Wild Card Playoffs NFL Gridiron Guide and Fantasy Take

SATURDAY

BENGALS (9-7) at TEXANS (10-6), 4:30 p.m.

Texans by 3; O/U: 38 1/2

TV: Ch. 4. Radio: WFAN (660)

This is the first time since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 that a playoff game will feature two rookie starting quarterbacks. The Bengals did not beat a playoff team all season (0-7 overall), but they are a good road cover team (5-1-2) against the spread (ATS). The Texans, formed in 2002, are making their first trip to the postseason. Houston was fifth-best in the NFL with a 9-5-2 mark ATS. I've liked Cincy QB Andy Dalton all year, but I think the Texans' T.J. Yates has better accessories than Dalton in this rookie matchup.

THE PICK: Texans, 23-17

LIONS (10-6) at SAINTS (13-3), 8 p.m.

SEE PHOTOS5,000-yard passers in NFL history

Saints by 10 1/2; O/U: 59 1/2

TV: Ch. 4. Radio: WFAN (660).

I still cannot believe the Lions couldn't beat what amounted to the Packers' JV squad last week! (Packers QB Matt Flynn: 480 yards, 6 TDs vs. Lions; who knew he had it in him?) If Detroit would have won, they would be coming to MetLife Stadium (and I believe they would have won vs. G-Men). Instead, the Lions have the unenviable task of facing the buzzsaw known as the Saints, who are 8-0 ATS at home this season. Hard to pick against Drew Brees and that juggernaut offense at home.

THE PICK: Saints, 41-28

SUNDAY

FALCONS (10-6) at GIANTS (9-7), 1 p.m.

Giants by 3; O/U: 47 1/2

TV: Ch. 5. Radio: WFAN (660)

Some of the chatter this week has been about how the 2011 Giants are similar to the Giants' 2008 Super Bowl team. Let's slow down just a minute. After a 6-2 start this season, the Giants lost four straight, and the usual second-half "Coughlin Collapse" talk cropped up. To their credit, the Giants won three of their last four, including last week vs. Dallas for the NFC East title. Big Blue is 5-1 ATS in their last six playoff games. That said, I'm just not sold on the Giants this season. If the Falcons' "Dirtbag" offensive line can control the Giants' improved pass rush, I think Atlanta has too many weapons for the Giants' shaky secondary. Also, Atlanta is 22-4 when RB Michael Turner runs for 100 or more yards. The Falcons and QB Matt Ryan (0-2 in two career playoff games) learned a lot after losing last season as the NFC's No. 1 seed to eventual Super Bowl champ Green Bay.

THE PICK: Falcons, 27-24

STEELERS (12-4) at BRONCOS (8-8), 4:30 p.m.

Steelers by 8 1/2; O/U: 34

TV: Ch. 2. Radio: WFAN (660) joined in progress

I know the Steelers are without RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and S Ryan Clark (blood disorder). And, yes, Big Ben is still limping around Pittsburgh's practice facility after what he termed a "little setback" last week vs. the Browns. But the Black & Gold is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 playoff games. Plus, Roethlisberger is 10-3 in the playoffs, and has never lost a road playoff game (3-0). This is the last time we'll hear about Tebow Time. The experiment is over.

THE PICK: Steelers, 26-10