NFL: Biggest Questions For Wildcard Weekend

[RFlagg]

Looking at each game this weekend, here are what I perceive to be the biggest questions in each game this weekend.

Cincinatti @ Houston: Can Cincinnati contain the Houston ground game?
When these two teams played in week 14, the Bengals held Foster and Tate to a combined 108 yards on 23 carries. While a 108 yards may seem good, it is nowhere near what the Texans average each week. If the Bengals can go into Houston and contain both backs for a second time, they have a good chance to win the game.

Atlanta @ NY Giants: Can the Falcons secondary hold Eli in check?
The Falcons Pass D has had suspect moments this season, but overall has played well. Against 2 of the leagues leading passers this year (Stafford once and Brees twice), the Falcons D gave up an average of 270.7 yards passing, well below the average for those two. On the otherside, Eli had a breakout year as he nearly eclipsed the 5,000 yard mark as well. If the Falcons can contain Eli Manning, then they should make a game of this one.

Detroit @ New Orleans: Can the Lions pass rush get to Brees?
When the Lions played the Saints in week 13, the were without Suh. They only managed 2 sacks and Drew Brees torched them for 342 yards and 3 TDs. This week, Suh is back and if he can put some pressure on Brees, that may make a difference. Of course, have a few of the Saints holds called wouldn't hurt, see this picture:



Pittsburgh @ Denver: Can the Broncos find some more "Tebow Time" Magic?
In a word, no. Tim Tebow started 11 games for the Broncos this year, and they went 7-4. Good for them. The 4 losses? To Detroit, New England, Buffalo, and Kansas City. In fact, the only win over a playoff team that the Broncos had was way back in week 2, when Kyle Orton led the team to a 24-22 victory over the Bengals. There is no reason to think that Tebow will get the job done against the Steelers.

[The Don™]

I bet that didn't get called.

[Jimusmc]

(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:  

I bet that didn't get called.

yep, you know it.

[RFlagg]

(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:  

I bet that didn't get called.

I found that pick while reading a Yahoo article on the Lions/Saints game this week, and they used it while talking about Brees game vs them earlier this season. My immediate thought "That's a hold".

[BC32]

(01-04-2012 02:43 PM)The Don™ Wrote:  

That's not holding. He's making sure that lions player don't fly away.

[Jesus]

(01-04-2012 02:19 PM)RFlagg Wrote:  If the Falcons can contain Eli Manning, then they should make a game of this one.

Well as long as they can make a game of it.

Do you think the idea that the Falcons can't win this game is based on:
1. The Giants are a superior team.
2. The Giants are playing at home.
3. The Falcons have yet to win a playoff game with Ryan and Smith.
4. The Falcons have not lost to a team with a losing record in four years but the Giants lost to 3 this year, including the Redskins twice, which means the Falcons can't possibly beat Giants.

[RFlagg]

(01-04-2012 03:11 PM)Jesus Wrote:  Well as long as they can make a game of it.

Do you think the idea that the Falcons can't win this game is based on:
1. The Giants are a superior team.
2. The Giants are playing at home.
3. The Falcons have yet to win a playoff game with Ryan and Smith.
4. The Falcons have not lost to a team with a losing record in four years but the Giants lost to 3 this year, including the Redskins twice, which means the Falcons can't possibly beat Giants.

I wouldn't say it's any one thing. Playing outdoors on the road certainly hurts (the Falcons are 12-10 under Ryan in outdoor games, 31-9 indoors). The Giants pass rush could give our O-Line fits. The Giants as of late have improved at running the ball (right at 4 ypc the last 4 games). All things combine so I can see why Vegas would pick the Giants as the favorites.

That said, I am picking the Falcons to win.

[ATLBound]

Actually with the Giants at home on a 3 point win...they are essentially saying either we are even or the Falcons are a better team.

I cant remember which but the home team either gets a 3 pt or 7 pt advantage automatically

[Anomaly]

(01-04-2012 05:26 PM)ATLBound Wrote:  Actually with the Giants at home on a 3 point win...they are essentially saying either we are even or the Falcons are a better team.

I cant remember which but the home team either gets a 3 pt or 7 pt advantage automatically

Home field is usually worth 3 points.

[ATLBound]

(01-04-2012 05:35 PM)Va Falcon 88 Wrote:  Home field is usually worth 3 points.

Thanks...so basically Vegas is saying we don't really know who will win because these teams are so even so we will give the edge to the home team.