NFL Wildcard Weekend Picks
By Hector Vazquez
Final regular-season record 187–68–1
Last week: 13–3
Here we are, wild card weekend or shall I say “super” wild card weekend, where we have an additional game because of the additional team getting in at #7…
I am intrigued by the matchups we have on hand this coming weekend. We have a team from the great state of Ohio who hasn’t been here since 2002, a team-up north by the Catskill mountains who is pumping on all cylinders, a team from the Sunshine State who has a new meaning to winning, and a team from the “show me state” who is wanting to show the world that last year wasn’t a fluke…so here we go…
Bye week for the Kansas City Chiefs (14–2) and Green Bay Packers (13–3)
Cleveland Browns (11–5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (12–4)
These two teams have faced each other twice all-time in the playoffs, with the Steelers winning both times, 29–9 in 1995 & 36–33 in 2003. The Browns got their must needed win over the Steelers last week to make the playoffs, however, it took everything from defense and offense to beat a resting team without their starting quarterback. Pittsburgh will have all their starters ready to put pressure on Baker Mayfield. My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago Bears (8–8) vs New Orleans Saints (12–4)
The Saints have owned this matchup rather easily the past two seasons. With Kamara and Murray back from a rested week, they should have no issues pounding the ground game. By no means will they sleep on an NFC north wild card opponent like Minnesota a year ago. My pick: New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Rams (10–6) vs Seattle Seahawks (12–4)
Each team won at home this year. The Rams should run the ball well and spread it around in the passing game, however, the Hawks defense has continued to improve in the second half of the season. We know the Seahawks can score 20+ points even against a good defense. My pick: Seattle Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts (11–5) vs Buffalo Bills (13–3)
The Colts can cause some offensive and defensive problems for Buffalo but Josh Allen is playing very well and is more than capable of spreading the ball around. Though Indianapolis has Philip Rivers, he isn’t trustworthy to make clutch throws to win a game, unlike Allen. My pick: Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11–5) vs Washington Football Team (7–9)
Tom Brady may have a bit of an issue with his pass protection against Chase Young and their front four, however, the Bucs’ defense should be able to contain the run. Having Mike Evans back for this game would help Brady out more with his ball distribution alongside Godwin, Brown, and Gronkowski. My pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baltimore Ravens (11–5) vs Tennessee Titans (11–5)
The Ravens haven’t had much luck against the Titans, losing in the divisional round last year and an overtime loss in week 11, both in Baltimore. and Jackson is looking for his first playoff win. The Ravens have a defensive advantage because of their pass rush but good luck slowing down Derek Henry. The Titans are playing a similar offensive game but their defensive woes will catch up to them. My pick: Baltimore Ravens
