NFL Wild Card Playoff Predictions

Washington at Seattle
Line: Seahawks by 3
The Redskins march into the playoffs as one of the league's hottest teams, having won four straight down the stretch to get to this point, doing so improbably with backup QB Todd Collins managing the offense. A big key has been the running of a healthy Clinton Portis, who alone makes the Redskins a threat in the postseason. If the Skins can establish the ground game early, they should continue the winning formula they've adopted over the last four games. The key will be whether Springs and Smoot can contain the perimeter, which I think they can, and the Redskins will get it done. Redskins 20, Seahawks 17

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh
Line: Jaguars by 2.5
The rematch between these two ballclubs should have the same intensity as the first meeting, and a similar outcome is likely. Pittsburgh just has too many injuries, plus the Jags have been red-hot down the stretch, winning six of seven after a 5-3 start before dropping a meaningless last game against the Texans. Their offense in that stretch has been unstoppable and if they can establish the ground game the same way they did in the last meeting, it doesn't matter what the conditions are, the Jags will have success. Jaguars 27, Steelers 24

New York Giants at Tampa Bay
Line: Buccaneers by 3
At some point, Eli has to step up and win a playoff game. It took his brother a long time to meet those expectations. This seems like a good opportunity for the Giants as well. They play in relatively comfortable weather down in Tampa, where the Bucs will look a bit rusty after wrapping up their division fairly early. While their passing offense has been sturdy and they got surprising contributions in the running game from Earnest Graham, the playoffs are a different story, and unless their playmakers show up again, the G-Men could emerge victorious. If they can get an early lead against the Bucs, they'll get the running game going and the Giants will have a fun time pounding the ball against the Bucs' small defensive front. Giants 24, Buccaneers 21

Tennessee at San Diego
Line: Chargers by 10
I get a feeling the Titans will have that "Happy to be here" look on their face. They struggled beating the Colts' backups last week and struggled to beat a 4-12 Jets team at home the week before. San Diego, meanwhile, is red hot, having won six straight down the stretch to seal up the #3 seed. After two heartbreaking home losses in the playoffs in each of their previous two appearances, the Lightning Bolts will get it done this time around. They're just flat out too talented for the Titans to keep up. If the Titans can't run the football, and their running game has been hot and cold this year, they're toast, because they certainly don't have much of a passing game. Chargers 31, Titans 10

Week 17 vs Spread 11-5
Season vs Spread 130-121-9
Week 17 Straight up 14-2
Season Straight up 163-77