The Super Wild Card weekend was something else right? I can’t even begin to grasp it but what I can tell you is we have an incredible line-up of games on our plate this weekend. Here’s how I think it could go down…
Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming into this game with a lot of momentum on their side. They just knocked off the Las Vegas Raiders in the Wild Card Round, their first playoff win in 31 years. Joe Burrow and company look like they are starting to change the culture in this organisation. Plus, it helps when you have a stacked offense with playmakers like Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. Defensively, they need to make sure Trey Hendrickson and Larry Ogunjobi are good to go for this matchup, both got banged up towards the end of their previous affair. As for the Tennessee Titans, they got last weekend off with the bye week. We haven’t seen them play in a while, but Derrick Henry could be making his long-awaited return in this contest. However, the Titans were 25th in the league against the pass this year, which doesn’t bode well when going against Burrow. Tennessee certainly doesn’t want to be eliminated in their first round after picking up the number one seed. The Bengals look hungry for more as well. I am going to stay strong on the Titans winning this game, they were the number one seed for a reason and Henry’s return will motivate them a lot more.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
Welcome to the rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game. The Buffalo Bills just walloped the New England Patriots during the Wild Card Round. The Kansas City Chiefs also wiped the floor with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. These two squads combined for 89 points in just one week of action, so offense is going to be plenty in this contest. Buffalo has a ridiculously streaky offense, but when Josh Allen is firing on all cylinders this group is wildly difficult to beat. Their defense is also a top ten group in the NFL. As for the Chiefs, it’s hard to stop an offense with so many tricks up their sleeve. Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce are a formidable trio for anybody to go up against. Their defense has also really stepped up these last few weeks to make them even better. We saw Buffalo win this matchup earlier in the season, I think they are going to do it again and advance to the Championship Game.
San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers
The San Francisco 49ers shocked the world when they were able to upset the Dallas Cowboys the other week. Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t play well at all but did enough to guide them to a victory. Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel were the real reason this group was able to make it past a very tough opponent. They came up huge numerous times offensively to stretch their lead out. However, I would be paying close attention to the health of Nick Bosa, he was ruled out for the second half of the Wild Card game, his absence would be a major blow to them. As for the Green Bay Packers, they just got their bye week in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are one of the best duos in all of football right now. AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones are also one of the best backfield tandems. Everything looks in place for the Packers to win this game and even make a run at the Super Bowl. We have seen the 49ers beat the Packers in the postseason in the past though. Despite that, I am still picking the Packers here.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Los Angeles Rams were able to stomp the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card Round last weekend. Matthew Stafford picked up his first ever win in the postseason with his new squad and both Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham were major parts of this win. Their defense also played phenomenal, completely stifling a very good Arizona offense for all four quarters of action. They now travel to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a rematch from earlier in the season. Los Angeles dominated the Buccaneers back in Week 3, but this should look a lot different. Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and the rest of this squad aren’t going to want to get knocked out at home. We can’t underestimate the reigning champions no matter the matchup. This game will be close up until the very end, but I have a feeling that the Rams will beat them and advance onto the NFC Championship game.
