Brandon's NFL Playoff Week 1 Preview

It's that time of year again, folks. 12 teams with one common goal, to come to Detroit. Seems kind of silly that anyone would want to come here, but every now and then there are actually reasons to come to the mistake of a city that I just happen to live approximately 16 miles from. Here's a look at the four matchups:

Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Saturday, 4:30)

Earlier in Tampa, these two teams put on possibly the game of the year. Everyone expected it to be a defensive showdown, and it ended up being a 36-35 Buccaneers victory. Don't expect that again. Sure both teams will get their share of points, and it should once again to the wire, but expect much different game plans from both Joe Gibbs and Jon Gruden. Although both teams need to run successfully to win, the difference will be the play at quarterback. Chris Simms, who has done a very solid job, will be edged out by the resurging veteran quarterback Mark Brunell. These teams are very similar, but expect a sixth straight Redskin victory.

Predicted Score: Redskins 24, Buccaneers 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (Saturday, 8:00)

This is somewhat of an intriguing matchup. On one side, you have the defending world champions, plagued by injuries all season, who are now saying they have been disrespected. On the other side, you have a young Jacksonville team who probably would have been the eighth best team in the AFC if it faced the same schedule as Kansas City or San Diego. The Patriots have picked up a full head of steam going into the playoffs and were able to win their weak AFC East division. Jacksonville has a chip on their shoulder, and if they weren't playing on the road in this game I might even think that they would be able to come out victorious. No team is better than New England at home in the playoffs and this game won't prove me wrong. Tom Brady's undefeated streak in the playoffs should continue at least one more week.

Predicted Score: Patriots 30, Jaguars 13

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (Sunday, 1:00)

If the Seahawks are the favorite in the NFC, the two teams with the best chance to knock them off are the two teams involved in this matchup. Both teams are very inconsistent. The Panthers are at their best when their running game poses a threat. The Giants seem to dominate when Eli Manning is on. This game could go either way, and it's hard for me not to pick the Giants at home, where they are at their most consistent. But the experience of Jake Delhomme, the 4th best rushing defense in the NFL, and a guy by the name of Steve Smith (who should have a field day against the leagues 27th ranked passing defense) will just be too much for Tom Coughlin's team to overcome. Tiki Barber had a marvelous season, but don't expect to be Super Bowl contenders until next year.

Predicted Score: Panthers 30, Giants 24

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 4:30)

Both teams were victorious on the road and expect that trend to continue. I have been critical of the Bengals all year. Yes, their offense is one of the best in the league. Yes, Marvin Lewis deserves some votes for coach of the year. However, their defense is far from being a playoff defense. The one positive thing you can say about them is that they are very opportunistic. But when you play against a solid, experienced team like the Steelers, don't expect them to just hand you the ball. Jerome Bettis is ready to make one last run before he retires, and I truly believe that the Steelers are a team that is capable of sneaking into the Super Bowl.

Predicted Score: Steelers 27, Bengals 17

Never did I think that I would pick three teams on the road in the first round of the playoffs, but with the competition this year in the NFL, I have a feeling that I'm not the only one. I'll see you next week for Week 2 predictions.