Wild Card weekend kicks off at the regular Sunday football time, with the first game kicking off at 1:00pm EST.  This match-up will feature two of the top teams from the NFC this season, in the Atlanta Falcons who clinched their Wild Card spot with two weeks remaining in the season, and the New York Giants who got in by knocking off the rival Dallas Cowboys in their final regular season game.  This game will be played in Giant stadium, even though the Falcons ended up with a better record, because the Giants won the NFC East, while the Falcons were second behind the Saints in the NFC South.  The game definitely has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the weekend, as both of these teams have powerful offenses, but defenses that have shown weaknesses at times.

Let’s start with the NFC East Champion New York Giants.  The G-Men have shown that their offense can be incredibly strong at times, especially their passing game.  The issue of course is their pass defense, which has struggled quite a bit at times.  This team will need a strong game from Eli Manning and wide outs Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks in order to to put up some big points.  The Giants finished the season at 9-7, and looked very solid in their final two regular season games against two big rivals in the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, if they can keep that play going, they’ll be a tough out in these playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons on the other hand have one of the strongest combos of quarterback and wide receiver, with Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Julio Jones.  Throw running back Michael Turner and tight end Tony Gonzalez on top, and this team gives defenses some serious problems.  The Falcons finished the year at 10-6, and you can bet that they’ll be prepared for this round one playoff match-up against the Giants.  They were sent packing in the first round last season to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, and this team doesn’t want that to happen in back to back seasons.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

Atlanta Falcons: +3

New York Giants: -3

Free Prediction

The G-Men are getting the edge because they are the home team this weekend, but don’t sleep on this Falcons team.  After week three, the Falcons only losses came to teams who are in the playoffs, and are top four seeds as well.  I think that the Falcons offense is going come out in a big way against this Giants team, and while it will be a close one, they will get the job done by a field goal on the road.  This is the year that Matt Ryan proves he belongs with the big names in the NFL.

Prediction: Atlanta Falcons- 27 New York Giants- 24

Free Pick

I was a bit surprised to see the Giants favored by three here.  I wouldn’t have been surprised to see them by -1, or even -2, but many people feel that this could be a push for the home team.  Personally though, I think that the Falcons are flying under the radar, and are going to surprise quite a few people this postseason.  I’m picking the Atlanta Falcons to cover the +3, and I’ll also be putting a bet down on them to win outright.

Pick:  Atlanta Falcons +3

BONUS Pick:  Atlanta Falcons STRAIGHT at +130