You didn’t think I’d leave y’all out in the cold just because the regular season is over did you?! Heck no!! We’ve got a month left off Fumbling to get through, wooooooo!!

However, rather than the usual Fumble layout, I’ll simply be giving you my thoughtful and often brilliant musings on the games that took place over Wildcard Weekend.

I do enjoy writing this column, but I just saw Ben Fogel presenting an animal show from a cage in the middle of a lion’s den, my dream location. Editor, please can we do a series called ‘Fumble on Tour’ next season? I can write the column from stupid locations across the world… in my pants of course.

Anyway, to the games!!

Colts 17-23 Chargers

The NFL is an unforgiving place. All week people had been talking about Peyton Manning’s MVP, how the resurgent Colts were ready for a playoff run and about how LT’s injury might render him ineffective and whether or not the Colts made the right choice in taking Manning over Ryan Leaf in the 1998 draft.

In the end, most pundits and fans all got it wrong: the Chargers won, and there was nothing Peyton Manning could do about it. Quite simply, San Diego know how to beat the Colts, even without a decent pass rush or Tomlinson, who sat out three quarters of the game.

Indeed, all you need is a 5’6 midget called Darren Sproles, who without doubt is going to become a very rich man when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. His game winning performance (328 all-purpose yards) and TD in overtime ensures that when the Chargers play the Steelers in the divisional round they will be anything but a massive underdog. It’s quite amusing watching his post-game interview; I spoke to Sproles twice when he was in London last year, and he is without doubt a) a lovely guy and b) one of the quietest people in the world. He just doesn’t speak! Watch the video, you’ll see what I mean.

I’m in two minds about this result. On the one hand, I have a gigantic soft spot for San Diego and they are probably my second favourite team, so I’m pleased to see them progress. On the other, they had a home playoff game despite finishing 8-8 and played a team who went 12-4. This game should have been played in Indianapolis, and I like Peter King’s thoughts on the playoff system. We’re now used to rubbish divisional winners proceeding, and we have to live with that. But why not change the home advantage system? Dish it out to teams based on their record rather than their divisional status. Rant over…. For now.

Falcons 24-30 Cardinals

So ends the rookie season of Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, whose Falcons team went down to an Arizona team that has looked more likely to become the basis of one of my stupid column titles for next season e.g. ‘The Cardinals will end up with a worse record than the Raiders in 2009’.

Indeed, the fact that so many people have suggested that Arizona are one of the worst teams to ever make the playoffs seemed to inspire them and their defence in particular. Indeed, it was the D that won this game; they restricted the Falcons to only 60 yards on the ground, and Matt Ryan showed that he is indeed still a young QB with a performance that lacked a little bit of bite. He needed the support from Michael Turner but didn’t get it.

The Cardinals will play the Panthers next week, and whilst I’m pretty confident that they’re going to get completely hammered it was good to see them win this game. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic, mostly due to the decision to close the roof of it despite it being a lovely day outside.

Ravens 27-9 Dolphins

What kind of team can win a game so easily when their QB has only completed 9 of 23 passes for 135 yards and no TDs? The Baltimore Ravens, who have arguably the best defensive unit in the NFL.

It was tough for the Dolphins, who were never really able to get going. Chad Pennington had an absolute stinker, indeed his performance reminded me of my career ending appearance for my primary school football team in 1995 when I missed an open goal in the second half (no, I’m still not over it). But Chad's four interceptions are just part of the reason why Miami got hammered; in reality, they were just completely outclassed. The wildcat formation may well be a thing of the past.

The Ravens will take on the Titans next week in a battle between two of the strongest defences in the NFL. The winner of that game is likely to be my pick for the Super Bowl... or the Steelers... or the Giants... I don't know what I'm talking about, any team other than the Cardinals could win this thing now!

Eagles 26-14 Vikings

I really feel for Tarvaris Jackson. As I watched him suffering in the second half of this game, I couldn't help but wince at the booing of the crowd as he attempted- and failed- over and over again to maintain possession of the football. He's a good guy, an enthusiastic player, and a great talent. However, he is not a playoff ready QB... yet. Adrian Peterson did his best to carry the team to victory but it wasn't enough. I sincerely hope Brad Childress sticks with Jackson in 2009, he has the talent to become a top NFL QB.

In contrast to Tarvaris, Donovan McNabb on the other hand was poised and ready for action. His solid performance kept the Eagles on top at all times, despite the fact that the Vikings kept Brian Westbrook out of the game until the fourth quarter. It's quite incredible what a bit of confidence can do for a player; suddenly, McNabb looks like he could lead Philly to victory against the Giants.... well, not really, but considering they only won nine regular season games this season the Eagles have done well to make the divisional round at all.

Divisional Round Predictions

Ravens @ Titans: A tasty defensive match up, and I reckon the Titans will sneak it by virtue of one Chris Johnson...

Chargers @ Steelers: Who wins the contest between San Diego's incredible offence and Pittsburgh's brutal D? The Steelers for me.

Eagles @ Giants: Good times to be a New York fan, bring on the Super Bowl! (This is inevitably going to come back to haunt me, why do I make bold statements?! It never works out!)

Cardinals @ Panthers: Kurt, it's been good, but it's time to say goodbye to your Super Bowl hopes. An easy win for Carolina.

What did you make of the weekend's games? And how many pairs of pants did you get for Christmas?