2014 NFL Postseason: Wild Card Round Previews and Predictions

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, Jan. 5
San Diego Chargers (9-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
TV: CBS
Time: 1:05 p.m. EDT
Projected Weather: High: 35, Low: 0, rain/snow

In San Diego earlier this season, the Bengals defeated the Chargers 17-10 on Dec. 1, but the Chargers have momentum, as do the Bengals, so I see the score being a tad bit higher this time around.

What I like for the Bengals, besides thinking they are the better team of the two, is the fact they are hosting the Chargers … and this year, the Bengals have been tough at Paul Brown Stadium.

Cincinnati was a perfect 8-0 at home this season, so they have the home winning streak in the favor, plus I believe the weather this weekend in Cincinnati will play a big role against the visiting Chargers of the West Coast with Cincinnati having a high temp of 35 degrees and a low of zero as there is a 100-percent chance of rain/snow for the day.

A factor for the Bengals over any other is whether the Bengals will have “Good” Andy Dalton or “Bad” Andy Dalton, because that will make a difference for the reigning AFC South champs.

Dalton has 20 interceptions in 2013 with a 61.9 competition percentage. He’s 363-of-586 for 4,293 yards and 33 touchdowns.

The Bengals don’t have a 1,000-yard rusher, but the duo of BenJarvis Green-Ellis (756 yards) and Giovani Bernard (695 yards) have rushed for over 1,000 yards combined.

A.J. Green is a MUST-WATCH player in this game for the Bengals with 98 receptions for 1,426 yards and 11 TDs this season.

I don’t want to keep rambling, but I really like the Bengals’ defense as well, as they are dangerous.

Philip Rivers had a rebound season for the Chargers. He passed for 4,478 yards (378-of-544) for 32 TDs.

If the Bengals want to win this game, they need to make life miserable for Rivers in this game … bottom line.

Game Prediction: Cincinnati 23, Chargers 13