The NFL playoffs begin this weekend and I must say, I am rather excited about it. Below are my picks for this fun filled Wild Card weekend!

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 games:

Indianapolis at San Diego
The Colts finished the regular season with a record of 12-4 and second within their division behind the Titans. San Diego finished with a record of 8-8 which was good enough to win the AFC West as they finished the season by winning their final 4 games. I like, want, and think the Colts will win this game on the road although I think it will be a close & exciting game.
My Pick: Indianapolis

Atlanta at Arizona
It was good to see both of these teams make the playoffs and have such great seasons. The Falcons finished the regular season with an 11-5 record and 2nd place finish in the NFC South. Arizona come in as division winners but finished the season with a 9-7 record and they only won 2 out of their final 5 games. This should also be an exciting game to watch, I like Atlanta to win this one as I think their running game behind Michael Turner & Jerious Norwood will be the difference maker. Arizona do not have much of a running game and if Atlanta can force Warner into making a few turnovers I see Matt Ryan playing mistake free and Atlanta winning the time of possession battle.
My Pick: Atlanta

Sunday, January 4th, 2009 games:

Baltimore at Miami
Baltimore come to Miami after finishing the regular season with a record of 11-5 and 2nd place finish in the AFC North. Miami had an enormously successful season after last years 1-15 season, they finished by winning the AFC East with an 11-5 record. I think Baltimore will win this game because they have a tough veteran defense that will have their way in this game. I will be surprised if Chad Pennington is able to do much and I think he will be under heavy pressure early in this game.
My Pick: Baltimore

Philadelphia at Minnesota
Philadelphia probably did not expect to be here a few weeks ago, but they were playing very well at the end of the season and finished with a record of 9-6-1 and 2nd in the NFC East. Minnesota had a good second half of the season finishing with a 10-6 record and winning the NFC North by a game over the Bears. I think more people will pick the Eagles to win this game, but I like Minnesota for two reasons, 1) they have one of the best run defenses in the league, even without Pat Williams and 2) Adrian Peterson.
My Pick: Minnesota

Week 1 – 8 correct and 7 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 2 – 9 correct and 6 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 3 – 9 correct and 7 incorrect. (16 games)
Week 4 – 5 correct and 8 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 5 – 9 correct and 5 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 6 – 8 correct and 6 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 7 – 10 correct and 4 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 8 – Did not make picks.
Week 9 – Did not make picks.
Week 10 – 13 correct and 1 incorrect. (14 games)
Week 11 – 11 correct and 4 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 12 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect. (15 games)
Week 13 – 7 correct and 6 incorrect. (13 games)
Week 14 – Did not make picks.
Week 15 – 10 correct and 5 incorrect (15 games)
Week 16 – 7 correct and 8 incorrect (15 games)
Week 17 – 10 correct and 6 incorrect (16 games)

My overall record after 17 weeks: 126-78