Predicting Every NFL Game In The Wild Card Round

Wild Card Weekend is here and the pressure is on. With the intensity ramped up, we have some great matchups with teams ready to put everything on the line for a shot to go on a playoff run. The playoffs are finally here, and it’s win or go home time. In today’s article, we’ll discuss who we think moves on for a chance at glory and who starts preparing for next season early. I hope you enjoy!

Los Angeles at Carolina

The first matchup of the wildcard weekend showcases the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles, Rams. The Rams are led by their MVP favorite quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and head coach Sean McVay, who carried them to a Super Bowl win in the ’21-’22 season. They are expected to get Davante Adams back this week, who led the league this season with 14 touchdown receptions. On the other hand, the Panthers have surprised many with their play this season as Bryce Young has been able to lead his team to some pretty solid wins. However, this will be Bryce Young’s first playoff start, while Stafford brings proven playoff experience. Against a team like the Rams, who have allowed multiple teams to stay in games this year when they shouldn’t, I expect a close game. However, the Rams offense will prove to be too much and Matthew Stafford will continue to dominate this year with his top two targets healthy. Rams 31, Panthers 24

Green Bay At Chicago

Soldier Field plays host to the Saturday night game this week, where snow is in the forecast and a battle between two NFC North teams takes place. The Packers enter the playoffs on a 4-game skid, mostly without their QB Jordan Love who is returning this week. They looked good in their matchups against the Bears this season though they ultimately choked in their week 16 game where we saw an onside kick recovery lead to a game tying drive and OT win for Chicago. After three seasons in a row at the bottom of the NFC North, a resurgence from the Bears with Ben Johnson as head coach has shaken up the entire NFC. But, their last matchup of the regular season against the Lions exposed some holes on defense and lacked the explosive offense we’ve seen from them throughout the season. I don’t believe a home field advantage will propel them in this game, especially when they won’t have a weather advantage against the team from Green Bay. Ultimately, this will be another great matchup for these teams, but the Packers’ experience in the playoffs and established QB Jordan Love will win them the game. Packers 23, Bears 20

Buffalo At Jacksonville

The Jaguars are red hot, facing a Bills team that may be better on paper but is difficult to trust. This matchup is likely the hardest to pick, as it is very difficult to bet against Josh Allen, especially with several of his usual playoff rivals missing the postseason this year. James Cook III has been a massive part of the Bills offense this year, and if he is unable to get going against this front I think it could made all the difference. But, the Jaguars have won 8 straight behind Trevor Lawrence, an electric offense, and a defense that has allowed the least amount of rush yards this season. With questionable receivers for Allen to throw to and a defense with the second most turnovers this season against them, it looks like it will be tough for the Bills to pull ahead in this one. The Jaguars will continue to stay hot and knock the Bills out of the playoffs at home. Jaguars 31, Bills 30

San Fransisco At Philadelphia

The Eagles are coming off a week 18 loss that could have secured them the second seed in the NFC, but enter the playoffs rested and hoping for some of their big-name players dealing with injuries to be ready to go. With Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter and Jaelan Philips likely to play this week, the Eagles defense could be a problem for the 49ers the way the Seahawks were for them in week 18. On the offensive side of the ball, Lane Johnson is expected to be back this week. A healthy offensive line has been hard to come by for the birds this year, and I expect it to have a big impact on their offensive woes we’ve seen them from throughout the season. The 49ers also lost their week 18 matchup against the Seahawks where they were fighting for the 1 seed. They also enter the playoffs with multiple injury designations, many of which could be game time decisions as we progress through the weekend. If Christian McCaffrey can get going, the Eagles offense will have to step up. It’s too early to count out the defending Super Bowl Champions and in this matchup I believe Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and their head coach Nick Sirianni will get the job done this week. The Eagles will find a way to win behind their strong defense and the offense will score against a 49ers defense that has been known to give up points throughout the season. Eagles 27, 49ers 20

Los Angeles At New England

I don’t believe the matchup between the Chargers and Patriots will be as close as it’s currently projected to be. The Patriots behind Drake Maye have been on a consistent tear this year and while they’re facing one of the tougher defenses they’ve seen this season, they are coming into this matchup healthy and looking to make a statement. The Patriots and Maye may not be considered battle-tested just yet, but a win could propel them to a playoff run and prove themselves as a threat for years to come. The injured offensive line of the Chargers will make a big impact in this game, and if the Patriots are able to go up early they will hold the lead throughout the game. While the Chargers defense is solid, their inconsistencies on offense will hurt them on the road in Foxborough and be the reason they’re knocked out of the Wild Card round for the third straight year. Patriots 23, Chargers 16

Houston At Pittsburgh

The Monday night game will be a battle of two talented defenses that have played exceptionally in games this season, though Houston’s has been far more relevant. This game will come down to the fact that while the Steelers have been able to pull out close games this season, their inconsistent offense can’t rely on an early lead or comeback win against the stout Houston front that has been a nightmare for teams all season. Aaron Rodgers is being hyped for yet another playoff run in his illustrious career, but a home matchup and return of DK Metcalf to start the playoffs won’t be enough for this offense against the Houston defense that is likely the best in the league. While the Texans seemed to struggle in their week 18 matchup against the Colts, they secured their ninth straight win and enter the playoffs rolling against a team that limped their way into the playoffs. It may be low scoring, but if CJ Stroud and the Texans can make a few big plays and secure a lead early they will take down the Steelers in yet another first round exit for them. Texans 17, Steelers 13

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