NFL wild-card weekend is here, the most exciting round of the playoffs in my opinion. A lot of teams in the playoffs this year that nobody expected to be there, every game on wild-card weekend is pretty much a 50/50 toss which sets the stage for amazing football. Who will advance and live to see another weekend on their way to the Super Bowl? We’ll see this weekend.
Indianapolis Colts (10-6) @ Houston Texans (11-5)
Odds: Texans -1.0 - O/U 48.0
Two unlikely teams meet up in this AFC South playoff matchup, both teams missed the playoffs last year and will look to keep their campaigns going after this weekend. The Colts are in the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and it’s no secret that the reason is Andrew Luck. On the other side, Deshaun Watson will get his first taste of playoff action, will the rookie crumble under the pressure? I wouldn’t count on it, Watson led Clemson to a National Championship over Alabama a couple of years ago.
Head-to-Head
Both teams won their respective road games against each other this year.
Despite this being the first playoff matchup for these two teams, the Colts hold a 26-8 advantage in all-time regular-season wins.
My take:
I’m going to go with the Texans in this one, although it’s a toss-up. I think Watson is a gamer, he lives for the big moments and nothing is bigger than the NFL Playoffs. It has the potential to be a shootout so if I was a betting man I’d take the over, I think 48 is extremely modest for how good both offenses.
It’ll be a good wild-card matchup, but whoever wins this game won’t survive next weekend. So enjoy it while it lasts Houston and Indianapolis.
Seattle Seahawks (10-6) @ Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
Odds: Dallas Cowboys -2.0 - O/U 43.5
It seemed like the Cowboys were down and out this year, especially with the Redskins playing so well, however, the Cowboys come into the playoffs winning seven of eight games. Seattle has a similar story while playing inconsistent football up to Week 11, they would get four straight wins, followed by a Week 16 win against Kansas City, giving Seattle some confidence heading into the postseason. Seattle was projected to go 4-12 this year but the strength of the run game and the defense has carried this team to the playoffs. Seems like we’ve heard that story before regarding the Seahawks.
Head-to-Head
The Seahawks won a Week 3 matchup against the Cowboys, 24-13.
This is the first time these two teams will meet in the playoffs since the 2006 wild-card round, which the Seahawks won.
My take:
I’m obviously a Seattle Seahawks fan, but I can truly say without bias that the Seahawks are going to win this game. I don’t think Dallas is good enough on offense to put up points on Seattle’s defense. I also have a lot more confidence in Russell Wilson than I do Dak Prescott. The last time the Cowboys made the playoffs with this new young core, they got torched.
Los Angeles Chargers (12-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Odds: Ravens -2.5 – O/U 42.0
The 12-4 Chargers go on the road against the 10-6 Ravens, that’s got to be frustrating. If the Chargers would’ve taken care of business in Week 16 against these same Ravens they’d probably be at home right now with the division title under their belt. The Ravens have the #1 defense in the NFL when it comes to yards allowed and that’s no surprise as the Ravens have always had an amazing defense. They also have a revitalized offense through the legs of Lamar Jackson who is quickly becoming the most exciting QB to watch in football.
Head-to-Head
The Ravens beat the Chargers 22-10 in Week 16.
The Ravens hold a record of 7-5 against the Chargers in history.
These two teams have never met in the playoffs.
My take:
I’m taking the Ravens in this one, it’s a 10:00 AM west coast start time for the Chargers who instead of sitting at home will be crossing the country which has historically been tough for teams. The Ravens defense will cause three turnovers in this one in my opinion and will win handily over the Chargers.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) @ Chicago Bears (12-4)
Odds: Bears -6.5 – O/U 41.0
Nick Foles coming into a playoff game with the hope of the Eagles fanbase on his shoulders, familiar story? The Eagles enter the playoffs as one of the NFL’s hottest teams. Chicago comes into the playoffs on the back of a stellar defensive performance that’s being said to be the best Bears defense since the 1985 Bears defense. Probably the biggest mismatch in the first round and a game where most people believe that the Bears should breeze through.
Head-to-Head
The Bears and Eagles have met 44 times in history, Chicago has a 29-14-1 advantage.
This will be the fourth playoff meeting in history between these two teams.
My take:
I’m going to take the Eagles in this one, their defense has played a lot better recently and I don’t trust Trubisky to play in big moments yet. The Bears defense might be good enough to win by themselves, but I believe if the Bears don’t establish a strong run game they won’t win this one.
It’s going to be closer than most people think.
