#5 Los Angeles Chargers @ #4 Houston Texans
The NFL playoffs begin with a home underdog hosting a revitalized franchise. The Texans (10-7) have been slowed by big injuries and a slightly disappointing Year 2 from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston enters the postseason having lost two-of-three with its Christmas Day stinker (31-2 loss to Baltimore) raising some serious doubts about its chances moving forward. Meanwhile, the Chargers (11-6) have won three in a row and went an impressive 6-3 on the road this season. Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh are looking to secure their first playoff win as a duo. After some early jitters, they will do just that.
Prediction: Chargers win 23-20
#6 Pittsburgh Steelers @ #3 Baltimore Ravens
At first glance, this game appears to be a mismatch. The Ravens (12-5) won the AFC North and dominated their last four games. As for the rival Steelers (10-7), Mike Tomlin’s group surrendered the North by losing four in a row to end the regular season. Baltimore’s offense is firing on all cylinders with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the charge. Additionally, Baltimore’s defense has seemingly found its stride and has surrendered 17 points or less in its last four games and Pittsburgh hasn’t scored more than 17 points during its losing streak. The rivals split the regular season series, but Baltimore shouldn’t have too much trouble this weekend.
Prediction: Ravens win 30-17
#7 Denver Broncos @ #2 Buffalo Bills
Just one season after the Russell Wilson experiment failed in Denver, rookie Bo Nix helped lead the Broncos (10-7) to the No. 7 seed in the AFC and their first postseason appearance since winning Super Bowl 50. Denver faces a tall task in its return to the playoffs, however. Buffalo (13-4) is undefeated at home and boasts an offense led by MVP candidate Josh Allen and a budding star at running back in James Cook. The third-year back rushed for 1,009 yards and a league-high 16 TDs (tied with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs, respectively). Excluding last week’s finale, the Bills scored 30+ points in nine of their last 10 games with Allen playing from start to finish. Denver can certainly give Buffalo a game this weekend, but the 2-seed will prevail.
Prediction: Bills win 34-23
#7 Green Bay Packers @ #2 Philadelphia Eagles
The first game of the NFC playoffs features a rematch of the NFL’s maiden voyage to Brazil. In Week 1, Jordan Love suffered a knee injury on the final possession of the game. As such, Green Bay’s comeback attempt fell short. The Packers (11-6) have lost their last two games and will travel to Philadelphia without wideout Christian Watson. Watson is feared to have torn his ACL in last week’s loss to Chicago. The host Eagles (14-3) have a stout defense and boast one of the league’s scariest offenses. Slowing down Saquon Barkley will be crucial for Green Bay’s chances — but can Barkley be stopped?
Prediction: Eagles win 28-24
#6 Washington Commanders @ #3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can the No. 2 pick in last year’s NFL Draft lead his team to an upset win in the playoffs? Jayden Daniels led the Commanders (12-5) to their first winning season since 2016 and their best regular season since 1991 when Washington went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl. Washington ended the season with five wins in a row and the offense topped 30 points in three of the wins. As for the Buccaneers (10-7), Baker Mayfield and Co. have postseason experience and went 6-1 down the stretch to win the NFC South. This may end up being the most entertaining game of the weekend. Ultimately, Tampa’s recent taste of playoff football will give it the edge.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 31-21
#5 Minnesota Vikings @ #4 Los Angeles Rams
Despite winning 14 games, the Vikings (14-3) will open the postseason on the road. Minnesota had its nine-game winning streak snapped by the 1-seed Detroit Lions in the final game of the regular season. Now, Minnesota will take on the NFC West champion Rams (10-7) on Monday night. Before resting its starters last week, Los Angeles had won five games in a row to win its division. The two teams met earlier this year at SoFi Stadium with the Rams pulling away in the fourth quarter to secure a 30-20 victory. Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell are two of the best coaches in the league — this game is truly a toss-up.
Prediction: Rams win 23-21
