Saturday, January 13, 2024

• AFC Wild-card matchup – Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans 4:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

The first game in this weekend’s set of games features two teams making their first playoff appearance in over three years, as Myles Garrett and company look to end the Texans’ Cinderella story. The two teams met in week 16, in a game where the Texans were missing their key piece, rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, who was out due to a concussion. Though the Texans were not at full strength, I see the same outcome, as the Browns offense steamrolled the Texan’s secondary, as Joe Flacco torched Houston for 367 yards and three touchdowns in his best performance in years, while Amari Cooper put up his career day, going for 265 yards. The Texan’s defense still managed to give the Cleveland offense fits, forcing two interceptions. I expect Stroud to have his moments, but Cleveland’s defense will end up being too much for a Texans offense that is missing Stroud’s main target, Tank Dell.

Prediction: Browns 27, Texans 21

• AFC Wild-card matchup – Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs 8:15 p.m. (Peacock)

In a rematch from week 9’s Frankfurt game, the Dolphins and Chiefs meet again, this time in much harsher conditions. The story of this game is the brutal Kansas City weather, as the Dolphin’s explosive offensive offense goes from sunny Miami to an expected -25-degree wind chill in Arrowhead on Saturday night. The cold temperature isn’t going to help either of the offenses, both of which have shown struggles recently. The Chiefs took major steps back offensively, as Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger, and Mahomes’s lack of receiver help gets more apparent every week. However, the strength of the Chiefs comes from their defense, ranking 2nd in opponents’ points per game. The Dolphins offense has shown concerns, averaging only 18 points per game in their last three games. With the brutal temperatures and two offenses that have struggled, expect a low-scoring dogfight. It’s going to come down to who can run the ball due to the weather, which Miami has the edge on. The Mahomes magic will come to an end as Devon Achane runs all over the Chiefs as the Dolphins stun Kansas City in Arrowhead.

Prediction: Dolphins 20, Chiefs 17

Sunday, January, 14, 2024

• AFC Wild-card matchup – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills 1 p.m. (CBS)

In the opening game of the Sunday slate, the 2 seeded Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be without the NFL sack leader TJ Watt after suffering an MCL sprain last week against the Ravens. The Steelers just barely found their way into the playoffs, as once again Mike Tomlin took a mediocre roster into the last playoff spot, this year with a roster that finished the year with a -20 point differential. Buffalo is the better roster, and has been playing better football lately with signature wins over the Chiefs, Cowboys, and Dolphins in recent weeks. Expect the Bills to establish James Cook and the run game early and control the pace of the game, as the defense gives Mason Rudolph and a weak Steelers offense struggles.

Prediction: Bills 23, Steelers 14 

• NFC Wild-card matchup – Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys 4:30 p.m. (FOX)

The Cowboys are back at Jerry World looking to win their first home playoff game since 2019, this time taking on the youngest team in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers. Amidst years of playoff struggles, this Dallas team is one of the most complete they have had in years. Ceedee Lamb has arguably been the best receiver in football this year, thanks to Dak throwing himself into the MVP race this year. On the defensive side of the ball, Daron Bland has had a historic year, breaking the pick 6 record and Micah Parson once again continues wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines. On the other side, Green Bay brings a young but very well-coached squad led by Matt LeFlaur, as Jordan Love makes his first-ever playoff start. Though the Packers have had their moments this season, they don’t have quite the roster to go into Dallas and knock out America’s team, as Ceedee Lamb and the Cowboy’s offense will be too much for a questionable Green Bay defense.

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Packers 20

• NFC Wild-card matchup – Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions 8:15 p.m. (NBC)

In what is the best matchup of this year’s slate, Matthew Stafford makes his much-anticipated return to Ford Field, which will be hosting its first playoff game since 1994. The Rams are playing as good as anyone right now, winning 7 of their last 8, and bringing back multiple key pieces from their 2021 Super Bowl team. On the other side, the hype has never been greater in Detroit, as Dan Campbell and the Lions have rallied to a 12-5 record, and are the favorite to move on to the Divisional round. However, the lights might be just a little too bright for a team that has very little playoff experience. Don’t be surprised if Dan Campbels’ unconventional aggression comes back to bite him against an extremely well-coached Rams team.

Prediction:  Rams 28, Lions 24

Monday, January 15, 2024

• NFC Wild-card matchup – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)

In the final game of this year’s wild card state, the defending NFC champions travel to Tampa, meeting Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers in a Week 3 rematch. In the first meeting Tampa struggled to generate anything offensively, being held to 11 points, and 174 yards of total offense throughout the game. However, this isn’t the same Philadelphia defense that we saw in week three. They’ve dropped embarrassing losses to teams like the Cardinals and Giants and have had bad performances on both sides of the hall. Opponents are averaging 30 points on the Eagles throughout the last 7 weeks as the unit has shown major signs of regression. The secondary has been exploited, through players like James Bradberry taking major steps back from last year. The Buccaneers have weapons like Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to exploit this weak secondary and generate explosive plays throughout the game. With a banged-up Jalen Hurts on the other side of the ball and a declining offense, I expect the Buccaneers to pull away in the fourth quarter, in a low-scoring rock fight, pulling off the upset of last year’s NFC champs.

Prediction: Buccaneers 21, Eagles 20