Wildcard weekend, part 1

This weekend will see three matchups of teams which wrapped up week 17 against each other. Jets vs Bengals, Eagles vs Cowboys and Packers vs Cardinals. I believe that might just be an NFL record.

Saturday 4:30 NBC
Jets vs Bengals

Yes, I know the Jets blew the Bengals away last weekend, but they played the last game (8:30pm) of the regular season and Cincy had nothing to play for. The Bengals have been drifting aimlessly the last few weeks of the season while the team tries to deal with some tragic issues.
The Jets come into this game with the league's top rated defense and a strong running game. Thomas Jones has been an ageless wonder this season. New York is a 2.5 point underdog and the over/under is 34 points. Gametime conditions are really not that bad considering the frigid weather gripping the Nation. No repeat of the Bengals-Chargers January playoff game of 1981 where the windchill was -59 degrees. Actually, the temperature at kickoff in Cincinnati will be warmer than the temperature in Tallahassee Florida. Must be Global warming.....

I expect Darrell Revis to continue his mastery as the best shutdown corner in the league, with Chad Ochocinco being a non factor in the game. Carson Palmer passes for less than 220 yards, Ochocinco ends up with 5 catches for 42 yards, Cedric Benson has 22 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. For the Jets, Sanchez will wind up with 140 yards passing, Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene wind up rushing for a combined 34 carries and 178 yards and 3 scores.

Jets 24 Bengals 16


Sunday 8:30pm NBC
Eagles vs. Cowboys

Eagles coach Andy Reid is one of the better coaches in the league when it comes to matching up players. Last week, with the NFC East division crown on the line, Dallas coach Wade Phillips pulled out all the stops to win that game and possibly save his coaching career. The Cowboys were up 17-0 at halftime, and I believe Coach Reid pulled in the game plan and positioned his team for the rematch this week in Dallas. Dallas is giving 3.5 points and the over/under is 45 points.

These teams know each other inside and out. As division rivals they meet twice a year, and I expect there will be a new wrinkle or two out of the Eagles tonight. It is difficult to beat the same team three times in one year. I expect the Eagles to put together a blitz package which will frustrate Tony Romo. While Miles Austin will get loose for 8 receptions for 120 yards and 2 scores, I expect DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to combine for 14 catches and 215 yards and 3 scores.

Eagles 31 Dallas 26