FanHouses Playoff Picks

After a regular season, it's time once again for the NFL playoffs to kick off. FanHouse's 14 contributing NFL writers have analyzed the matchups and made their predictions. Click through to see keys to the game, and FanHouse's consensus picks.

Getty Images (5) / AP (1)

Atlanta Falcons (11-5, Wild Card) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7, NFC West Champs)
The first postseason game will pit grizzled vet Kurt Warner, left, versus rookie Matt Ryan. How Ryan handles his playoff debut will be crucial, as will Arizona's ability to protect Warner.

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FanHouse's Pick: Falcons (8 votes to 6)
The Cardinals finished 6-0 in the terrible NFC West, and 3-7 outside of it. Atlanta, meanwhile, has shown the ability to go on the road and win. That combination means that Atlanta is the FanHouse favorite.

Tom Olmscheid, AP

Indianapolis Colts (12-4, Wild Card) at San Diego Chargers (8-8, AFC West Champs)
Philip Rivers, right, has been red-hot lately, and must stay that way, because San Diego will likely have to outgun Peyton's Colts. How well the Chargers are able to control the clock could decide this one.

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FanHouse's Pick: Colts (9 votes to 5)
There isn't a hotter team in the league than Indy, which enters Saturday winners of nine straight. San Diego will simply struggle to slow down anything the Colts try.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Baltimore Ravens (11-5, Wild Card) at Miami Dolphins (11-5, AFC East Champs)
A pair of upstart teams clash for the second time this season - Baltimore won earlier. To reverse the outcome, Miami must establish some semblance of a ground game, and attack Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

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FanHouse's Pick: Ravens (12 votes to 2)
Miami's the higher seed and playing at home. Baltimore's defense, though, is a cut above - and the Ravens are aggressive enough to stymie the Dolphins' "Wildcat" offense.

Chris McGrath, Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, Wild Card) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6, NFC North Champs)
The Eagles will try to get Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook hot early. Minnesota will, as always, turn to running back Adrian Peterson and its stout defensive front to overcome QB Tarvaris Jackson's shortcomings.

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FanHouse's pick: Eagles (10 votes to 4)
Once left for dead, Philadelphia came to life with a 4-1 finish - including Week 17's rout of Dallas to grab a playoff berth. The Eagles have a huge advantage at quarterback, and enough defense to get the job done away from home.

Drew Hallowell, Getty Images