Top 5 stories of NFL Wild Card Weekend

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball while stiff-arming Washington Redskins cornerback Justin Rogers (38) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Can Andy Dalton win a game?

Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 37-28. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s face it, you can’t complain too loudly if you’re the Cincinnati Bengals. After all, four straight playoff appearances is something to be happy with.

Unfortunately, they also represent three straight early exits as well. Can they avoid a fourth against Indianapolis? While you can blame the whole team for those losses – and should, as it takes a whole team to lose a game – quarterback Andy Dalton has been unable to get the job done in those games.

One touchdown, six interceptions and a 56.2 rating is an ugly history, and Dalton had to find a way to play leaps and bounds better.

This is really the perfect matchup for them. Sure, you have to stop Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton. However the Colts have a shaky defense, a mediocre offensive line and no run game.

The Bengals have better than a puncher’s chance here, even on the road.

It’s going to come down to Dalton and his play.

Sure, the rest of the team has to play better as well, but as quarterback, you carry your team.

Dalton has dropped them too often in the playoffs. Can he ‘exorcise the elephant in the room?’

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