NFL Wild Card weekend 2020: Picks and predictions for each game
The 2020 NFL Wild Card games are here, and we take a look at all six games with our picks, predictions and analysis in the offing.
13-3. BUF -6.5. 1 p.m. ET. 46. Saturday, Jan. 9. CBS. 16. 11-5
This game is going to be closer than some think. Indianapolis can really run the ball, with rookie back Jonathan Taylor having 741 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in the last six games. Buffalo, however, has the ability to throw over the top against Indianapolis, specifically with Stefon Diggs and John Brown.
The main concern is health for Buffalo, as Cole Beasley and Diggs have both missed time with ailments this week.
Pick: Bufalo 23, Indianapolis 20
51. Saturday, Jan. 9. 12-4. SEA -3.5. 10-6. 36. 4:40 p.m. ET. FOX
Let’s assume Jared Goff tries to play through a broken thumb on his throwing hand. It’s certainly admirable, but it’s hard to see him beating a Seattle team which thoroughly trounced him in Week 16. The Seahawks have not been great the last two months offensively, but the defense has about been a top-five unit in that stretch. Expect Seattle to find a way.
Pick: Seattle 24, Los Angeles 15
Saturday, Jan. 9. 58. TB -8.5. 11-5. 48. NBC. 7-9. 8:20 p.m. ET
This is simple. If Washington can get pressure and do so consistently on Tom Brady, does that result in turnovers and short fields? If it does, the Football Team has a chance. If not, the Buccaneers are going to win, it’s only a matter of the margin.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Washington 17
11-5. ESPN. 35. 1 p.m. ET. 26. Sunday, Jan. 10. 11-5. BAL -3
This the best game of the week. Tennessee has beaten Baltimore each of the past two seasons, including the shocker in the 2019 Divisional round. If Lamar Jackson can get into third and short against the league’s worst third-down defense, they win. If not, the Titans have enough firepower to find a way.
Pick: Tennessee 30, Baltimore 27
CBS. Sunday, Jan. 10. 12-4. 15. 8-8. 57. NO -10. 4:40 p.m. ET
The Bears are being disrespected by this line. Yes, they’re decided underdogs and rightfully so, but the Saints are laying way too many points. Chicago played New Orleans close in an overtime loss back in October, and while this is in the Bayou, don’t look for a blowout.
Pick: New Orleans 25, Chicago 20
Sunday, Jan. 10. 12-4. 11-5. 55. PIT -6. 8:20 p.m. ET. 53. NBC
No coach, no chance? The Browns are without Kevin Stefanski and a litany of other players and assistants. The Steelers have routinely pummeled Cleveland over the past decade, and while these are different teams, Pittsburgh remains the superior one.
Pick: Pittsburgh 32, Cleveland 21
Last Week: 12-4
Season: 172-83-1