Predicting Every Wild Card Weekend Game

Given how Stafford has played this year, we weren’t expecting to see Matt Stafford going on the road for the wildcard. Very few people picked the Panthers to make the playoffs, and we certainly didn’t expect them to win the first edition of this matchup. I expect a high-scoring game, as Stafford is at the top of his game, and the Rams’ back end has the potential to be taken advantage of. However, I lean towards the experience and poise of likely MVP Matthew Stafford over Bryce Young. I expect the Rams to edge out a high-scoring game and their young, talented defense to bow up when it matters.

Packers 16 – 20 Bears

An NFC North division matchup, part 3, with the highest possible stakes. In cold, windy Soldier Field, I slightly favor the Bears’ stout run game, especially with the Packers’ injuries. With these two teams, I expect a close, physical game, and I also favor Ice Man Caleb to pull off some last-minute heroics. The Packers won’t give up easily, but I expect Ben Johnson to make good on his promise to beat Matt LaFleur twice this year.

Bills 31 – 30 Jags

Most people would probably say the Jags are the better team, which would have shocked people if we said it at the beginning of the year. However, I simply cannot bet against Superman Josh Allen. He has the weaker roster, the worse coach, and is facing a tougher defense. However, I just can’t bring myself to accept the idea he will be one and done in these playoffs. This seems like a golden opportunity for Buffalo to grasp, and I have to hope against hope that they will do so. My head says the Jags are the better team, but my heart trusts Josh and the Bills more than Trevor and the Jags, despite the odds.

49ers 20 – 16 Eagles

This may be one where my personal bias comes into play, but I simply cannot trust the Philadelphia Eagles (and I hope they lose!) Their defense is undoubtedly great, arguably the best in the league recently. But their offense has put some of the worst and most confusing plays of the year on tape, and they can come out very flat at times. We know the Philadelphia crowd can be tough, and if they struggle, the fans will not be kind to them. I think that despite all the injuries, the 49ers have a huge coaching advantage, and Christian McCaffrey can be the engine that drives them to a win. I don’t think they have a deep run in them necessarily, but I cannot trust the Eagles to beat them.

Chargers 20 – 27 Patriots

Drake Maye has played at an MVP level, and the Patriots have surprised a lot of people by winning the AFC East. Their offense is red-hot, and they’ve poured it on to their admittedly weak schedule. The Chargers have overcome a bad injury bug to end up 11-6, but I unfortunately think their road ends before Justin Herbert’s first playoff win. Their offensive line is battered and bruised, and while the Patriots don’t have a great pass rush, their run defense is elite. We know Jim Harbaugh loves to run the ball, and I think New England can stymie those efforts somewhat. The Chargers’ defense, led by Jesse Minte,r is also elite, but I trust Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye to put together a gameplan that can expose some weaknesses. Drake has had a Cinderella year, and I don’t think the dance is over quite yet!

Texans 17 – 13 Steelers

The Steelers have snuck into the playoffs dramatically at the last second of the season. Unfortunately for them, they are facing the team no one wants to play: the fearsome Houston Texans defense. This might be the best defense in the league, with two scary pass rushers and a great back end. While Aaron Rodgers has been playing well lately, Demeco Ryan’s defense is a different beast. I expect a low-scoring, hard-fought game, and if CJ Stroud can just put a couple of drives together, they can win this game.