Pigskin Predictions: Wild-card weekend picks

The NFL playoffs are underway, so it's time for some picks! My pick for the Super Bowl this year is the Chargers over the Saints; this weekend's games aren't terribly relevant to that prediction, as both teams have a first-round bye, but they should still be entertaining. Let's get to the breakdowns.

Jets at Bengals: (today, 4:30 p.m. ET)

The Jets thumped Cincinnati last week, but I don't think they'll do it again. For one thing, they're too one-dimensional on offence; they have a great running attack, but they're in the playoffs despite Mark Sanchez, not because of him. I like their defence, especially Darrelle Revis, but I'm not sure they'll be able to stop the Bengals' ground game with Cedric Benson (who didn't play last week). Keep in mind that the Jets backed into the playoffs after the Colts and Bengals laid down for them in the past two weeks. I'm also taking Carson Palmer over Sanchez any day.

Pick: Bengals

Eagles at Cowboys: (tonight, 8 p.m. ET)

The Cowboys are the popular pick here thanks to their demolition of the Eagles last week, but I don't trust them at all. Their running game is good and their defence is at times acceptable, but they really have one star receiver (Miles Austin) and a great tight end (Jason Witten). Their offensive weapons pale in comparison to those of the Eagles, and their defence and special teams are nowhere near as intimidating. Plus, I trust Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb more than Wade Phillips and Tony Romo.

Pick: Eagles

Ravens at Patriots: (tomorrow, 1 p.m. ET)

This one could go either way, as both teams have significant flaws. The Patriots are without Wes Welker and Randy Moss may be limited, plus their array of running backs all have some issues. The Ravens are facing some injury issues of their own, but their defence is better. I'm not sure I trust Joe Flacco, but I love the Ravens' rushing attack of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, so I'm taking them here.

Packers at Cardinals (tomorrow, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Both of these teams are pass-wacky and have issues running the ball and protecting the quarterback. However, they both have great quarterbacks and receivers. The Packers have been pretty hot lately, and Aaron Rodgers has been more consistent than Kurt Warner. I also like their defence better, so I'm going with them here.