2021 NFL schedule release: Picks and predictions for every game
AFC Wild Card round
Final. 20. 13. 33. 16
The NFL is a passing league. Justin Herbert is a superstar who can make every throw on the field and has a pair of star receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. However, the combination of Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and the cold is a tall order for the Chargers. Buffalo wins, but Los Angeles is on the rise.
Final. 17. 59. 35. 53
Tough to see the warm-weather Dolphins going to Cleveland and taking down the experienced Browns in this spot. Tua Tagovailoa will benefit from playing a full season, but he’s not there yet as an elite passer. Miami’s defense can cause some issues, but Cleveland has enough talent to handle the Dolphins’ corners and then some.
27. 46. Final. 24. 26
The Ravens finally got past their demons last year with a playoff win in Tennessee. And, while I believe Baltimore is one of the AFC’s four best teams, the Colts have the benefit of being at home with a full crowd. On a neutral field, give me the Ravens, but this is at Lucas Oil Stadium.
NFC Wild Card round
60. 33. 51. Final. 21
The Rams have the better coach-quarterback duo and a terrific defense. While the Vikings are improved and can cause problems, Kirk Cousins facing the Los Angeles secondary will be a challenge, while Aaron Donald can muck up the running lanes for Dalvin Cook.
30. 48. Final. 22. 42
The defending champs aren’t losing at home in the Wild Card round. Tom Brady and (potentially) Jimmy Garoppolo squaring off in the playoffs would be magic, and it’s impossible to pick Garoppolo in this spot. Tampa Bay is the better team, and Brady, despite being 44, plays well.
28. 36. 19. 31. Final
In what’s become an annual tradition, the No. 5 seed in the NFC is favored over the Eastern champ. The Giants have some real talent on the roster, but Russell Wilson against Daniel Jones is a mismatch. New York’s corners give D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett some issues, but it’s not enough.