NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview

Before previewing the big Vikings/Eagles matchup that will cap off the NFC Wild Card playoff round, I would first like to give my "official" (meaning they are most likely completely wrong!) predictions for the other three wild card games:

Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers: Although Indy has been the hottest team in either league of late and the Bolts won their division with a very mediocre 8-8 record, I think that the Chargers will prevail on their home turf.  Talent-wise, both teams match up very equally, but the Chargers' defense is finally coming around and their offense (when they put their mind to it, which SHOULD happen in the playoffs) can be very dangerous.  If the Colts are going to succeed, it will have to be on the shoulders of Peyton Manning, as I really don't see Joseph Addai or Dominic Rhodes taking over the game.  Prediction: SD 34, IND 24

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins: I really don't know a whole lot about these teams besides the fact that they both have suffocating defenses and offenses that, while not breaking any records, can put up a few points.  The Dolphins have been surprising people all season, and I think that will continue on Sunday.  Prediction: MIA 21, BAL 17

Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals: To me, being an NFC guy, this is the matchup I know the most about.  Both teams have been putting up big point totals all year, while each defense can also be beat through the air.  While the Dirty Birds surged to make the playoffs, the Cards have stumbled into the promised land with a bunch of blowout losses after clinching the weakest division in football.  However, I'm going to give this game to the Red Birds, as I think the home field/turf advantage will do wonders in neutralizing the speedy WR threats (Roddy White and Michael Jenkins) of the Falcons.  I don't see the Cardinals going too deep into the playoffs, as their running game is almost completely inept, but I think they will "upset" the Falcons on Saturday.  Prediction: ARI 28, ATL 24