After the NFL stumbled. rumbled, and in some cases dragged teams kicking and screaming through a full 256 games, the field of 32 teams has been whittled down to 14. Who will cruise to a date with the Chiefs and Packers, and who will be embarrassed? We can't see the future, but let's go ahead and try anyway.
Saturday Jan 9
Colts @ Bills (-7.0)
1:05 PM ET, CBS
One of the more intriguing matchups of Wild Card Weekend, this game pits the upstart Bills and Josh Allen against the veteran Philip Rivers and the Colts. Josh Allen is heating up at the right time and that Bills defense is potent, but the Colts also have a defense capable of keeping them in game. Ultimately, Allen out-duels Rivers and the Bills should win their first home playoff game in 25 years.
The Pick: Bills -7.0
Rams @ Seahawks (-4.0)
4:40 PM ET, FOX
The Rams and Seahawks clash for the 3rd time this season, and with Jared Goff still questionable, the Seahawks have enough on offense to make this ugly. Both teams have been wildly inconsistent this year, but even if Jared Goff does play, the Seahawks should pull out what is most likely an ugly game.
The Pick: Seahawks -4.0
Buccaneers (-8.0) @ Washington
8:15 PM ET, NBC
The Football Team are the in-by-default seed form the NFC East while the Bucs are riding a hot streak at the right time. Washington has an elite defense, but it won't be enough against the juggernaut of an offense that is Tampa Bay with a full head of steam. Expect Tampa to roll on for a likely date with the Packers on the horizon.
The Pick: Buccaneers -8.0
Sunday Jan 10
Ravens (-3.5) @ Titans
1:05 PM ET, ESPN/ABC
The Ravens are getting hot at the right time (albeit against a weak schedule down the stretch), but will it be enough to avenge the loss to the Titans from last season? Derrick Henry is playing the best football of his career, and any hope the Ravens have rest on stopping him early and often. Can Lamar shake is playoff stigma and lead the Ravens to win? Quite possibly, but expect Tennessee to keep it close.
The Pick: Titans +3.5
Bears @ Saints (-9.5)
4:40 PM ET, CBS
Alvin Kamara is still a question mark going into this game, and the Saints haven't looked particularly impressive down the stretch. The being said, the Bears backed into a playoff spot virtually be default, so his presence may not be required to pick up a win here. Expect slow drives and solid defensive play all around, but the Saints should win a close game here.
The Pick: Bears +9.5
Browns @ Steelers (-6.0)
8:15 PM ET, NBC
After a win against these same Steelers (with Mason Rudolph at the helm) last week, the Browns find themselves playing postseason football for the first time since 2002. Baker and Co. have all the grit and motivation in the world, but going into a road game in Pittsburgh without Kevin Stefanski is likely too big of a hurdle to overcome this year. The Steelers have not been exceptional on offense at any point this year, but their defense with TJ Watt and Cam Heyward back should be able to hold down the fort this Sunday.
The Pick: Steelers -6.0
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