The NFL playoffs kick off this week with the Wild Card Weekend. It’s the beginning of the road towards Super Bowl 59 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The Kansas City Chiefs aim to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs and the Lions both earned the top seeds in their respective conferences and are, therefore, through to the Divisional playoffs.
Ahead of the action, we are looking at each game this weekend as we predict the outcomes of what should be a wild weekend.
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
The Bills won the AFC East for the fifth straight season. Led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, and coming off a strong season, the Bills are legit Superbowl contenders. The Broncos clinched their first playoff since 2015, and it’s an accomplishment for Denver to be in the playoffs. It’s going to be a tough game for a young Broncos club in Buffalo. Denver’s defense will make some good plays, but the Bills have a more talented roster. And just to note; the Bills haven’t lost a game at home this season.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
It’s always a physical game when these two AFC rivals meet. And in a do-or-die situation, maybe the physicality will increase. Lamar Jackson is having an amazing season and became the first player in NFL history to pass for 4,000-plus yards and run for 900-plus yards in a single season. However, Lamar’s biggest problem is getting it done when it matters in the playoffs. The Steelers have lost four consecutive games and have lost momentum entering the playoffs. So, if we were betting, we would bet on the Ravens.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens
LA Chargers vs. Houston Texans
The Texans may have won the AFC South for the second year in a row, but they’ve lost two of their last three games.
The Chargers went from five wins in 2023 to the AFC’s No. 5 seed. Justin Herbert doesn’t have a playoff win on his resume yet, but this is a good opportunity for a postseason victory. The Chargers need Quentin Johnston to be a reliable receiver if they want to make their mark in the playoffs. Los Angeles has the NFL’s top-scoring defense, so if we had to choose a winner for this game, we’re going with the Chargers.
Winner: LA Chargers
Greenbay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have a proven winning formula and the No. 1 defense in the NFL. These two teams met in Week 1. Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in their first game. Jordan Love and the Packers will keep this wild-card game very competitive, but we think the Eagles will secure the W at home.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have won the NFC South for the fourth straight season. They will host the Commanders in their first playoffs since 2020. Bucs’ receiver Mike Evans reached 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight year. Evans should have an advantage versus the Commanders’ secondary. Tampa Bay defeated Washington in Week 1, but that was in Jayden Daniels’ first career NFL game. The rookie QB has since grown into the assumed NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and has looked comfortable behind center. In what should be a close game, I see Tampa’s run game being the deciding factor, as The Commanders rank 28th in yards per carry allowed.
Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are one of the few teams to hand the Vikings a loss this season, way back in Week 8. Sure, some might think the Rams have Minnesota’s number, but let’s not forget that game was on Thursday Night Football, just four days after the Vikings battled the Lions. In that matchup, the Rams managed to slow down Minnesota’s offense by getting after QB Sam Darnold, sacking him three times, and keeping a lid on those big, explosive plays. But this time around, the Vikings have had plenty of time to prepare. Don’t be surprised if they come out firing and put up a lot more points this time.
Winner: Minnesota Vikings
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