Playoffs: Vikings at Saints Prediction

So it's come down to this. The #1 and #2 seeds squaring off for a ticket to the big game.

With both teams being evenly matched, field position and lack of mistakes will rule the day. Turnovers that provide scoring opportunities must be taken advantage of. Whoever has more turnovers will lose. Period.

Some notes: Peterson must rush for 100 yards; it's been weeks since he's done this. Reggie Bush will have to score a touchdown or two for the Saints to win. Both quaretbacks will have to be at the top of their games for their teams to stay in teh hunt.

In the end, Favre's experience will win out over Brees', unless Favre makes a mistake late.

Vikings 31, Saints 30

Playoffs: Cowboys at Vikings Prediction

Though both teams have flashy offenses that are fun to watch, this game (like so many of late) will be dictated by the defenses. Whichever team's defense plays hardest will win this game. This means big plays by the defense. Looks for lots of sacks and plays featuring loss of yards.

For the Vikings, it's all about the front four, who need to pressure Romo. The Cowboys QB is susceptible to pressure, especially by a defensive line that led the league in sacks. But the Vikings will also have stop Jones and Barber, who've been able to run over their competition in recent weeks.

For the Cowboys, even though they've been hot, the threat of Ware and Spencer will fall short in the face of the Vikings offensive line. Dallas will need to stop the run as well as the pass magic that Farve brings to the table. Peterson won't have a 100-yard game (he's been off his game of late), but they won't be able to stop Rice and Taylor down the stretch.

Take the lead, play solid football, don't turn it over. The Vikings are more likely to do this than the Cowboys.

Cowboys 17, Vikings 24