super wild card weekend preview & predictions

Photo Credit: MARCA

#7 Seattle Seahawks @ #2 San Francisco 49ers

Saturday, 4:30 p.m ET

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Brock Purdy story continues this weekend when the 49ers host the Seahawks in a third matchup this year. The 49ers have beaten the Seahawks twice already this year by a combined score of 48-20. Of all the teams in the playoffs, the Seahawks have only beaten two of those teams (Giants and Chargers), but ended the year winning back-to-back games.

The Seahawks will have their work cut out for them with this 49er defense, as they are tied for 1st in the league in Interceptions (20). They’ve allowed the second lowest rush yards in the league (1,231) and allow one of the lowest yards per carry (3.4). They’ll definitely need their playmakers up front to keep rookie running back, Kenneth Walker, from making an impact in this game. 

Brock Purdy has yet to lose since taking over the starting job for this team, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen this weekend. The Seahawks have a bright future, deciding to invest in Geno Smith over giving Russell Wilson that huge contract that couldn't look any better now. They have a future back in Kenneth Walker and Tariq Woolen is leading the league in interceptions in his first year. However, the 49er defense will be too much for Geno to overcome on the road.

Prediction: 49ers 27, Seahawks 13

#5 Los Angeles Chargers @ #4 Jacksonville Jaguars

Saturday, 8:15 p.m ET

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Few people would know that this is both starting quarterbacks’ first playoff appearance. It’s hard to believe because people have been waiting for the Chargers to get in with all the talent they have on both sides of the ball. As for the Jaguars, completely turning their season around with their recent play not just from their star quarterback, but their defense has been doing enough to get them over the line. 

The way I see it, this game will be decided by which team can keep the turnovers down to a minimum. Both Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence are in the top 10 in terms of passing yards, but will both have to deal with the likes of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Josh Allen, and Travon Walker. 

Currently, the Chargers are 2.5 point favorites, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Doug Pederson is going to remind everyone why he should be a favorite for coach of the year. Experience matters in the playoffs, and that’s what Doug Pederson has over Brandon Staley. We’ve seen Staley make some questionable decisions in the past, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another one this weekend.

Prediction: Jaguars 27, Chargers 24

#7 Miami Dolphins @ #2 Buffalo Bills

Sunday, 1 p.m ET

Photo Credit: Joshua Bessex/AP

Both times these teams played they have treated us to some entertaining football. The difference now is that Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for this game. This was already going to be a tall task for the Dolphins even with Tua, but now it is looking like Skyler Thompson will get another start with Teddy Bridgewater’s status also being questionable.

Also, with this game being in Buffalo, emotions will still be running high for the Bills after positive news of Damar Hamlin being relieved from the hospital. Although, if the Bills want this game or turn out like everyone thinks it will, Josh Allen will have to cut down on trying to extend the play too much. His will to not give up leads him to making poor throwing decisions, which usually lead to turnovers. 

However, I don’t expect the Dolphins to keep up with the Bills unless Allen is having a terrible day. It’s unfortunate that Tua can’t play and the Dolphins will be short-handed, but in the future, this should be a spot where we’ll see them again.

Prediction: Bills 38, Dolphins 17

#6 New York Giants @ #3 Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, 4:30 p.m ET

Photo Credit: Mathew Swenson/ New York Giants

Another one of the top coach of the year candidates, Brian Daboll, seems to have brought his winning ways to a Giants team that was considering tearing everything down and rebuilding. However, with a good draft last April bringing in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Kneal, they are a sneaky team trending in the right direction at the right time.

As for the Vikings, some may say they have been trending in the wrong direction after a few great performances like when they beat the bills and Packers Week 1. They have had some moments where people have seriously questioned their #3 seed. Only putting up 3 points against the Cowboys and then getting embarrassed at Lambeau aren’t great signs, but this team still can be a handful for any team in these playoffs. With a top-3 receiver in Justin Jefferson, a reliable back in Dalvin Cook, and an experienced defense, this team is certainly capable to get into the divisional round.

The Giants’ offense runs play-action plays a lot and Daniel Jones is in the top-3 in completion rate on these plays (75.3%). Whereas the Vikings defense has given up the second highest yards per attempt on play action plays this season (10.3). Something tells me the Giants will make up for the way they lost to the Vikings last time. Winning on a 61-yard field goal is less than convincing for me, and I like the way the Giants defense can get to Kirk Cousins in this game.

Prediction: Giants 23, Vikings 20

#6 Baltimore Ravens @ #3 Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday, 8:15 p.m ET

Photo Credit: Chris Roling

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to win playoffs games in back-to-back postseasons for the first time in franchise history. These two teams just squared off this past week in Cincinnati, and now the Ravens get a chance at a rematch with much more on the line. Quarterback remains the biggest issue for this Baltimore team.

Lamar Jackson basically ruled himself out of this game with a Twitter post recently, only raising more questions about his contract situation. Also, Their backup quarterback, Tyler Huntley, is dealing with tendinitis. So we could see third-string quarterback Anthony Brown get the start in this one again. 

The Bengals managed to pick-off Brown twice last weekend, and there was also some temper flaring after the plays in typical AFC North fashion. I think that and the fact the Ravens are the fourth most penalized team in the league, all but says that the Bengals should be able to handle this Ravens team.

Prediction: Bengals 30, Ravens 17

#5 Dallas Cowboys @ #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monday, 8:15 p.m ET

Photo Credit: DraftKings Nation

Is there anything more synonymous with the NFL playoffs than Tom Brady? One of, if not the greatest of all time finds himself in the big dance once again against a Dallas Cowboys team that he’s never lost to. Brady is 6-0 against the Cowboys and has already beaten them this year, back in Week 1 by a score of 19-3. 

Since then, the Cowboys have been a roller coaster ride to say the least. They had to play without their star Quarterback for a few weeks where Cooper Rush stepped in and won a few games. Then they get their guy back and Dak Prescott is tied for the league lead in interceptions after missing so much time. Most recently against the Washington Commanders, Prescott never really gave the impression that he was comfortable.

This Bucs team also has been a letdown to what they were last season. They have been dealt with a fair amount of injuries, especially to Brady’s offensive line, but everyone expected more from this team that won their division with a losing record.

This is the hardest game to predict because of where both teams stand at this point in the season and because there are a lot of questions surrounding each team. Does Mike McCarthy have to win this game to keep his job? Will Todd Bowles be back if he loses to the Cowboys at home? How far can the Cowboys go with Dak playing the way he is right now? All will be answered this coming Monday.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Buccaneers 20