2014 NFL Postseason: Wild Card Round Previews and Predictions

Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) attempts the tackle during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, Jan. 4
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) at Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
TV: NBC
Time: 4:35 p.m.
Projected Weather: Dome

These two teams enter this game with identical 11-5 overall records, with the Colts being the champion of the AFC South and the Chiefs finishing second in the AFC West.

The last meeting between the two teams was this season in Week 16 (Dec. 22) where the Colts won at Kansas City, 23-7 as the Chiefs lost their final two regular-season games, though they benched 19 starters in their season finale.

In that Week 16 meeting, Andrew Luck led the Colts to the win with a 26-of-37 day for 241 yards and one touchdown. He also didn’t throw any interceptions in the win. His counterpart, Alex Smith, was 16-of-28 for 153 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.

What is cool about the QB matchup is both players are former No. 1 overall draft picks.

Though the QB play will be a factor, I believe another big factor, maybe even bigger factor, is the running games of both teams, as the Colts will feature Donald Brown and Trent Richardson, while the Chiefs have the one of the best backs in the NFL in Jamaal Charles.

In their previous game, Charles rushed for 106 yards, so if the Colts can stop the rest of the Chiefs’ offense, they can allow Charles to gain yards and still win the game like they did in Week 16.

Game Prediction: Colts 28, Chiefs 14