NFL Playoffs: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts, Wildcard Round (Open Thread)

The AFC playoff picture will be set after the Bengals square off against the Colts. There are several interesting storylines that make this game a little difficult to predict. It's easy to write off the Bengals for three reasons. First, they already lost to the Colts 27-0 this year. Second, they have seen QB Andy Dalton play terribly in the postseason time and time again. Third, they could be without WR A.J. Green and TE Jermaine Gresham, their best two receiving options.

On the other hand, the Bengals' strength over the past month or two has been their committement to the running game and playing better defense, both of which could create the right gameplan to minimize what Dalton has to do. The Colts have no doubt been on a slide, too -- they barely squeaked out wins over Cleveland and Houston before being blown out by the Cowboys. Injuries on the offensive line haven't helped. Nonetheless, too much seems stacked against the Bengals. I like the Colts to advance and face QB Peyton Manning and the Broncos next week. Colts 31, Bengals 20

VS.

Game: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts
Date/Time: Sunday, January 4, 2015 at 4:40 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Television: CBS - Jim Nantz & Phil Simms
NFL Odds: Colts by 4