Benigno's Best: NFL Wild-Card Week Picks
Texans 20, Bengals 17: Houston has lost their last three games since clinching the AFC South. They are obviously a banged up team that starts third-string quarterback T.J. Yates. Wide receiver Andre Johnson has been slowed by injuries all season. Give the Bengals credit, Marvin Lewis is the coach of the year and rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have been great but look for Arian Foster and Ben Tate to carry the Texans offense and Houston's D to slow down the Dalton-Green combo. Texans win their first ever playoff game in a nail-biter.
Saints 42, Lions 30: Detroit has had a renaissance season and made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. But the Saints, with Drew Brees leading the way, may be the best offense we've ever seen, setting records all over the place. The Lions will score points, but not enough to beat the Saints offensive juggernaut.
Giants 28, Falcons 21: Atlanta is loaded with offensive weapons: Michael Turner, Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzales, but Matt Ryan must prove he can win in the playoffs. The Giants are finally getting healthy on the defensive line and Eli Manning and company can match the Falcons offensively. The Big Blue pass rush is the difference here as the Giants should win their first home playoff game in 11 years.
Steelers 31, Broncos 3: The bloom has come off the Tim Tebow rose as the Broncos back into the AFC West title after losing their last three games. I really just can't see the Broncos offense doing anything against the Steelers defense. Look for a host of Tebow turnovers in Pittsburgh blowout.
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