With the regular season over, the real season begins! It’s playoff on the NFL! This weekend is wild card weekend, and KAT is back with our predictions.

AFC

3)Houston Texans vs. (6)Cincinnati Bengals

The once unstoppable Houston Texas fell apart at the end of the season and slipped to a 12-4 record and the third seed. To the contrary, the Cincinnati Bengals sprinted to the finish line and secured their second straight playoff appearance. The Texans’ much maligned defense lost its edge down the stretch and that has many people running away from selecting them in this matchup. The Bengals have thrived on their pressure defense and the Andy Dalton to AJ Green connection. With that said, I think the Texans pull it together at home behind a big day from Arian Foster and narrowly defeat the Bengals.

Texans 28 Bengals 24

(4)Baltimore Ravens vs. (5)Indianapolis Colts

The battle of young vs. old. The 11-5 Colts are attempting to add another chapter to their inspirational season while the 10-6 Ravens are trying to keep that window ajar for a little longer. Behind possible Rookie of the Year Andrew Luck, the Colts are riding the emotional high of having their coach Chuck Pagano back. The Ravens now know this is the last run for their hall of fame linebacker Ray Lewis. Emotions will be running high in this game, I like the more experienced Ravens in this one.

Ravens 23 Colts 17

NFC

(3)Green Bay Packers vs. (6)Minnesota Vikings

Just a week ago the Vikings took out the Packers on a late field goal to finish with a 10-6 record and grab the final NFC playoff spot. The loss dropped the 11-5 Packers to the three seed and cost them a first round bye. Expect Lambeau Field to be its typical frozen tundra this Saturday as the Packers look to lean on their home-field advantage and the arm of Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings will turn to MVP candidate Adrian Peterson early and often. I don’t think that will be enough for the Vikings to beat the Packers in consecutive weeks, I like Green Bay at home in this matchup.

Packers 27 Vikings 20

(4)Washington Redskins vs. (5)Seattle Seahawks

In what I feel is the best matchup of the weekend, rookie sensation Robert Griffin III lead the 10-6 Redskins against fellow rookie sensation Russell Wilson and the 11-5 Seattle Seahawks. What both rookie quarterbacks have done for their teams this season is nothing short of amazing. Wilson benefits from a stellar defense while Griffin is aided by rookie back Alfred Morris and the run game. This is a tough one to pick, but I’ll take the Skins at home.

Redskins 23 Seahawks 21