NFL News and Wild Card Predictions

--Brian Billick and Cam Cameron both bit the dirt this week. Billick hitched his wagon to an aging QB in Steve McNair and an aging defense minus Adalius Thomas who left for the Patriots in the off-season. A nine game losing streak and some very undisciplined play all played a part in the decision. Look for Billick to re-surface somewhere next season, maybe not as a head coach but possibly as an offensive coordinator. Cameron never really had much of a chance. Poor personnel decisions and questionable drafts have left the Dolphins depleted but Cameron's act wore very thin very quickly with both players and the coaching staff. Cameron's story is a tale of caution for GM's around the league: Just because a guy can run an offense doesn't mean he can run a football team. Look for Cameron to end up somewhere back in the college ranks next year.

--One name you're going to hear a lot about in the off-season is Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. With the success of the Cowboys Garrett is the newest wunderkid that teams are searching for. I'm not sure if he is ready for the pressures of the head coaching world just yet, but he will certainly have to entertain some offers.

--With Cameron's firing and the hiring of former Cowboy's personnel director Jeff Ireland as the new GM, Parcells' has started the rebuilding process in Miami. Two names come to mind immediately: Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer. Cowher's position may depend on what happens in Carolina (Trust me, he is going to be the head coach at Carolina at some point in time). Schottenheimer would be a good fit for a rebuilding team, an experienced, no-nonsense type of coach in the old-school mold much like Parcells himself. Whatever his choice, Parcells is going to be looking for an experienced coach to come in and make an impact.

--Tough break for Cleveland finishing 10-6 and not making the playoffs. They have some decisions to make in the off-season. They didn't draft Brady Quinn to sit on the bench forever but after the season Derek Anderson had, what do you do? Look for a draft day trade of some sort to get some value for one of these guys.

--Scariest team in the playoffs: San Diego. They seemed to have peaked at the right time. LT is going to break loose come playoff time and their defense has stepped up their game. On a side note to QB Phillip Rivers: Just shut up. When you do something in this league, then you can run your mouth. Otherwise, you may wake up after the next play in a different area code.

--Washington is playing with more emotion and momentum right now than probably anyone save for the Giants. QB Todd Collins has come out of nowhere, and I literally mean nowhere, to lead this team into the playoffs. Anybody see that one coming?

And now for the games on Wild Card Weekend:

Washington @ Seattle: The memory of fallen teammate Sean Taylor and the play of QB Todd Collins has propelled the Redskins into the post-season. But the key to Washington winning this game lies with RB Clinton Portis. If he can get off the line then the passing game will open up and take the pressure off of Collins. Seattle's play this season has been good at times but very inconsistent and spotty and they have had a difficult time running the football. They have the edge in big-game experience but Washington's momentum and emotion win out this time. Washington +3.

Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: You don't see a home team as the underdog very often come playoff time but that's the case here. Pittsburgh comes into this game having lost 3 of their last five against a surging Jacksonville team. With RB Willie Parker out, this game will rest on the Steeler defense and the arm of Ben Rothlisberger. Jags QB David Garrard will see pressure like he hasn't seen this season and his inexperience in the big game will show. I give the edge in experience and poise to the Steelers. Pittsburgh +2 1/2.

NY Giants @ Tampa Bay: It seem no matter where he plays, Buc QB Jeff Garcia shows up at playoff time and that's not just a coincidence. He's a battle-tested veteran who doesn't get rattled and knows how to run a game. The Giant defense will put consistent pressure on him and the Giant DB's must provide tight coverage to make Garcia make mistakes. QB Eli Manning has come of age the past few games and has been making good decisions and making plays. RB Brandon Jacobs must pound the ball on the ground and WR Plaxico Burress has to step up and make a play or two. If that happens, the Giants should win. NY Giants + 3.

Tennessee @ San Diego: Ok Norv, here is the deal: Don't ask Phillip Rivers to win the game and give the ball to LT, then give the ball to LT and then give it to LT again. If the Chargers running attack gets going, look for TE Antonio Gates to have a big game. The mobility of Titan's QB Vince Young may be an issue and with DT Albert Haynesworth still nursing the hamstring injury, the Titans just don't have enough guns to stay in this battle. San Diego wins, but not by a big number. Tennessee +9.

Good luck, enjoy the games and have a great day!!