NFL Wild Card Sunday Predictions

6 hours ago 1

The NFL Playoffs got underway with two exciting games on Saturday. Today is the one day on the Playoff calendar with a tripleheader.

Let’s make some picks.

6. Buffalo Bills (12-5) at 3. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4); 1:00 pm Eastern; CBS

It all seems set up for Josh Allen to make a run and finally win his Super Bowl. His main nemesis, the Kansas City Chiefs, are watching the Playoffs at home. The Bills are also flying under the radar entering the Playoffs as the 6 seed in the AFC. For once Buffalo’s tortured Playoff past isn’t a main topic of discussion in the national media.

I can’t rule out Allen performing a Superman routine over the next month. I just think he and the Bills drew a rough first round matchup. The Jaguars are on fire. During their current eight game winning streak they have allowed just over 14 points per game on defense, and Liam Coen finally has Trevor Lawrence looking like the top notch quarterback everybody expected him to be when he entered the league. If the Bills had a better draw, I would have picked them to go on a run. I think winning this game will be a tough task, though.

My Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

6. San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at 3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6); 4:30 pm Eastern; FOX

The Eagles are the defending Super Bowl Champions and enter the postseason as the winner of the NFC East and a high seed. Nobody really trusts the team, though. They played inconsistent football through the season. The offense in particular has taken a step back.

The 49ers lost at home to the Seahawks the final week of the regular season. The defeat cost San Francisco the one seed and the bye in the NFC. It was a significant loss. Their path to the Super Bowl went from two wins at home to three wins on the road.

Just as important, the team really could have used the rest the bye week would have provided. They have a number of key offensive players who are hurt. Even if these guys play, they will likely be at less than 100 percent. I think I’d pick a healthy 49ers team over Philadelphia, but I’m going with the Eagles at home over a banged up San Francisco team.

My Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at 2. New England Patriots (14-3); 8:15 pm Eastern; NBC

I like Jim Harbaugh’s chances of eventually getting the Chargers over the hump, but this isn’t his year. I don’t think Los Angeles has the offense to trade touchdowns with Drake Maye and New England, particularly given the state of their offensive line. The Patriots have been one of the league’s most dominant teams all season long, and I don’t think that changes in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.

My Pick: New England Patriots

Current Playoff Prediction Record: 2-0

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