2015 NFL Wild Card Predictions

Here are my picks for Wild Card weekend of the 2015 NFL Playoffs.

Saturday, January 3rd
(N5) Arizona Cardinals (11-5) vs (N4) Carolina Panthers (7-8-1)- This is probably the worst game of the four this weekend considering Carolina is in the dreadful NFC South and that Arizona is on their third-string quarterback. Both teams strengths are their defenses so expect a low scoring game here. Carolina, winners of four straight games have home field advantage here so I believe that helps them win here in the Wild Card round over a banged up Arizona squad.
Prediction: Carolina 20, Arizona 16.

(A6) Baltimore Ravens (10-6) vs (A3) Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)- Argubaby the best rivalry in the league, these division rivals will face off for the third time this season, but this time in the playoffs. Pittsburgh will be missing running back Le'Veon Bell because of a knee injury. I would not be surprised if Baltimore pulls off the upset because they typically rise to the occasion in big games, especially against Pittsburgh. Ben Rothlisberger has been playing great lately and he will take advantage of Baltimore's weak secondary en route to a Pittsburgh victory here at home.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, Baltimore 24.

Sunday January 4th
(A5) Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1) vs (A4) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)- These two teams met in the regular season in which Indianapolis shut out Cincinnati. Both of these teams can be vulnerable at times, so this was a tough game to pick. Andy Dalton is 0-3 in career playoff games with Cincinnati while Andrew Luck is 1-2 in career playoff games with Indianapolis. Cincinnati should be able to run the ball very well since Indianapolis's run defense is not very good. I believe Luck outplays Dalton, which is why I believe Indianapolis will win this game.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Cincinnati 20.

(N6) Detroit Lions (11-5) vs (N3) Dallas Cowboys (12-4)- This game is arguably the most intriguing of the four games this weekend considering America's Team, who has looked like the best team in the league for most of the season, is hosting a playoff game for the first time in five years. Detroit is back in the postseason after missing the postseason the last two seasons. I believe Tony Romo and the 'Boys will come out with something to prove and will win this one.
Prediction: Dallas 31, Detroit 23.