NFL WILD CARD ROUND PREDICTIONS

Record Last Week: 13-3

Record For The Season: 183-87

Saturday, January 11th, 3:30 PM CT

Los Angeles Chargers 11-6 @ Houston Texans 10-7

Justin Herbert vs C.J. Stroud is a high end quarterback duel between two of the NFL’s highest stars. Both teams struggle to run the ball so it very well could come down to which quarterback is able to connect on more explosive plays. The Chargers pass rush could very well smother C.J. Stroud or he could connect with Nico Collins for four big time plays and get the Houston offense out of the funk they’ve been in. I’m going to pick the Chargers to get the win on the road.

Chargers 24 Texans 21

Confidence Level:5

X-Factor: Ladd McConkey

Best Bet: Justin Herbert over 4.5 rushing attempts

Saturday, January 11th, 7:00 PM CT

Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7 @ Baltimore Ravens 12-5

Lamar Jackson is 3-5 vs the Steelers and with this being such an intense rivalry, both teams know each other very well. The Steelers offense has struggled for some weeks now, but I do expect the Steelers to play the Ravens tough especially, with this being their third matchup this season but in the end, the Ravens move onto the next round.

Steelers 17 Ravens 21

Confidence Level:7

X-Factor: Lamar Jackson

Best Bet: Derrick Henry anytime touchdown

Sunday, January 12th, Noon CT

Denver Broncos 10-7 @ Buffalo Bills 13-4 

The Broncos have been quite the story, making the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in February 2016. They face the Bills who have the potential MVP in Josh Allen. The Broncos are built to be a physical team, which can provide trouble for the Bills, who have struggled to control the trenches at times this season. If the Bills receivers can’t create separation, it’ll take some very special plays from Josh Allen. I think Denver can pull off the upset, but I will roll with the safe choice and take Buffalo.

Broncos 20 Bills 23

Confidence Level: 7.5

X-Factor: Josh Allen 

Best Bet: Broncos +9.5

Sunday, January 12th, 3:30 PM CT

Green Bay Packers 11-6 @ Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 

The Packers travel to Philly in a rematch of a week one matchup. The Eagles won that matchup, but these two teams have changed significantly since then. Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts are coming into this game injured, so you have to imagine both these teams will lean more into the run game than they already do. The Packers play teams close, and I do have this game on upset alert, but I believe this could be a very big game for Saquon Barkley, and Philly gets the win.

Packers 24 Eagles 27

Confidence Level:6

X-Factor: Saquon Barkley

Best Bet: Saquon Barkley over 103.5 rushing yards

Sunday, January 12th, 7:00 PM CT

Washington Commanders 12-5 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7

The Commanders, regardless of how this game goes, have had an incredible season led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The Bucs beat the Commanders back in week one, and while I believe this game will be a shootout, which is different from their first encounter, I still believe that Tampa Bay will win. 

Commanders 28 Buccaneers 31

Confidence Level: 6

X-Factor: Baker Mayfield 

Best Bet: Baker Mayfield over 1.5 passing touchdowns 

Monday, January 13th, 7:00 PM CT

Minnesota Vikings 14-3 @ Los Angeles Rams 10-7

This game has been moved to Glendale, Arizona, due to the heartbreaking wildfires in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Vikings back in week 8, and when you have Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford, and weapons like Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, you are never out of a game. This could be a fireworks show between two high-level offenses, and while the Vikings are more talented, I feel like the Rams will find a way to win and move onto the next round.

Vikings 23 Rams 28

 Confidence Level:4

X-Factor: Matthew Stafford

Best Bet: Over 47.5