NFL Network and NFL.com experts offer up what could be the most shocking developments of Wild Card Weekend:
Trent Green: Predicting three road victories
The biggest surprise will be that three of the four road teams will win. I'm not into who the favorites are, but I think the Colts will be the only home team to come out on top. The Saints matchup very well against Seattle, I don't think that's a shock to anyone. The Ravens have underachieved at times this season, but the Chiefs have been hit and miss. They've only beat one team with a winning record. They're the No. 1 rushing team in the league, but they've had several games where they just fall flat. It's a concern. I also like the Packers on the road. They were in a position where they had to win their last two games -- against the Bears and Giants -- to get into the playoffs, and they won both. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been struggling.
Wild-card matchups to watch
Want to know what matchup you should be watching when the playoffs get underway? Gil Brandt has the answer as he breaks down all the action this weekend. **More ...**
Solomon Wilcots: Seahawks could shock Saints
The biggest surprise is going to be how competitive the Seahawks will be against the Saints. With the loss of Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas, the Saints' running game might be grounded, and that impacts everything they do offensively. Take a dome team, who don't travel well this time of year, and put it outside at Qwest Field, where the Seahawks are a much different team in front of that crowd. The scales are a bit more balanced. Although I think the Saints will win, don't be surprised if the opposite happens.
Pat Kirwan: Some factors play in Seattle's favor
The Saints are the overwhelming favorite to beat the Seahawks. But the game is in Seattle and weather could be an issue; factors that would play into the Seahawks' favor. Beyond that, Seattle left points on the field the last time these teams met in Week 11, settling for four field goals -- two inside the red zone. The Saints won't have their top running backs, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory, and that could let the Seahawks expand their pressure calls. Don't forget, Drew Brees has been sacked eight times and has thrown six interceptions in the past four games. On the other hand, Matt Hasselbeck will have Ben Obomanu and Mike Williams both healthy; the duo caught 11 passes for 196 yards in the November game against New Orleans. I don't think the Seahawks are going to win, but I do think this will be a lot closer than everyone thinks.
Vic Carucci: No doubting Thomas in Seattle
Seahawks rookie safety Earl Thomas could go a long way toward making a name for himself against the Saints. Some league observers have incorrectly assumed that, because Thomas hasn't intercepted a pass since late November, he hasn't made much of an impact. However, through his impressive instincts and anticipation, he has actually made strong contributions in pass coverage and against the run. Coach Pete Carroll sees Thomas becoming "another Troy Polamalu." By the way, the last quarterback Thomas intercepted? Drew Brees.
Brian Baldinger: Vick rises up and beats Packers
I'm not predicting it, but the biggest surprise would be if the Seahawks beat the Saints. It could happen. I think the biggest surprise will be how Michael Vick plays against the Packers. Everyone is down on him after the game against Minnesota, but what if he outplays Aaron Rodgers to win the game? If it happens -- and I think it will -- the Eagles could be the most dangerous team in the playoffs regardless of how their defense plays.
Charles Davis: Ravens stuff Chiefs' ground game
What would be the biggest surprise is the Seahawks winning at home against the Saints. But what will be the biggest surprise is the Chiefs' league-leading rushing offense getting shut down by the Ravens. The Chiefs are averaging 164.2 yards per game this season, but it won't happen vs. Baltimore. The Ravens will advance and Joe Flacco begins to show his bona fides as a playoff quarterback.
Jamie Dukes: Young Chiefs top experienced Ravens
I think everything will hold status quo this weekend. But the biggest surprise could be the Chiefs. It's possible for the Chiefs to beat the Ravens just by virtue of Joe Flacco and how he performs on the road, where he doesn't play at the same level as he does at home. The Chiefs are a young team that will be in an energized environment. They have a solid defense, the league's best rushing offense and Matt Cassel, who put up as good of numbers as anyone. They have the pieces to get it done. It wouldn't be a stretch.
Brian Billick: Chiefs go for run on Ravens
Michael Lombardi: Watch out for Seahawks
Playing in Quest field is always a tough endeavor, even for the best teams in the league. I expect the Saints to get the Seahawks' best punch and will take the Saints down to the wire. Seattle can pressure and create some problems for the New Orleans offense, which without a power back, might not be able to put this game away.
Steve Wyche: Smith tips scale in Jets' favor
Jets returner/slash threat Brad Smith could tip the scale in New York's favor over the Colts. So much has been made of Peyton Manning, Mark Sanchez, New York's running game, the Colts' passing game, that Smith might pose the biggest threat -- possibly as a Wild Cat option. Smith has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, he's thrown a touchdown and rushed for another. It's hard not to think of him making some splash play when nobody expects one.
