What to Expect this Wild-Card Weekend?

Author: William Goldmark

Editor: Fran Attié

Saturday:

1:05 PM: No. 7 Indianapolis Colts at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (-6.5)

These are not your mother and father’s Buffalo Bills. This team is for real. Sitting at 13-3, (which would be 14-2 if not for a certain Arizona Cardinals Hail Mary), Josh Allen and his crew closed out the season by winning six straight double-digit games. Furthermore, Philip Rivers has a sub .500 record while playing in the postseason. So, while a tough Indianapolis defense should prevent this one from becoming a landslide, Buffalo’s offense is far too electric to bet against.

My pick: Buffalo (-6.5)

4:40 PM: No. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

For all the criticism Seattle’s defense has endured throughout 2020, the Seahawks have not given up more than 23 points in a game for the entire second half of the season. Additionally, they will now face a Rams offense that only mustered 9 points in their previous week 16 meeting, and struggled to materialize anything offensively against the New York Jets the week before—yes, the 0-13 Jets. Mr. Unlimited and wideout phenom DK Metcalf should be able to win this one comfortably in the Seahawks’ home building.

My pick: Seattle (-3.5)

8:15 PM: No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9) at No. 4 Washington Football Team

While Washington’s 7-9 record is far from intimidating, it is worth noting that they are actually 5-1 when future Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith is under center. It is also worth noting that Tom Brady’s lack of mobility may be an issue against Washington’s disruptive front seven. It would be quite a surprise to see Tampa exit the playoffs after the first round, but Washington should be able to make this a defensive-minded game that comes down to the wire.

My pick: Washington (+9)

Sunday:

1:05 PM: No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

Baltimore will absolutely be playing with a chip on their shoulder on Sunday. Earlier this season, the Ravens blew a two-possession lead to the Titans before losing in overtime. Even worse, in last year’s Divisional Round, Tennessee shocked the NFL by manhandling Baltimore, raising tons of speculation regarding Lamar Jackson’s ability to perform in the big moments. It is likely that Lamar ‘took this personal’, and after very quietly ending their season on a 5-game win streak, the former MVP will be looking to pull off an upset.

My pick: Baltimore (+3.5)

4:40 PM: No. 7 Chicago Bears at No. 2 New Orleans Saints (-10)

The Chicago Bears rounded out the season with an 8-8 record and a +2 point differential, meaning they are the perfect definition of a mediocre football team. However, this Bears defense tends to keep their offense in games, as Chicago has not allowed more than 30 points this year to a team not led by Aaron Rodgers. Furthermore, the Saints’ inconsistent postseason play in recent years makes it difficult to be confident in them winning by double digits. In possibly his last opportunity to prove he can be a starting quarterback, expect Mitchell Trubisky to keep his squad in the game.

My pick: Chicago (+10)

8:15 PM: No. 6 Cleveland Browns at No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers (-6)

Last Sunday, Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns defended their home turf and beat the Mason Rudolph-led Pittsburgh Steelers. Fast-forward one week: the Browns will be without their head coach after he tested positive for Covid-19; the game will be played at Heinz Field, where Cleveland has not been victorious since 2003; and of course, 2x Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger will be back in action after a week of rest. So, while Pittsburgh has lost 4 of their last 5 games, and Cleveland deserves plenty of credit for finally ending their 18-year playoff drought, this rivalry has been one-sided for decades and that will not change on Sunday night.

My pick: Pittsburgh (-6)

*Game lines accurate as of 1/7/21

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