Wildcard Round
Embed from Getty ImagesIndianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
In the first playoff game at Orchard Park since 1996, the Buffalo Bills welcome an Indianapolis Colts team that is coming off a playoff-clinching victory over their division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers leads a Colts offence that also boasts rookie running back Jonathan Taylor, who has really come into his own over the last few weeks. However, Frank Reich’s men will have to do something special to overcome this Bills team. Josh Allen has turned this offence into one of the scariest in the league, putting himself in the MVP conversation along the way. The Bills take this one, but the Colts will give them a very tough game.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
Embed from Getty ImagesLos Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
It still remains unclear who will be starting at quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, Jared Goff or John Wolford. In fairness, it doesn’t really matter, as the Seahawks should get the win no matter who is under centre for the Rams. Brandon Staley’s inventive defence has caused the Russell Wilson trouble in both of their matchups this season, but the 32-year-old is a big game player and should be able to do just enough to get the win.
Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Embed from Getty ImagesOn the #Rams & QB Jared Goff: While no one has ruled Goff out for Saturday vs. the #Seahawks, it’s expected to be challenging for him to play. He was able to throw Sunday, which is good. But 12 days after thumb surgery, in the cold, it’ll be difficult. Could be more John Wolford.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team have indeed started playing much better football in the second half of the season and secured their spot in the postseason with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in week 17. However, in the first round of the playoffs they come face-to-face with the master of the postseason himself: Tom Brady. With a Hall of Fame quarterback coupled with a fantastic defence, the Buccaneers should easily come away with the win.
Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Embed from Getty ImagesBaltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Now then… Who’d have thought it would come to this? The Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans face off in the playoffs once again. Last season, the 9-7 Titans upset the 14-2 Ravens thanks to a phenomenal game from Derrick Henry. While the Ravens are on a great run of form, Tennessee seem to match up very well against John Harbaugh’s team. Henry will have yet another huge day in this game as Mike Vrabel’s men will yet again triumph over the Ravens.
Winner: Tennessee Titans
Embed from Getty ImagesChicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
The Chicago Bears find themselves in the playoffs despite losing to the Green Bay Packers in week 17. They travel to face a New Orleans Saints team that boasts arguably the best roster in the NFL. That coupled with an experienced Drew Brees at quarterback means the Saints should comfortably get the job done here and move onto the divisional round.
Winner: New Orleans Saints
Embed from Getty ImagesThanks to the NFL schedule-makers, the #Saints are optimistic they’ll have RB Alvin Kamara for their playoff opener against the #Bears … and WR Michael Thomas should be back too. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/NUE2nIqgBj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 4, 2021
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
A rematch of last week’s game in which the Browns secured their first playoff appearance since 2002. In this one, the Steelers will have Ben Roethlisberger and TJ Watt back in the lineup, which should prove to be the difference. Watt is a defensive player of the year candidate while Roethlisberger gives the offence some much needed playoff experience. While the Browns will be one and done in the playoffs this season, there is plenty to be excited about in the future for Kevin Stefanski’s team.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
