NFL Wild Card Weekend: Picks and predictions for each game
We’ve reached the 2021 NFL Wild Card Weekend, and we have a six-pack of picks to make before everything kicks off on Saturday.
10-7. 56. CIN -5.5. 10-7. Saturday, Jan. 15. 4:30 p.m. ET. 28. NBC
Two teams with a combined playoff victory draught of 50 years square off on Saturday in the Queen City. This largely comes down to who can better protect their quarterback and, on those occasions, make poor cornerbacks pay. The Bengals are the slightly better team with the better quarterback, so we roll with the home side.
Pick: Cincinnati 34, Las Vegas 30
CBS. BUF -4. 8:15 p.m. ET. 16. 10-7. 47. Saturday, Jan. 15. 11-6
It’s going to be a balmy three degrees in Buffalo on Saturday night. This is definitely advantage New England, but the Patriots also need to score points. Can they run well enough and limit Mac Jones’ attempts? If so, Bill Belichick’s crew could pull this off. Also, can Josh Allen finally play well in tough weather? The guess here is Buffalo’s offense sputters, but the Patriots don’t get enough from Jones to win.
Pick: Buffalo 23, New England 20
1 p.m. ET. 9-8. 54. FOX. 13-4. TB -8.5. Sunday, Jan. 16. 48
The first mismatch of Wild Card Weekend. The Eagles have a bright future and quarterback Jalen Hurts is talented, but Philadelphia hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record this season and the Buccaneers are defending champs with Tom Brady.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Philadelphia 16
10-7. 42. Sunday, Jan. 16. CBS. 12-5. 123. DAL -3. 4:30 p.m. ET
Best game of the slate. First, the nostalgia is incredible. Second, which front seven causes more problems for the opposing offense? Does Mike McCarthy cost his team with bad clock management? Do the 49ers get things rolling on the ground and open up big plays for George Kittle and Deebo Samuel? Rolling with the upset, because San Francisco might be the better overall team.
Pick: San Francisco 24, Dallas 22
NBC. 124. 8:15 p.m. ET. 9-7-1. 55. Sunday, Jan. 16. 12-5. KC -13
If the Chiefs lose this game, it’ll be the worst loss in franchise history. Take a look at their 62 seasons, and that’s saying something. Kansas City is better across the board and Pittsburgh is limping in with a limited offense and no run defense to speak of. The Steelers can pressure Patrick Mahomes, but unless that turns into at least three turnovers, it’s not enough.
Pick: Kansas City 33, Pittsburgh 16
11-6. 12-5. 51. 8:15 p.m. ET. 32. ESPN. Monday, Jan. 17. LAR -4
This comes down to whether Matthew Stafford makes mistakes. if the Rams win, it’ll be because Stafford has a clean stat sheet and they control Kyler Murray outside the pocket. Los Angeles is the better team and should advance, but Stafford tossing three interceptions and running into sacks is a real cause for concern.
Pick: Los Angeles 29, Arizona 24
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 176-92