Houston Texans 19, Cincinnati Bengals 13 (Prediction: Texans 34, Bengals 27)

Arian Foster has carried the ball a lot this season – 351 times to be exact. On Saturday, he and J.J. Watt carried the Texans to a first round victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Foster finished with 140 yards on 32 carries.

Like I said in my preview, this one was going to come down to containing A.J. Green and not getting beat on a defensive or special teams play. The Texans got their special teams play with four field goals from Shayne Graham.

Andy Dalton just wasn’t good enough in this game. He was 14 for 30 with an interception and QBR of 15.8. Things weren’t pretty. BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran the ball for 63 yards on 11 carries, but never got a chance to get going as Houston held the ball for almost 39 minutes.

You can’t win ball games when your drives result in: Punt, Punt, Punt, Punt, End of Half, Punt, Field Goal, Interception, Field Goal. The only touchdown came from a 21-yard interception return by Leon Hall.

With the win, the Texans get a date with the New England Patriots in next week’s Divisional Round. In their last meeting, the Patriots slaughtered the Texans 42-14.

Green Bay Packers 24, Minnesota Vikings 10 (Prediction: Vikings 23, Packers 21)

When I made this prediction, I thought the getting-sort-of-hot Christian Ponder was going to be the starting quarterback. Make no mistake about it, though, I was wrong. Ponder was inactive and it wouldn’t have mattered if he was on the field. Joe Webb filled in with a below-average 11 for 30, 180 yard day. For some reason, Adrian Peterson carried the ball only 22 times to Webb’s 30 passes.

There was one other thing I didn’t take into consideration – Aaron Rodgers was playing. I don’t know what would have driven me, or anyone else, to wager against Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau in a playoff game. I apologize for doing it.

Charles Woodson summed it up nicely, “No disrespect to Ponder, but…it’s about one guy and that’s Adrian Peterson. Our main focus, whether it was Ponder or Webb, was to keep 28 (Peterson) from getting off. And if we were going to keep him from getting off, put the ball in the quarterback’s hands, whatever quarterback it was, we felt good about what was going to happen.”

The Packers will get a date with the San Francisco 49ers next week in the Divisional Round. In their first meeting this year in Week One, the 49ers won by a score of 30-22.

Baltimore Ravens 24, Indianapolis Colts 9 (Prediction: Ravens 38, Colts 20)

Ray Lewis will live to ride another weekend. He led the Ravens with 13 tackles and helped to absolutely stifle Andrew Luck in his playoff debut. In my Wild Card Preview, I talked about the emotion that would be present in this game. After the game, the Ravens let us know that it was still there, “I wanted Denver because they beat us…I came to Baltimore to win a championship. We all did,” said Anquan Boldin.

As is generally true, I was unimpressed with the play of Joe Flacco. He had a decent day, though, going 12 for 23 for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Ray Rice was the surprise of the day. He lost two fumbles and saw Bernard Pierce get 13 carries for 103 yards – slightly better than Rice’s 15 carries for 70 yards.

The young Colts played a decent game, but couldn’t seem to close the door on any drives. Luck threw the ball an incredible 54 times, completing 28 passes for 288 yards and one interception. Vick Ballard ran the ball 22 times for 91 yards and Reggie Wayne had a vintage nine catch 114 yard performance. Things are still looking up in Indy.

The Ravens get a date with the streaking Denver Broncos next week. Three weeks ago, the Broncos beat the Ravens 34-17. Those Ravens didn’t have Ray Lewis, though.

Seattle Seahawks 24, Washington Redskins 14 (Prediction: Seahawks 27, Redskins 13)

Everything that I thought would happen, happened. Robert Griffin was hobbled by his knee injury and didn’t look the same (10 for 19, 84 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 5 rush, 21 yards). Russell Wilson stepped up in a big way (15 for 26, 187 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 8 rush, 67 yards). Seattle’s defense played great, especially against the run – holding the league’s best rushing team to a total of 104 yards. Marshawn Lynch made the play that made the difference on his 27-yard touchdown run.

I jumped on the Seahawk bandwagon a few weeks ago and I’m going to continue to ride it until it stops for the season. These Seahawks couldn’t finish a drive all game and they should have won by a lot more points. They were resilient in their comeback and it seemed they wouldn’t be denied.

A lot of folks will point to the RGIII in defense of Washington, but I think this game would have ended much the same with a healthy RGIII. I’ll take Wilson any day of the week.

One more thing…I don’t question a lot of coaching decisions in regards to injury because I’m not on the sideline, but I think Mike Shannahan made a big mistake today when he let Robert Griffin III go back on the field. I know that this was the playoffs and RGIII was the team’s best quarterback, but no one should play with that kind of knee injury. When it finally gave out in the fourth quarter, it looked bad.

The Seahawks have won a date with the Atlanta Falcons next week. These two teams did not play during the regular season.

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There is a lot on the line in some games this week. Other games don’t have much on the line at all. Here is your Week 17 breakdown.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have a two game lead with one to play and have, obviously already locked up the number one seed in the NFC. The Buccaneers are out of playoff contention after they imploded these past few weeks. We will probably see a lot of backups for Atlanta after a series or two. The Bucs will be playing for pride and a few people might be playing (or coaching) to keep their jobs. There isn’t much at stake here. If the Bucs keep imploding, the Falcons should win this one in a low scoring matchup.
Falcons 17, Bucs 14

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

There isn’t anything at stake in this game either as both teams are out of playoff contention, even though it took the Jets about three weeks longer than it should have to get there. Rex Ryan is probably on his way out the door. This might also be the last time that you see Mark Sanchez in a Jets uniform and Tim Tebow in any uniform at all. After the media debacle in New York, I’ll be surprised if the Jacksonville Jaguars make a run at him.
Jets 24, Bills 10

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

The Ravens can move into the three-seed if the New England Patriots can find a way to lose to Miami, but I don’t think it will happen. The Ravens probably want to stay in the four seed, anyway, so they can play Indianapolis in Round One. The Bengals are locked into the six seed and would love for the Ravens to move up so they can play them again in Round One instead of going to New England. Neither team really wants to win this game and you’ll probably see some reserves marched out in the second half.
Ravens 27, Bengals 24

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

The Bears need the Packers to lose to the Vikings and they need to win this game if they want to make the playoffs. The Lions, at 4-11, obviously have nothing to play for, except for Calvin Johnson’s 2,000-yard mark. If you don’t think they’ll come out pumped up, you’re nuts. The Bears defense has been bad for the last eight weeks and the offense can’t seem to move the ball. Oh, and the game is in Detroit.
Lions 31, Bears 17

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

There is literally nothing at stake here…except maybe a few coaching jobs. I’m not going to waste your time because you probably won’t be watching it.
Titans 13, Jaguars 10

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

The Texans, somehow, are playing for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They can lock it up with a win or a loss by both Denver and New England. The second scenario is pretty unlikely, so they’ll be going for the win here. The Colts are locked into the five-seed and will only be playing to get hot for the playoffs.
There are two things that would scare me here if I were a Texans fan. The first thing is the return of Chuck Pagano to the sideline. You don’t mess with this kind of thing, ever. The second thing is the crowd. The Colts are going back to the playoffs and they won’t be playing a game in Indy, so this crowd will be alive. Oh, wait. There’s a third thing. In the first 15 games of his career, Andrew Luck has seven game-winning drives. I think he’ll make it eight on Sunday.
Colts 24, Texans 23

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Before today, I would have said the Saints were playing to keep Sean Payton in New Orleans. He signed a five-year extension today, though, so that’s unlikely. Other than that, there isn’t much at stake. Cam Newton has been heating up and he gets to face an awful Saints defense. Drew Brees throws into double and triple coverage like it’s his job and the Saints leading rusher has 563 yards. This game might be the hardest to pick this week because I don’t know which two teams will actually show up. I picked from a hat.
Panthers 23, Saints 17

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

In order to make the playoffs, the Giants have to win along with losses by Dallas, Minnesota, and Chicago. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but that’s not all that far-fetched. You already know that I think Chicago will lose. Soon you’ll learn that I think the Cowboys and Vikings will, too.
There’s one thing, though. Michael Vick is auditioning on Sunday. His teammates love him. LeSean McCoy is healthy. Andy Reid doesn’t want to lose his job. The Eagles, when backed against a wall, should never be underestimated. Call me a homer, but I think they’ll pull it out against a reeling Giants squad.
Eagles 37, Giants 31

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns are starting Thad Lewis because Brandon Weedend AND Colt McCoy are hurt. Do I even need to keep talking?
Steelers 27, Browns 6

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

The Chiefs are probably going to lose this game by 30 points. The Broncos need to win to clinch the number two seed in the AFC. If my Colts prediction is right, they clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Chiefs clinch the number one pick in the draft with no franchise quarterback because God hates Kansas City, apparently. If the Broncos don’t win this game by at least 30, I’ll eat my shoe and put it on YouTube. Don’t hold me to that.

A side note…When the Chiefs lose this game, Romeo Crennel’s record will be 28-55. That’s 27 games below .500 for those of you counting. Do you think he’ll get fired?
Broncos 41, Chiefs 10

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

This game will be fun to watch. The Packers can clinch a two-seed with a win because of the tie on the 49ers record. Aaron Rodgers will be trying to play his way back into the MVP conversation. Peterson will be scampering to the 2,000-yard mark and Dickerson’s record. The Packers can’t really stop the run and the Vikings can’t throw the ball. Who knows what’s going to happen?!
Packers 28, Vikings 24…and Peterson breaks the record.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

If I’m right, the Patriots have to win this game to clinch a first-round bye. If I’m wrong, they’re the three-seed and will play the Bengals in Round One. I think they’ll be happy with either scenario. The Dolphins are really bad, though, and that means they’ll get the win.
Patriots 41, Dolphins 13

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

The Raiders are starting Terrelle Pryor at quarterback. The Chargers will probably be cleaning house after this game. No one cares.
Chargers 23, Raiders 10

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers need to win this game and hope the Packers lose to clinch a first-round bye – something that seemed like a guarantee just three weeks ago. That’s not all, though. They could also lose the NFC West title to the Seahawks. Crazy. They probably won’t lose this game, though. I think the Cardinals are starting Kurt Warner at quarterback.
49ers 38, Cardinals 13

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks

The Rams will be playing for a winning record, but not much else. If this game was in St. Louis I would think the Rams had a shot. The Seahawks are the NFL’s best home team and they are playing for a division title. If they don’t win this game, I’ll be absolutely stunned. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch are great, by the way.
Seahawks 45, Rams 20

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

The Cowboys have done it again. They have their fans in a frenzy for the winner-take-all NFC East Championship game. We’ve all seen this movie before. Except this time, the bad guys have a super hero named Robert Griffin III. RGIII is probably playing at less than 100% still, but these Redskins are playing far above their talent level. I think playing in Washington will make the difference here.
If my prediction is wrong and the Cowboys win, Tony Romo should be in the MVP conversation. Laugh if you want, but make sure you take a look at his numbers before you do. He’ll be close to 5,000 yards and 30 TD after this game. He hasn’t exactly had a stellar running back behind him this season and he’s been the main reason that Dez Bryant looks better every week.
Redskins 27, Cowboys 24

Wait…Ugh. I can’t help it. I think Romo will finally come through in December.
Cowboys 34, Redskins 24.

There you have it folks. After the games are final, I’ll be back here to recap the week and preview the upcoming playoff matchups. Make sure you head over to our Facebook page and click the like button. While you’re at it, click that follow button on our Twitter page.

I know that it’s been awhile since we’ve gotten together here. I haven’t previewed or recapped a single week in the NFL Season. I’ve been busy and I’m going to try to come here with more regularity. For starters, let’s hit the NFL Awards.

There is no race this season that doesn’t have at least two deserving winners. They’re all close and I’m anxious to see your opinions in the comments section.

Coach of the Year

There will be a ton of coaches that get votes for this award. The Indianapolis Colts duo of Chuck Pagano and Bruce Arians took a team that many believed to be awful to the playoffs. Mike Shannahan turned the Washington Redskins around much faster than expected – with a little help from Robert Griffin III. Pete Carroll took a gamble by starting Russel Wilson and has his team headed to the postseason. The most deserving candidate of the group is probably the Pagano/Arians combination, but it’s not every day that an interim coach shares the award with the actual head coach.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

This race is probably the most heated on the list. Andrew Luck has helped lead the “should be worse” Colts to the playoffs. RGIII has led the Redskins on an emotional ride to a division championship game this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Russell Wilson has led the Seattle Seahawks to a playoff berth and a potential division title and first round bye.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
237/374 (63.4%), 2868 yards, 25 TD, 10 INT, 69.99 QBR, 27 sacks, 84 rushes, 431 yards, 3 TD

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
325/599 (54.3%), 4183 yards, 21 TD, 18 INT, 64.57 QBR, 40 sacks, 57 rushes, 254 yards, 5 TD

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
249/375 (66.4%), 3100 yards, 20 TD, 5 INT, 71.09 QBR, 29 sacks, 114 rushes, 752 yards, 6 TD

I could sit here and make an argument for any one of these quarterbacks. They will all likely battle each other for years to come. I look forward to the first battle – a potential Seattle @ Washington Wild Card game. Oh. Luck gets my vote here, but only barely. He’s been asked to do a lot more than the other two and his turnovers aren’t that a big a deal for me.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

When I said that there wasn’t a race without two legitimate contenders, this was the exception. There can be arguments made for a ton of defensive rookies that have made impacts. None of them have even come close to the impact that Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has had on his team. Oh, and he also leads the league in tackles with 151.

Offensive Player of the Year

This award, coupled with the MVP, will have a lot of people getting votes. Adrian Peterson is having, arguably, the greatest season of all time. Peyton Manning is having one of his best seasons ever after four neck surgeries and a new team. Aaron Rodgers is throwing the leather off the ball.

My vote goes to Adrian Peterson, though. He is probably also going to win the Comeback Player of the Year, too. Unfortunately, he likely won’t win the MVP award.

With this line, though, he should get some hardware (through week 16): 314 attempts, 1898 yards, 11 TD, 6.0 Y/A, 39 catches, 215 rec yards.

Defensive Player of the Year

This is a three-horse race between Aldon Smith, JJ Watt, and Von Miller. Like the ROY race, you can make an argument for all three guys.

Aldon Smith
47 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 pass defended, 3 forced fumbles

JJ Watt
65 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 0 INT, 15 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries

Von Miller
53 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 1 INT (1 TD), 2 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles,

This is not an easy choice. I think that Aldon Smith has a bright future, but his game is not yet as well rounded as Watt and Miller. Watt has a chance to break the single-season sack record and he’s defended a ton of passes. Miller is third in sacks and he has a slightly better overall game. Either one of them is deserving. If I got a vote – and I don’t – it would go to Watt.

Most Valuable Player

I think this award will, eventually, come down to three guys. You’ve seen Peterson’s stat line, so here are the other two fellas that will probably garner the most votes. You may recognize their names.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
377/554 (68.1%), 4355 yards, 34 TD, 11 INT, 82.66 QBR, 21 sacks, 23 rush attempts, 6 yards, 0 TD

Tom Brady, New England Patriots
379/601 (63.1%), 4543 yards, 32 TD, 8 INT, 77.47 QBR, 26 sacks, 23 rush attempts, 32 yards, 4 TD

The question of the year. Which of these three guys should win the MVP award. I think that all three have been the most vital, across the league, to their team’s success. Manning has taken a 2011 playoff team and made it a 2012 Super Bowl contender. Peterson has shouldered the load of an entire offense and the blows of defenses that know he’s getting the ball. Brady has continued to be nearly perfect in leading the Patriots offense to one of the highest scoring totals in history.

The difference between Manning and Brady is very small and I give Manning the edge. The difference between Manning and Peterson is small, too. If I had to give one of them the edge, I suppose it would be Manning. He’ll likely get the edge from a lot of others on the way to his fifth MVP award.

Before the games start on Sunday, I’ll have my Week 17 NFL Preview up. Make sure to tune back in!