarterbacks dropping like flies in the AFC, Big Ben and his side will fancy their chance of making a run in these playoffs.
Verdict - Steelers 33 Dolphins 17
I think the Steelers are morals in front of their home fans here. They are peaking at the right time and should simply have too many weapons for Miami.
NFC Wild Card Game
New York Giants (11-5) @ Green Bay Packers (10-6) - Lambeau Field
The Packers host the Giants in a high octane NFC Wild Card game in Green Bay on Sunday Night. The Packers looked to be out of the running at 4-6, however have surged into the playoffs off the back of 6 straight victories. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played himself right into NFL MVP calculations with a devastating final 6 weeks where he threw 18 touchdowns to 0 interceptions. The Giants are back in the playoffs for the first time in 4 seasons after winning 9 of their final 11 regular seasons games. Behind a defence playing at an elite level the Giants will be a dangerous team for anyone in the NFC. The last 2 times the Giants made the playoffs were as Wild Card's and they went on to win the Super Bowl on both occasions.
Verdict - Green Bay 23 New York 20
I think this is clearly the best game of the weekend. Expect the Giants defence to make Aaron Rodgers work a lot harder thence has for the last fee weeks. I like the momentum of the Packers though. They were my pre season tip to win it all so I will stick with them in a close one here.