I like Indy, Seattle, LAC, and the Bears in a blowout.
After another fantastic regular season in the NFL, we head into the playoffs with a twist on the recent past.
The question used to be: Will it be Brady or Manning winning the Super Bowl? Even last year–and the one before that–the New England Patriots represented the AFC in the season finale. Tom Brady collected yet another MVP award.
But despite getting a first-round bye for the 80th consecutive season, the deadly duo of Brady and Belichick isn’t the clear-cut favorite to win the Super Bowl–or even make it out of the AFC.
This season, you see, the field is wide open! In my last article, I gave you seven teams that I believe have a legit shot at winning it all–Saints, Bears, Seahawks, Chiefs, Chargers, Ravens, and Pats.
I think just about every game should (at least could) be close, and any team can win. So here are my predictions for the Wild Card Round.
Luck Is On Colts’ Side (photo, SI.com)
Colts vs. Texans: These divisional rivals split the season series and now will meet in the rubber match. Evenly matched teams, keys for the Colts is balancing the run and pass, and keeping turnovers limited, especially when they’re on their side of the field. But if Clowney and Watt have big days, then the Colts will be in trouble. On the other side of the ball, the Texans will have a tough time moving the ball against an underrated Indy defense. Watson will need to scramble and use his legs to get first downs. At day’s end, I think it will come down to the Colts protecting the ball. If they don’t turn it over, I pick them to win. And if the Texans’ defense can’t get to Luck, then this game could be over before the 4th quarter begins.
Colts 27 Texans 17
Courtesy: barstoolsports.com
Seahawks vs. Cowboys: On paper, the Cowboys have the better squad, but the Seahawks have been playing playoff football for the past month; every game counted to get into The Dance. The problem for Dallas is that it relies too much on Amari Cooper. That will be its downfall. Seattle should be able to pressure Dak into mistakes, and that will be enough for Russell Wilson to get a go-ahead 4th quarter touchdown–as he has become accustomed to doing. To win, the ‘Boys will have to play nearly flawless football.
Seahawks 30 Cowboys 23
Courtesy: ESPN.com
Chargers vs. Ravens: This will be a rematch from a couple of weeks ago when the red-hot Ravens took it to the Chargers in Los Angeles, 22-10. This time, the Bolts go to Baltimore. LAC’s advantage this time is that they know what Lamar Jackson can do, and that aids defensive prep. The Ravens’ challenge, on the other hand, is containing a well-rounded team that didn’t lose on the road in ’18. While I think this will be a tight game, I also believe the advantage will go Los Angeles’ way. The Chargers have balance and the ability to win on the road (in the cold and in hostile environments). Yes, the Ravens
have an excellent defense, but so do the Chargers.
Chargers 22 Ravens 16
Mitch Trubisky (photo, Chicagotribune.com
Eagles vs Bears: If there’s going to be a blowout this weekend, then it will be in this game. The Chicago Bears are hitting on all cylinders, while the Eagles crash-landed into the postseason after a dreadful start. Will Nick Foles play hero again? I think not–not against the Bears’ defense, especially at Soldier Field. In fact, it will be a moral victory if the Eagles get into the end zone offensively. The Bears have energy, ability, and toughness. Philly will check out quickly and, then, head east with a bunch of off-season questions to answer.
Bears 34 Eagles 13
