The NFC wildcard Sunday game will be played in the desert between the NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals and NFC wild card Green Bay Packers. The winner of this game gets to play next week in round two of the NFC playoffs. Based on our analysis, the Arizona Cardinals will win the game that will be decided by a field goal in the final two minutes. Lets size up the two teams. The betting line on the game is a Pickem. Over/under is 47 points.

The Green Bay Packers are lead by QB Aaron Rodgers. He has proven that he is a top-tier quarterback. He also has a deep, talented group of receivers. Expect the Pack to throw the football, especially in the area covered by Arizona CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is nursing a knee injury.

The Cardinals counter with a great passing attack of their own. QB Kurt Warner to WR Larry Fitzgerald made sweet music together in 2008 but not as sweet in 2009. WR Anquan Boldin will be at less than 100% with ankle and knee injuries.

The running attack of the both the Packers and Cardinals are average at best but the Packers get the slight edge, especially if Rodgers is successful through the air - it will make their running game that much more effective.

This matchup is the hardest of the 4 NFL wildcard games to predict. But based on the experience of Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, them playing at home and their post-season experience in 2008 (making it all the way to the Superbowl) - we give the edge to the Cardinals.

Thenflthisweek.com prediction:

Cardinals 25 Packers 21

Thenflthisweek.com has ranked the top 10 NFL teams going into the NFL Playoffs and Wild Card Weekend. Factors that were used in determining the top 10 include: regular season record, momentum, critical injuries, offensive and defensive stats, coaching and intangibles.

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Although the Colts lost the last two games after winning 14 in a row, they are poised to go far in the 2010 NFL playoffs. Superstar QB Peyton Manning has already won a Superbowl and is always Mr. Clutch. They have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and will benefit from the bye-week. And don’t be misled by the fact they are ranked last in the entire NFL in rushing (#18 defense overall)- it’s their passing game that ranks them #1 in our rankings and passing ability has been the key for the top ranked NFL teams.

2. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
The Chargers high powered passing game is the reason for them being ranked in the number 2 spot. QB Phillip Rivers has thrown for 28 TDs and 104.4 QB rating. Just above the Colts, they have the second worst ranking in the rushing category (#16 overall defense. They have the #10 ranked offense.

3. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
The Cowboys have been impressive over the second half of the season and even owner Jerry Jones hasn’t been able to find anything to be mad at. QB Tony Romo has been extremely effective and the Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders. The Cowboys are ranked #2 in Total Offense in the entire NFL. The Cowboys defense is ranked #9 in the entire NFL. But what puts the Cowboys at #3 is they have their confidence back.

4. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
The Saints are #1 in the NFL in total offense and QB Drew Brees has thrown for 34 TDs and only 11 Interceptions - his QB rating is 109.6. They have three effective rushers in Mike Bell (654 yds 5 TDs), Pierre Thomas (793 yds, 6 TDs) and Reggie Bush (390 yds, 5 TDs). However, the Saints offense is tempered by their defensive ranking of 25th in the NFL. The Saints have slid to #4 in our NFL ranking because they have lost their last three games.

5. New England Patriots (10-6)
What can say about the Patriots. They have arguably, the best coach in the game; combine that with the history of future hall-of-famer Tom Brady and you have a team that ranks at the top in the NFL. The Pats are ranked #3 in total offense and #11 in total defense. In ranking the Pats, the uncertainty of the health of formidable receiver Wes Welker puts them in the #5 spot.

6. New York Jets (9-7)
Surprised? Shouldn’t be! Although the Colts and Bengal fans may feel that the Jets won those games because their opponents had nothing to play for. Regardless, the Jets are hitting their stride and are managing the play of rookie QB - Mark Sanchez just enough to avoid his rookie mistakes. The Jets are ranked #1 in Rushing and #1 in total defense in the entire NFL. The Jets do belong!

7. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
You don’t hear much about the abilities of the Green Bay Packers but they are for real. They have the #6 ranked offense and #2 ranked defense - very impressive stats. QB Aaron Rogers hsa thrown for 30 TDs and only 7 Interceptions with a 103.2 QB ranking. Their rushing attack is led by Ryan Grant (1253 yds, 11 TDs). Donald Driver (70 recs, 1061 yds, 7 TDs) and Greg Jennings (68 recs, 1113 yds, 4 TDs) are the 1-2 punch of the Packers passing game.

8. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
The Vikings are led by 20-year NFL veteran Brett Favre. They are ranked #5 in total offense and #6 in total defense - an excellent balance. Early in the season the Vikings defense were just outstanding. However, the season ending injury to E.J Henderson has made the defense more vulnerable. Although the Vikings won their last game against the “lay-down” Giants, in their 3 previous games Brett threw 4 TDs and 3 Interceptions and Adrian Peterson didn’t have a 100 yard game. The Vikings are vulnerable and that’s the reason for their position in thenflthisweek.com ranking. And don’t forget the Brad Childress - Brett Favre episode that happened a few weeks ago. If you think it’s over - think again. There is a power struggle in Minnesota!

9. Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
The NFL top ranked teams all have one thing in common - great QBs, and Kurt Warner is no exception. The Cards offense and defensive numbers aren’t that impressive (#14 total offense, #20 total defense), but they have two proven wide receivers in Larry Fitzgerald (97 recs, 1092 yds 13 TDs) and Anquan Boldin (84 recs, 1024 yds, 4 TDs).

10. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
The Eagles have had an impressive season and added some creativity to their offense with the addition of Michael Vick. The Eagles, like all NFC East teams pride themselves on great defense. They have the #11 ranked offense and #12 ranked defense, putting them in top third of the league. Although the Eagles won’t beat the Cowboys in the Wild card weekend game, they are our number 10 ranked team.

There is one commonality of the top 10 ranked teams going into the 2010 NFL playoffs. A great QB and a top ranked passing game. And as long the defense is mediocre in passing defense, being the worst against the rush hasn’t mattered.

source: nfl.com