NFL Wild Card Weekend: Where To Watch Live Online Stream, Betting Odds, Predictions for 2012-13 NFL Playoffs First Round

Three rookies and one second-year quarterback are vying for glory this weekend as the NFL playoffs kick-off Saturday.

Only two games can be watched live online. Both will air on NBC and both are rematches of sorts.

Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals rematch the recently slumping Houston Texans from last year’s first round. Houston won their first ever playoff game behind quarterback T.J. Yates filling in for an injured Matt Schaub by a score of 31-10. Dalton tossed three interceptions in that game, and Texans running back Arian Foster rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

Then the Minnesota Vikings will try to repeat their winning performance over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17, but this time it’s at Lambeau Field. However the frozen tundra hasn’t been as fearsome of late, with Green Bay losing three of their last four home playoff games.

On Sunday, Andrew Luck and the Colts continue their amazing turnaround against a Baltimore Ravens team that could be inspired upon the news of Ray Lewis retirement.

The marquee matchup comes later that night with Russell Wilson vs. Robert Griffin III. How the Seahawks defense contains RG3 may be the difference against the Washington Redskins.

Saturday Jan. 5

Who: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans

Where: Reliant Stadium

Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT

Network: NBC, Watch NBC All Access here

Betting Odds: Houston is favored by 5 points

Over/Under: 43 points

Prediction: The Bengals defense has greatly improved this season and has one of the best pass rushes in the league. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has put up the best numbers of his career, and will be the key for Cincinnati’s success. The Bengals will pull off the upset, especially if they can contain defensive end J.J. Watt and his ability to tip Dalton’s passes.

Prediction Score: Cincinnati 24 , Houston 20

Who: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

Where: Lambeau Field

Time: 8 p.m. EDT

Network: NBC, Watch NBC All Access here

Betting Odds: Green Bay is favored by 9 points

Over/Under: 46.5 points

Prediction: Green Bay stumbled out of the gate, but their offense has been on fire in th second half of the season. Aaron Rodgers looks like the MVP from a year ago, and James Jones has become one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. Minnesota’s chances rest on Adrian Peterson, but also quarterback Christian Ponder. If Ponder can repeat his career-best performance from Week 17, the Vikings have a huge shot at an upset.

Prediction Score: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 24

Sunday, Jan. 6

Who: Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

Where: M&T Bank Stadium

Time: 1 p.m. EDT

Network: CBS

Betting Odds: Baltimore is favored by 6.5 points

Over/Under: 47 points

Prediction: The Ravens stumbled into the playoffs, losing four of their last five games, including 1-2 at home, and Ray Lewis announced this will be his last season. Baltimore’s success will hinder on running back Ray Rice. Indianapolis is the best feel good story in the league. They improved by nine wins in Andrew Luck’s rookie year, and coach Bruce Arians filled in for Chuck Pagano on an interim basis while Pagano underwent treatment for leukemia. The Colts will keep this game close, and Luck will mount another fourth quarter comeback.

Prediction Score: Indianapolis 20, Baltimore 17

Who: Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins

Where: FedEx Field

Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT

Network: FOX

Betting Odds: Seattle is favored by 3 points

Over/Under: 46 points

Prediction: Seattle and Russell Wilson have won five in a row, outscoring opponents 170-43 in that stretch. Wilson scored a combined 13 touchdowns in that span, and cornerback Richard Sherman leads an explosive sixth ranked secondary. The Washington Redskins are just as hot, winning seven straight. However Robert Griffin III looked a step slower last week against Dallas, which many point to the reason why Seattle is favored on the road. Look for running back Alfred Morris to be the key to the Redskins success, but for the Seahawks to take control late.

Prediction Score: Seattle 24, Washington 20