The 2013 NFL (Uniform) Playoffs - Wild Card Round

AFC WILD CARD # 1

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Ugh. Cincinnati's set is the definition of 'costume-ish.' The clown getup seemed apropos when Ochocinco and TO patrolled the sidelines, but it now seems dated. Gradated white/orange/black leg stripes and garish shoulder yokes ice this craptacular cake. The Houston Texans' uniforms, on the other hand, look like a Chinese knock-off of the Patriots uniforms. They're boring to the nth degree, having all the flavor of cold gruel. No winner here, only losers.

NFC WILD CARD # 1

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Some may argue, but the Vikings purple and gold is a pretty spiffy combo. Not a fan of the faux-helmet horns, but at least its a design with some tradition. However, looking at the Packers set instantly puts John Facenda's voice in my head: "On the frozen tundra..." Green Bay's traditional green and yellow is the clear winner.

AFC WILD CARD # 2

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I loathe Baltimore. I don't care if they wear Versace suits. I don't care if they dip their whole kit in iridescent gemstones, civic pride prohibits me from siding with the dirty birds. The fact their uniforms mostly suck also helps. Love the spare design of the Colts set. Between these two team-stealing cities, Indy has the better uniform.

NFC WILD CARD # 2

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Seattle drew a fair bit of ire for allowing Nike a complete re-design on their uniforms. After seeing it on the field, though, I've been converted. The subtle incorporation of Pacific Northwest Native American design elements provides the  benchmark for recognizing Native Americans without the use of divisive images and names (unlike other teams which shall not be named). I like Washington's classic look--lots of color--but Seattle has the better uniform.

This gives us some interesting match-ups going into the Divisional Round. Green Bay vs. San Francisco? Indy and Denver? New England versus no one at all? All tough choices.