When it comes to the NFC side of the playoffs I really wish none of these match-ups were happening. Eagles vs. Packers is a matchup I’d much rather see in later rounds as both teams have the potential to go deep in the playoffs. On the other hand, Saints vs. Seahawks features the first sub .500 team in the playoffs and I really wish that wasn’t happening, especially since they happen to be playing the defending Superbowl champs. Anyway, here’s the breakdown of these games:

New Orleans Saints vs. Seattle Seahawks

Usually I break down the individual matchups but I’m going to save time here: there’s no way the Seahawks beat the Saints. Despite the facts that the Saints are not as strong a teams as they were last year, they should be able to easily defeat a team that is ranked 28th offensively and 27th defensively. In fact, a quick Google search of the matchup reveals that the only reason people think that Seattle could win this game is because the last Superbowl winners to win a playoff game were the 2005 Patriots.

My Prediction: The Saints take this one and talks of a repeat title will begin. Final Score: 35-7.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Offense vs. Philadelphia Defense

Most people expect this game to be an offensive showdown and for once I’m inclined to agree. The Packers offense has been clicking despite the fact that they lack a quality running game. While their passing game is led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and is ranked 5th in league, their running game is ranked 24th in the league and alternates between competent and dreadful. The Eagles defense is filled with a bunch of no names yet have managed to stay competent. Can their defense oppose a high powered offensive team? That question is yet to be determined. Their defense is ranked 15th against the run and 14th against the pass with their defense being ranked 12th overall. Basically this matchup will come down to two squads that can either play great or dreadful. If Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jenning hit their stride and the running game is competent, the Packers could win this matchup. However if the Eagles defense steps up and makes the Packers work for their points, similar to how Chicago played last week, the Eagles could win this matchup. Because of these facts I’m calling this a tie.

Philadelphia Offense vs. Green Bay Defense

Michael Vick got his first significant playing time almost leading the Eagles to a comeback victory over the Packers after starting QB Kevin Kolb was knocked out of the game. Since that time Michael Vick has been up for MVP, DeSean Jackson has been phenomenal and Jeremy Maclin has been deadly all year. In addition LeSean McCoy has been explosive all season and can be tough for a defense to contain if they forget to plan for him. It’ll be interesting to watch the league’s #2 offense go up against the #5 defense. The Packers D has been great led by Clay Matthews. Add in BJ Raiji, AJ Hawk, and Charles Woodson and it’s a matchup that any football fan would love. The real difference could be momentum. The Packers have won their last two games to get into the playoffs. In addition they almost beat the Patriots without Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile the Eagles have lost their last two games and rumors have surfaced that Vick could be benched because he can’t recognize the blitz. Despite this I think the Eagles offense will click again in the playoffs and the Eagles offense will win this matchup.

My Prediction: This will be a close game but Vick will hit his stride and the Eagles will win in a close one. Final Score: 35-31