The fun starts on Saturday! Four great games. I can’t wait!
The one thing I absolutely knew before the season started is that the Houston Texans would win the AFC South, play the first Saturday game of the playoffs, and have the most boring match up of the weekend. But what I didn’t know is that the Buffalo Bills would be a rough, tough team with a quarterback who’s a gamer. That means we now have four (not three) very interesting games going on this Wild Card Weekend.
But, my oh my! I didn’t expect all of this:
–The Patriots are playing in the first round!
–The Saints–a strong 13-3 team–didn’t get a bye!
–The ‘Feeble’ Eagles host (!?) the favored Seahawks!
Who will win? Here’s my take.
Bills vs. Texans
Buffalo’s Josh Allen (photo, USAToday)
On paper, the Texans have the better team–projected to be the better team before the year began. But are they? I’m not so sure, especially now that Houston is so banged up. DeShaun Watson is losing weapons on the field, Houston is pushing a mediocre running game, and the defense has started to bend and break. On the other hand, I love Josh Allen’s game–even though he’s certainly not a prototypical quarterback. Then, again, neither is Lamar Jackson.
In Saturday’s game, watch out for John Brown, the Bills speedy and sure-handed receiver. The Texans’ pass defense is terrible, and while the Bills aren’t a huge passing team, they will do just that tomorrow. If Devin Singletary gets going early and Buffalo can work off the play-action pass, I expect the Bills to take and hold the lead with their powerhouse defense. The key match is DeAndre Hopkins against Tre’Davious White. If White gets the better of Hopkins, I predict that the Bills will have a great afternoon.
Bills 24, Texans 17
Titans vs. Patriots
The Pats playing in the Wild Card round hasn’t happened since Haley’s Comet last passed the earth. Yes, they’re playing at home, but I’m not sure that means much after kickoff. With Ryan Tannehill took over at QB, the Titans have become a hard team to beat. But he’s not alone. Derrick Henry led the league in rushing, and A.J. Brown has emerged as one of the league’s better receivers.
Courtesy, Sporting News
Tennessee has a good defense, but not a great one. Luckily for them, the Patriots offense is a shell of itself. What game-plan can Coach Bellichick come up with to defeat the Titans? First, they’ll try to run the ball with Sony Michel. If that doesn’t work, they’ll bring in James White and use him as a receiver out of the backfield. If all else fails, Tom Brady will have to try to take over this game with his best pal, Julian Edelman. But Edelman is banged up, and would probably sit out this game if it were not a playoff tilt.
Bottom line? If Henry controls the game along and Tannehill can effectively play-action pass, then the Titans will win the time of possession game and wear out the Patriots’ defense.
Titans 30, Patriots 22
Vikings vs. Saints
I love this match up! Both teams can run, pass, and play solid defense. I’ll give the edge in the passing game to the Saints. I’ll take the Vikings in the run game–especially if Dalvin Cook is healthy and Alexander Mattison can spell him for about 8-10 carries. Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are also a lethal combo in the backfield for New Orleans. But Kamara hasn’t been the breakout player we saw last season.
Courtesy UPI.Com
When the Vikings have success running the ball, they usually win. But defensively, this game is as close as it gets. Both teams can get to the quarterback and cause turnovers. I also love both coaches. Mike Zimmer and Sean Payton are very different in approach, but they both get the most out of players.
Here’s the big difference between these teams (and it’s the reason I’m taking the Saints). It’s not because they’re playing at home. It’s because the Saints have been remarkably consistent and, overall, are a better team. That assertion was exemplified when Teddy Bridgewater subbed for the injured Drew Brees. NO went undefeated.
Consistency is the difference. New Orleans will show up. If Minnesota starts cold and the Saints are rolling from the jump, then this game could get quickly out of hand. Unless the Vikings have success in the run game, this team doesn’t have a chance.
Saints 38, Vikings 24
Seahawks vs. Eagles
Courtesy: barstoolsports.com
Here’s a big stat going into this game? The Seahawks are 7-1 in road games. Traveling across the country won’t bother Seattle. What will is their backfield woes–amped a bit by bringing back Marshawn Lynch. There are passing woes, too. Tyler Lockett was Russell Wilson’s top target in the first half of the season, but Lockett is banged up, such that rookie D.K. Metcalf has emerged as the team’s #1 receiver.
Want more? Seattle’s defense is not what it once was … but neither is the Eagles’ offense. As great as is Carson Wentz, I doubt he can throw the ball to Dallas Goedert and Greg Ward Jr. without Pete Carroll exploiting the passing game. For one thing, Jadeveon Clowny is a beast who can disrupt the passing game and the backfield in general. Unless Miles Sanders plays up to his ability, Philly doesn’t have much of a chance.
If it’s a close game and Wilson has the ball last, well …. You know the script.
Seahawks 23, Eagles 17
I never comment on my own posts but I am sick over the Bills loss. They lost the game, Houston didn’t win. Well DeShaun Watson and Hopkins did! Everything was going to my script but you have to score touchdowns. You can’t score 1 TD and kick 4 FG’s and expect to win on the road! The defense was on the field as a result of the lack of offense and even though the Bills had numerous chances to win in the 4th quarter and overtime, they didn’t deserve it. All the offense had to do was stay creative. The defense showed up. The offense fell asleep after the first half. Very disappointing.