Welcome to the Wild Card Playoffs in the NFL! We get treated to six games this weekend, including one on Monday night. Here is a preview and a score prediction for each one:
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans 4:30 p.m. EST
The 11-6 Chargers, led by QB Justin Herbert, come into the playoffs riding a three-game winning streak. They will need to rely on the passing game if they want to beat the Texans. Meanwhile, the AFC South champs, the Texans, led by QB Stroud, look to get their offense back on track vs. a solid Charger defense. Can RB Joe Mixon contribute and help take the pressure off Stroud? I think the Chargers have been playing better football and have a better squad. Charger receiver Ladd McConkey has a big game.
Score Prediction: Chargers 24 – Texans 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens 8:00 p.m. EST
The 10-7 Steelers and the 12-5 Ravens will meet for the third time this season. These AFC North foes split the season series, with the Ravens beating the Steelers by 17 just a few weeks ago. That game was much closer than the score as the Steelers QB Russell Wilson fumbled at the Raven 3-yard line and threw a late pick 6. Even though I think the score will be much closer, it is difficult to pick against QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry at home. The Steelers may slow down one, but not the other.
Score Prediction: Ravens 23 – Steelers 16
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills 1:00 p.m. EST
The 10-7 Broncos clinched a playoff spot by beating the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs, who were no match as they rested their best players. Still, the 300-yard, 4-touchdown pass performance gives Bronco’s rookie QB Bo Nix more confidence. The 13-4 Bills, led by QB Josh Allen, are many people’s favorite to represent the AFC in this year’s Super Bowl. They may have to rely on RB James Cook a bit more, as the Broncos have a very good pass defense. I am expecting another close game, but QB Josh Allen finds a way to win.
Score Prediction: Bills 23 – Broncos 20
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles 4:30 p.m. EST
The 11-6 Packers enter the playoffs on a two-game losing streak. They will need the passing game led by QB Jordan Love to be much more efficient if they want to beat a tough Eagle squad. The 14-3 Eagles expect to have QB Jalen Hurts back, as he has been on concussion protocol over the past two weeks. Regardless, I expect RB Saquon Barkley to have a huge game and for the Eagle defense to dominate.
Score Prediction: Eagles 34 – Packers 16
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:00 p.m. EST
The 12-5 Commanders, led by QB Jayden Daniels, secured the 6th seed by beating the Cowboys and set themselves up for a week one rematch vs. the Bucs. The 10-7 Buccaneers won the NFC South by defeating the New Orleans Saints in week 18. The offense led by QB Baker Mayfield has had a tremendous season and will have to have a big game here to beat the potent Commanders. I think the difference is going to be the return of Commander CB Marshon Lattimore who has played Tampa WR Mike Evans extremely well over their well-known matchups.
Score Prediction: Commanders 31 – Buccaneers 27
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams 8:00 p.m. EST
The 14-3 Vikings had a chance to win the NFC North and the overall number-one seed but were beaten up by the Detroit Lions in week 18. The 10-7 Rams rested all their starters in week 18 and will look to get a repeat performance from both sides of the ball that defeated the Vikings 30-20 in week 8. In week 8, the Vikings had no pass rush, and it took them a half to adjust to the Ram’s offense. I expect the defense to get to Matthew Stafford and for WR Justin Jefferson to take over.
Score Prediction: Vikings 30 – Rams 20