NFL Wild Card Playoff Predictions

NFL Wild Card Playoff Predictions

NFC

Seattle Seahawks Vs Dallas Cowboys

The both of these teams have had similar paths to the Playoffs. They started out shaky and have lost some tight games but, have finally found an identity at the right time of the year! The Cowboys defense has been one of the best in the league led by DeMarcus Lawrence, Jaylon Smith, and the rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. It has been extremely difficult for any offense that they have faced to get around any one of those guys. The defense has really carried the Cowboys throughout the season, even though they also have a stout offense ever since the trade for Amari Cooper. The trade for Cooper has opened up this offense and taken it to another level. The Seahawks are pretty much all Russell Wilson at this point and there is nothing wrong with that, but at some point it will cost you games because one player can’t win it all. The “Legion of Boom” is over and this Seahawks defense looks like a shell of themselves. Don’t get me wrong they have had their moments and can hold their own, but overall this defense lacks that swagger and confidence that we’ve grown used to over the years. I have a feeling this game is going to be a battle in the trenches and whichever team is able to overpower the other one on the line is going to get this win. The Cowboys have the leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott and he is the perfect running back for this type of matchup. If Zeke can dominate in this game like I believe he can the Cowboys should come out on top.

Cowboys over Seahawks 28-24

Philadelphia Eagles Vs Chicago Bears

With the way the Eagles have played this season I am really surprised they were able to back their way into the Playoffs, but here they are! Led by Nick Foles yet again because Carson Wentz is injured…again! I know the Philly fans are hoping for some more Foles magic, but I don’t think that is going to happen this year! The Eagles are not a good team at all. The ground game is non-existent, the passing game has not been consistent, and the defense is weak. The Bears on the other hand are a strong team with a killer defense and I think they are going to give Nick Foles hell! If that dude was hurting last week, I don’t know how he’s going to feel after he faces the Bears defense! Khalil Mack has made all the difference for this team and was obviously the last piece they needed to complete this defense. The offense is not flashy, but they are solid and can get the job done. I don’t think this is going to be much of a game because I don’t anticipate the Eagles are going to actually have a chance in this one!

Bears over Eagles 27-7

AFC

Los Angeles Chargers Vs Baltimore Ravens

I smell a revenge game coming in this matchup! In the regular season the Chargers were embarrassed in their own stadium when they got kicked to the curb by the Ravens. This time around I think it will be a much different result. The last time they played seemed like the typical trap game for the Chargers, and they fell for it and now have learned from it. The Chargers offense has been tops in the league and Philip Rivers has been having a career year. Melvin Gordon is a huge part as to why this Chargers offense works so well because not only can he take you head on up the middle and break for day light, but he is also a weapon in the passing game and can open things up for everyone else on the offense. The Ravens defense has been tops in the league and is the main reason why they were able to get into the Playoffs. On offense Lamar Jackson looks like he has potential to become a good quarterback in the future, but I have a feeling this game will be one he remembers forever, and not for good reasons. The Chargers defense has also been one of the best in the league and I believe they will keep Lamar Jackson in check all day. The Ravens don’t have any other offensive weapons to fall back on to pick them up, so this will not be a pretty game.

Chargers over Ravens 35-10

Indianapolis Colts Vs Houston Texans

I think the Houston Texans are the most fraudulent team to make the Playoffs! They do have some really good players like J.J. Watt, DeShaun Watson, and DeAndre Hopkins, but last time I checked teams won football games, not individuals. Overall as a team the Texans are mediocre and soft. The offensive line is garbage, they have absolutely no ground game besides the quarterback, and the only time the defense looks dominant is when they play subpar teams. The Colts on the other hand are a very strong team who seem to have finally found their identity as the season has moved along. Now that Andrew Luck finally has a good offensive line he has plenty of time to get the ball to one of his many offensive weapons. T.Y. Hilton is probably one of the most underrated receivers in the league because he is consistent game in and game out, and has been ever since he was drafted. The Colts defense has been the biggest surprise thus far and while they will have their hands full against the Texans I believe they will be able to lock down the Texans offensively and make sure that their defense is stuck on the field getting lit up by Luck and the Colts offense.

Colts over Texans 24-13