NFL 1982 Wild Card Games Preview

Seattle 8-8 at Houston 8-7-1
     I thought at the beginning of the year the Seattle could contend as the best team in the AFC.  Their offense was very good in 1981 and they had put a lot of work into improving their defense in the off season.  Oddly in 1982 it is their offense that has struggled.  They have managed to turn things around late and may prove to be very dangerous in the playoffs.  Everyone knew coming into the 1982 season that the AFC Central was the weakest Division in the League.  The Oilers were viewed as a aging version of the powerful team they once were and that's one reason why the Browns were being eyed as a surprise team.  But the Oilers managed to put together a solid season at times looking like their younger selves.  It really depends on what Houston team comes out to play as to whether they are any good or not. 

     I'm picking Seattle to win this one 24-10.


New England 9-7 at New York 10-6
     The Jets were thought to be one of the best teams in the AFC and they lived up to expectations.  Their defense has struggled at times, but have played well down the stretch.  The Patriots were a bit of a surprise this year.  No one was expecting much from the Patriots but they have played solid all season.  Their defense is their strength. 

     I'm picking New York to win this one 21-14.

Dallas 10-5-1 at Los Angeles 11-5
     Dallas is never quite what you expect, but their defense has been much improved this season and it has given the Cowboys more consistency.  At times they can look pretty ordinary, but they are not to be overlooked.  The Rams meanwhile have completely surprised everyone.  They seem to be ageless looking like the best team in the League by the end of this season.  Their defense and offense are playing incredibly well going into the playoffs. 

     I'm picking Los Angeles to win this one 35-10

New Orleans 10-6 at Green Bay 9-7
     Since making the Super Bowl in 1979 the Saints have struggled offensively, but they seemed to get their spark back this year, and are now playing the best football they have played all season.  Depending on which New Orleans offense shows up this can be a completely dominating team.  The Packers are another team that struggles offensively, and have again this season.  They rely solely on their defense to win games.

     I'm picking New Olreans to win this one 24-3