In reviewing my predictions before the season got underway and my pick of the year, the Baltimore Ravens, have done me proud. Steve McNair added the dimension I said he would and the Ravens rallied around their new leader and dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, on their way to a division title. 

I picked 8 of the 12 playoff teams correctly, which is good, not great. Also, LaDainian Tomlinson did his best to make me look good by breaking one NFL record after another on his way to the NFL MVP Award for 2006.

Ok, now that I’m done patting myself on the back for my correct preseason guesses, onto the playoff and Super Bowl predictions.

Wild Card Weekend

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
The New York Giants stumble into Philadelphia, where the Eagles have taken advantage of the numerous mistakes by their opponents in recent weeks. The Birds have reeled off five wins in a row under resurgent veteran quarterback, Jeff Garcia. The defense has actually decided to stop their opponents from time to time, and is playing their best football of the season. 

Living in Philly, as a non-Eagle fan, I can take an unbiased look at this team and their fans and continue to shake my head. When Donovan McNabb took a tumble and the Baltimore Titans and Indianapolis Colts flattened the Birds, the Philly faithful moaned and cried that they stunk and the season was over. The AJ Feeley chants started as well.

A few wins over the depleted Carolina Panthers, hapless Washington Redskins and slumping Dallas Cowboys and Giants changed everything for these fans. Now, there are cries of Super Bowl dreams and "we're the best team in the NFC." I would love to see the Giants come in here and shut these people up, but I think the Birds will squeak out a win because of their home field advantage. Eagles 20, Giants 17

Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
There is no reason for me to have any confidence in the Dallas Cowboys this week, as they face Seattle. Their play at home in recent weeks has been sub-par and the defense has started to fall apart. They are better off playing on the road this week, with a nothing to lose attitude. 

The defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks have been nothing to write home about either this year. They can hang their hat on what? Barely winning the division over those upstart 49ers? Seattle isn't a huge favorite at home for this game for good reason. My upset special this week is the 'Boys clipping the Seahawks wings this weekend. Dallas 27, Seattle 20

New York Jets at New England Patriots
You know New England Head Coach Bill Belichick has been stewing ever since the New York Jets grabbed a victory over the Patriots earlier this year. The Pats have been quietly rolling along this season, with only a few minor setbacks. The Jets are the shock of the year and have tons of confidence going into this game. Not enough though. Patriots 28 Jets 13

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
Ahhhh, the Indianapolis Colts. That high-powered offense and really hideous defense. They might stun everyone this year, because no one thinks they’ll make it to the dance. Larry Johnson, the best running back not named LaDanian, will keep Kansas City close by running through the Colts run defense. However, the Colts aren't that bad and have a little to prove after last year’s playoff debacle. Colts 27, Chiefs 17

Those predictions set up the following match-ups for the divisional round.

* Philadelphia at New Orleans
* Dallas at Chicago
* Patriots at Chargers
* Colts at Ravens

I won't get ahead of myself, in case all my Wild Card predictions go down the toilet, so I’ll leave you with a quick, tentative Super Bowl prediction and jump into the details of the divisional games, next week.

Early Super Bowl Prediction
New Orleans vs. San Diego: Drew Brees faces his old team and vows to prove they made a mistake.

Ha, ha, imagine the NFL's delight in getting the Saints in the Super Bowl after the Katrina tragedy. Until next time, Happy Playoffs.