NFC Wild Card Weekend Predictions: Lions/Saints and Falcons/Giants

We’re only a few days away from the start of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, with some great games on tap for this weekend.

Lead editor of the Spin Zone, Josh Sanchez, and myself, are here to give you our quick predictions for all the games that are set to take place on wild card weekend.

We start with our NFC picks today and will post our AFC picks tomorrow. Let’s get to it!

SATURDAY

#6 Detroit Lions (10-6) at #3 New Orleans Saints (13-3) – 8 PM ET, NBC

Josh Sanchez – If there is a team that can keep up with the likes of the Saints offensively, it is the Detroit Lions. Stafford has been on fire and the Lions can definitely put up points in bunches. On defense, Detroit brings an intimidating pass rush that could slow down Drew Brees, but I just can’t see it happen. The Saints are rolling and just have too much experience. Detroit has the potential and could make a serious run in the near future, but I don’t think there time is now.

Prediction: Saints 34, Lions 24

Blake Lovell – These two teams met in Week 13, which resulted in a 31-17 win for the Saints. The stats that stood out from that game were that the Lions only had two sacks and didn’t turn the Saints over. That formula has to be different if they want to have a chance to win this one. Given the great defensive minds that the Lions have in Jim Schwartz and Gunther Cunningham, if anyone can find a weakness in this New Orleans offense, it’s them. I think the Lions have a better shot than most, but I’m just not prepared to pick against Drew Brees at home.

Prediction: Saints 23, Lions 17

SUNDAY

#5 Atlanta Falcons (10-6) at #4 New York Giants (9-7), 1 PM ET, FOX

Josh Sanchez – Atlanta basically had a bye week when they faced the Buccaneers last week, while New York had a tough test against their division rivals which they passed with ease. The Giants defense has really been turning it on and they have the potential to shut down Matt Ryan. On offense, Eli Manning has had one of the best season’s of his career and I expect that to continue.

Prediction: Giants 21, Falcons 17

Blake Lovell – The Giants have been hard to figure out this year. There’s been a lot of inconsistency, although the one constant has been Eli Manning. He’s had a very good season and will need to have a very good game for the Giants to win. On the other side, Matt Ryan desperately needs to play well. He’s got some help on the outside with Roddy White and Julio Jones, but there’s some concern there with both players being limited in practice this week with injuries. Even though the Giants are at home, this feels like the kind of game that could be a struggle for them. The Falcons haven’t been overly great, but for some reason, I just feel like this is a good spot for them. They make some big plays on defense and walk out with a win.

Prediction: Falcons 24, Giants 20

Well there’s our picks. Now we want to hear what you have to say! Hit us up on our Facebook page and let us know who you think is victorious in this weekend’s NFC matchups.

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