NFL Playoff Picture

As the Browns, Bucs, Lions, Vikings, Texans, and Redskins look for a new coach, and as we continue to scratch our heads as to why Jerry Jones isn't changing things in Dallas, here is a look at my predictions for this weekend's Wild Card games.

AFC Wild Card: 

6 San Diego (9-7) @ 3 Cincinnati (11-5)

San Diego limped into the playoffs after a controversial call against the Chiefs, and the sting is still being felt in Pittsburgh (Sorry Ben, oh wait, nevermind). Cincinnati and Andy Dalton still have something to prove, despite their 11-win season. This game is going to come down to who makes the least mistakes at the QB position. Prediction: Bengals by 3

5 Kansas City (11-5) @ 4 Indianapolis (11-5)

Kansas City rested nearly all their starters on Sunday, and almost beat the Chargers. Jamaal Charles had a monster year, Alex Smith did a decent job under the direction of Andy Reid. Reid, who should get Coach of the Year consideration, led a turnaround of epic proportions. Indianapolis has been an enigma of a team this year. Losing Marvin Harrison was a challenge, but Andrew Luck has emerged as a good leader replacing the irreplaceable Peyton Manning. Indianapolis' success will lie on their defense. Playing at home makes this a closer game. Prediction: Chiefs by 7

NFC Wild Card:

6 New Orleans (11-5) @ 3 Philadelphia (10-6)

Playoffs and Drew Brees on the Saints go hand in hand like spaghetti and meatballs. No matter the recipe, you generally leave satisfied, with a good taste in your mouth. However, sometimes, there's not enough on the plate. Philadelphia beat Dallas to punch their ticket into the playoffs. Nick Foles is a serious threat who does not make many bad decisions. Can Chip Kelly and the Eagles survive the first round? Not this time.  Prediction: Saints by 4 (sorry for the previous typo of 14)

5 San Francisco (12-4) @ 4 Green Bay (8-7-1)

Can the Harbaugh/Kaepernick duo repeat themselves and make a magical run to the Super Bowl? The road to the Super Bowl must travel through Green Bay, and Aaron Rodgers & Company. As we saw against the Bears, Green Bay's defense is suspect. Eddie Lacy is nursing an ankle injury, and Superman Rodgers himself showed some signs of rust. San Franscisco can never be counted out, however. The outcome of this game will come down to ball protection and if Green Bay can get that one extra stop on defense. If their defense shows up, and Rodgers continues to improve, watch out. If not, San Francisco could escape with a "W"  at Lambeau. Prediction: Flip a Coin (It landed on "Heads", which goes to GB by 3)

Bears Season in (p)Review

Today's Bears loss was as frustrating as it was heartbreaking. Aaron Rodgers coming back for the Packers after a 7 week layoff in a winner-take-all tilt for the NFC North crown. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte and the NFL's #2 offense against Green Bay's suspect defense. A dogfight was expected. 

Yes, we saw Rodgers throw a 48 yard TD to Randall Cobb with roughly 38 seconds to go in a do-or-die 4th down situation. Yes, we saw Chris Conte blow coverage, yet again on that play. Yes, the Bears' rush defense is non-existent. 

There were some positive signs from the 2013 campaign:

-A regrouped Offensive Line led by two rookies gave better protection than in years past.

-Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall both having a Pro Bowl worthy year.

- The emergence of Alshon Jeffrey as a WR threat 

-Marc Trestman can only improve, right? A few controversial decisions, but he did ok in his first season.

-Robbie Gould is one of the best kickers in the league. Really happy that he extended his contract. 

Things to improve on:

- Defense: Chris Conte needs to go, rush defense needs to drastically improve, many unknowns going into next season.

-Special teams: Adam Podlesh was mostly ineffective as a punter. There has to be a better option there.  Devin Hester is past his prime, and the Bears do not need to spend all that money on a person whose sole job is to return kicks (and fumbles way too often). 

2014 Analysis:

Need to bolster defense, either through the draft or free agency. 

Is Cutler worth it for another year? What option do you have, especially if McCown is done as a Bear? 

Offense is going to still be a major threat to opponents, if they continue putting up the numbers they are capable of. 

My (way too early) prediction for 2014: 9-7, no playoffs if they don't win division