Hello, reader. You’ve demonstrated excellent judgment by wandering into my corner of the internet. Welcome to Outta Left Field.

Despite the name, my blog is not a baseball-only zone. This is the spot for the latest on basketball, track and all the other Spring sports from Sac State as well as college and professional leagues.

Yes, I have my finger on the pulse of the sporting world. As wise as I am, though, there may be things I miss. If I’m not talking about your favorite team or sport, let me know. I’m nothing if not accommodating.

That said, if you disagree with me, you’re wrong. But that shouldn’t stop us from having a healthy debate. Let me know what you think.

So let’s get down to brass tacks.

If you’re a decent American, you love football, and the NFL playoffs make up the most important month on your calendar. So here are my fail-proof, can’t-miss predictions for Wild Card Week.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans

What a breakout season for Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton. The TCU product has led Cincinnati from the cellar of the AFC North a year ago all the way to the postseason.

The Texans, on the other hand, lost starting hurler Matt Schaub to injury following their week 10 victory in Tampa Bay, and have been leaning on the inexperienced T.J. Yates since. In week 16, Yates was handed a loss by the lowly, Manning-less Colts.

But in other categories, Houston has the clear advantage. Their defense, led by Pro Bowl cornerback Johnathan Joseph, ranks second in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed. When combined with running back Arian Foster, who joins Joseph on the Pro Bowl roster, the Texans should be able to grind out a win at home.

Result: Texans by 7.

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

Matt Stafford and the Lions certainly have their work cut out for them in this matchup at the Superdome Saturday evening. Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game have set just about every record there is to set, with Brees now holding the single season total yards milestone and the team setting the new mark for points at home in a season.

Although Stafford has had a breakout season by any measure and Calvin Johnson can still catch anything thrown this side of the Mississippi, the Lions’ defense has a long way to go to prove it can hang with Brees. In week 17, they gave up 41 points to the Packers, who were playing without Aaron Rodgers and star receiver Greg Jennings.

This may be a high-scoring affair, but the Saints should “Brees” by (I’m sorry, my pun machine is malfunctioning).

Result: Saints by 17.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

That’s right. The sainted Tim Tebow and his Broncos are hosting an NFL playoff game. And talk about backing in. If not for an embarrassing loss at home by the Raiders, the 8-8 Broncos would be watching this one from the couch.

As silly as this match-up seems, however, the devil is in the details. Denver’s defense is anchored by rookie Von Miller, who ranked second among first-year players with 11.5 sacks. If Miller can get to Ben Roethlisberger, who is still suffering from a nagging ankle injury, he could shake the QB’s confidence. Furthermore, the absence of Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall should help negate Denver’s inability to stop the run.

Pittsburgh, though, still has plenty of weapons. Their passing defense is the best in the game, allowing fewer than 172 yards per game, and their receiving tandem of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown is perhaps the best in football.

Pittsburgh may be the favorite, but Denver could make this game closer than expected. Don’t count the Broncos out if Tebow has the ball late in a close game.

Result: Steelers by 7.

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants

Another legendary collapse by the snake-bit Dallas Cowboys has given Eli Manning and the Giants postseason life. New York triumphed over America’s team despite losing four straight towards the end of the season.

Atlanta, on the other hand, is coming off a victory in Tampa Bay in which they scored 41 points in the first half and were able to bench their starters. Running back Michael Turner finished third in the NFL in total yards on the ground with 1,340.

While New York ranked last in the league in total rushing yards, Atlanta is one of the nation’s top rushing defenses. This mismatch could make the Giants totally one-dimensional, putting the weight squarely on Manning’s shoulders.

Unless New York’s great defensive line can get past a Falcon offensive line which is just as talented, this could get lopsided fast as QB Matt Ryan finds Pro Bowl wideout Roddy White and Turner pounds away on the ground.

Result: Falcons by 14.

So there you have it, folks. After this weekend you’ll wonder if I have a time machine. Hint: I do. Take that, Stephen Hawking.

Alex Grotewohl can be reached at [email protected].