**Sorry if you tried to access this post last night. There was a huge error in the post (let’s just say I had the wrong name for the Chargers QB) and had to put it back into draft while I was out consoling myself over the Cardinals horrible loss!
So last week with the NFL Wild Card Weekend, I went 4-0 on my picks. Yes, I’m really that good!
Considering the way that the Arizona Cardinals-New Orleans Saints game is going while I’m writing this post, I am definitely not repeating that 4-0 this week. So forgive me if this post lacks my usual zest and enthusiasm but I’m a little heartsick right now that my Cards playoff run is in serious jeopardy. I’m not ready to say goodbye for the season! If someone could freaking stop Reggie Bush, that would be nice.
But in any case…on to Sunday’s games! NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend features the “best” or at least, highest ranked, teams in each division against the Wild Card Weekend Winning Teams from each division. Unfortunately for me, all my teams (Cardinals, Jets, Ravens) were the Wild Card teams, not the Best Teams.
- My Picks
- Game Day Recipes
Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings (12-4)
My Pick: The Vikings
This is the one matchup that I’m not picking the underdog. Knowing my luck, this will be the only game that the underdog does win but whatever. I just think Brett Favre has a lot more postseason know-how that Tony Romo and that is going to be key in this game. Plus Adrian Peterson is super hot excellent!
I like what I read on ESPN.com: “I know the media loves the Dallas Cowboys and it’s America’s team, but we’ve got a pretty good team over here,” Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said. “That’s all I’m concerned about.”
And that is an excellent way of putting it. The Cowboys are still beloved by so many, and they haven’t been in the playoffs in 13 years!
But as the minutes of the third quarter of this Cardinals massacre quickly fade away and my soul is crushed some more, I have nothing else to say except I’m for the Vikings. Wooooo.
New York Jets (10-7) vs. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
My Pick: The Jets
No laughing! I am absolutely going with the Jets. And not just because @extremejohn won’t let me in his house tomorrow if I don’t.
Yes, their QB is a rookie. But look at last year with Joe Flacco and the Ravens. He was a rookie and he took the team through the playoffs until they came against the Steelers. So I’m just saying, don’t knock the rookie before you see what he can do.
And yes, Mark Sanchez has had an up and down season but in the last few games he seemed to be gaining more and more confidence in his leadership role. Through the regular season, Sanchez had 20 interceptions. But in the last 3 games, he’s been turnover free. In fact, last week Sanchez had the best game of his short career so far. He webt 12 for 15 for 182 yards and a touchdown for a passer rating of 139.4. Now I don’t know what all that means but I know it’s good!
And yes, the The Chargers are on this 11 game winning streak going into the post season and they had last weekend off to sit back, drink beer and just watch all the Wild Card teams–including the Jets– fighting for their place in the playoffs. But even though they didn’t have a week off, the Jets have won 6 out of their last 7 games and are on a major high after their impressive win over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend.
On a final note, the Chargers QB is someone named Philip Rivers. Never heard of him. But then again, I can’t say I’ve really watched any Chargers games this season. I’ve been told he’s good. Obviously he must do something right since San Diego only lost 3 games this season! But I attribute that to their running back, who I’ve actually heard of, LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s kind of a big deal.
But I am very much J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets!
GAME DAY RECIPES
Today’s matchups are easy for me because over the last 18 weeks, most of the teams have already been featured as the Game of the Week. So I’m going to give you links to those articles for the recipes! *Not all teams have 3rd & 4th quarter recipes. They were the chili/soup and dessert quarters and I didn’t have recipes for all teams yet! I’m sorry! Make your fave chili and a football shaped cake or cupcakes!
For Dallas Cowboys Recipes see NFL Wild Card Weekend: Saturday
The Menu
- Pregame: Cowboy Cocktail & Don’t Mess with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- 1st Quarter: Jalapeno Popper Dip
- 2nd Quarter: Crunchy Taco Wings
- Halftime: Dallas Cowboys Burger
- 3rd Quarter: Tequila Lime Chicken Chili
For Minnesota Vikings Recipes see Week 13: Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Menu
- Pregame: Purple Viking Cocktail & Screaming Viking Cocktail
- 1st Quarter: Beer & Pretzel Dip
- 2nd Quarter: Minnesota Mahogany Wings
- Halftime: The Minnesota Vikings Burger
- 3rd Quarter: Three Meat Three Beer Chili
- 4th Quarter: Blueberry Muffins
For New York Jets Recipes see NFL Wild Card Weekend: Saturday
The Menu
- Pregame: Big AppleTini
- 1st Quarter: NY Style Reuben Dip
- 2nd Quarter: Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Halftime: NY Jets Reuben Burger
- 4th Quarter: NY Caramel Apple Cheesecake
For San Diego Chargers Recipes keep on reading! The recipes are listed below!
The Menu
- Pregame: San Diego Sea Breeze
- 1st Quarter: Avocado Dip
- 2nd Quarter: San Diego Savory & Spicy Salsa Wings
- Halftime: San Diego Brie Charged Portabello Burger
PREGAME
San Diego Chargers 
san diego sea breeze
- 1.0 tsp Blackberry Liqueur
- 0.5 part Orange juice
- 0.5 part Pineapple Juice
- 1.0 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Blueberry Schnapps
- 0.5 oz Raspberry Schnapps
1ST QUARTER
- Avocado Dip It’s guac, but better! I can sit with a bowl of guacamole and chips for hours and be perfectly happy with the world. This dip takes guac to a whole new level! Packed with green chilis, jalapenos and diced tomatos with more green chilies, this dip packs a major punch! Plus its blended with creamy sour cream and cream cheese to make it decadent! Get the Recipe!
2nd QUARTER
San Diego Savory & Spicy Salsa Wings: Salsa Wings are a healthier option to wings because these guys are cooking in a Crock Pot instead of deep fried! The recipe recommends Newman’s Own Salsa but I’ve tried it with some local store brands and they were AWESOME! Want to kick it up a notch? Pick a habenero salsa to brew them in! Get the Recipe!
HALFTIME
About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!Now Available!
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