The NFL Playoffs are here, what an exciting time where Offenses have be sharpened and Defenses tightened! It matters that much more now. Here are my predictions for Wild Card Weekend:
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Carolina Panthers (4)
- The first game of NFL Wild Card Weekend features the 5th seed LA Rams going on the road to face NFC South champions and the 4th seed Carolina Panthers. This should be a relatively easy game for the Rams as they just dominate them in every aspect of the game. Respect to the Panthers for making it this far, but Stafford and his team will light the Panthers up. It must be mentioned that the Panthers won their division with an underwhelming record of 8-9 and that will show on Saturday afternoon as they face a superior team.
Prediction: Rams 31 – Panthers 10
Green Bay Packers (7) @ Chicago Bears (2)
- Saturday night prime-time has the 7th seeded Green Bay Packers on the road against the NFC North champions and 2nd seeded Chicago Bears. This should be an exciting matchup between two divisional foes. Both teams have talented QBs, HCs, and a running game. I will give the edge to Chicago here due to them having a better defense and playing at home for a crowd who is starving for playoff success. Give me Chicago in a close one.
Prediction: Bears 20 – Packers 17
Buffalo Bills (6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3)
- The first of 3 games on Sunday features the 6th seeded Buffalo Bills going on the road to take on the 3rd seeded Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will keep it close with what will probably be an offensive shoot-out, but I have the play-off tested Josh Allen led Bills advancing to next weekend’s divisional round.
Prediction: Bills 34 – Jaguars 28
San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3)
The 49ers are visiting the Eagles on Sunday afternoon/early evening in what should be a classic matchup of two historic NFL teams. Both teams possess high-power offenses and more than capable defenses, so I will give the edge to the home team here, but this one could truly go either way.
Prediction: Eagles 24 – 49ers 21
Los Angeles Chargers (7) @ New England Patriots (2)
The Chargers are going on the road to take on the once-again successful Patriots team. New England is legit folks. They again have found an elite NFL QB in Drake Maye and former Pats’ player and current HC Mike Vrabel has the team playing tough football. Foxborough will be rocking and this just feels like it will be a victory for the Pats, even if talented QB Justin Herbert and the Chargers O will put up a fight.
Prediction: Patriots 23 – Chargers 17
Houston Texans (5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (4)
The Houston Texans are going to Heinz Field on Monday Night Football to battle the Pittsburgh Steelers in what should be a defensive showdown. The Texans are red-hot having won their last 9 games, but they may have peaked too early. Give me the wisdom and experience of Aaron Rodgers to help the Steelers advance. The Pittsburgh D and the hostile, and cold playing environment will likely make life hell for CJ Stroud.
Prediction: Steelers 17 – Texans 7
