AFC North Preview and Predictions: Wild Card Weekend Style
By Mel Payne
December 30, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Orson Charles (80) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Saturday 4:30pm EST, NBC
Don’t pinch yourself Bengals fans, it is real: Another matchup with the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs. It’s like Groundhog Day, only Bill Murray isn’t involved and Cincinnati has bigger business to attend to.
The Texans started the season out strong, but has faltered in the end of the season. Their flaws have been exposed and they luckily for the Bengals, they will have every opportunity to prey upon them. Cincinnati’s pass rush has been phenomenal down the stretch and their ability to stop the run has been just as good.
Houston already struggles with the pass and Arian Foster is a big part of their game. This team will quickly become one-dimensional if the Bengals get the right equation of plays and players on the field. I am calling this one for the Bengals and not just because I am a fan. I honestly believe that they are going to pull this off.
Final Score: Cincinnati 23, Houston 21
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens – Sunday 1:00pm EST, CBS
We have all seen the end of the season. Andrew Luck has been putting on a show and finished the season strong. On the other hand, Baltimore has found themselves injury-laden and on the short end of the stick in most of their games.
Baltimore will play a tough game on Sunday. Ray Rice will shine against the Indy defense and Flacco will play a solid four quarters of playoff football. However, I think Andrew Luck will find away to pick apart the ravaged Raven’s defense. The Colts will go hard on the ground and through the air to get the win in Maryland.
Final Score: Indianapolis 23, Baltimore 17