NFL Wild Card Predictions
It’s the week we’ve all been waiting for. The NFL playoffs finally start. This week is the wild card round and there are four games, two Saturday and two Sunday. Let’s take a look at the matchups and make some predictions.
Oakland vs Houston: Although Houston may be one of the worst teams to make the playoffs in recent history, and have major quarterback questions, they get to host a playoff game against a team in turmoil in Oakland, who is forced to start a 3rd string rookie at quarterback. It is the first time in league history that a quarterback will make his first career start in the playoffs. Connor Cook has high level playmakers to help him on offense, while Houston has a top-level defense who should confuse him. It’s hard to have any idea what will happen in this game, but the guess is that it will be close. Head to head during the regular season, Oakland won 27-20. You can throw that game out the window now because the circumstances are completely different. Take the points if you’re betting against the spread, Houston is giving 3.5.
Prediction: Houston 20 Oakland 17
Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit vs Seattle: This game features two teams who come into the postseason struggling. Seattle is 3-3 in their last 6 games and barely snuck by San Francisco week 17. Detroit lost their last 3 games and barely held on to a wild card spot. Look for Matt Stafford to struggle against Seattle’s defense as they look to get back on track. The good news for Seattle is that they are 7-1 at home this season, and Detroit has not won a road game outdoors all season. Seattle has to give 8 points in this matchup. If you’re betting against the spread, take the points, but Seattle will win.
Prediction: Seattle 24 Detroit 17
Miami vs Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh comes into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, winners of 7 straight to end the regular season. Miami also went on an impressive run going 9-2 in their last 11 games heading into the postseason. Pittsburgh is healthy and coming off a week where they rested all their top players, while Miami is still without quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It will be a tall task for backup Matt Moore to take on Big Ben. Head to head during the regular season Miami won 30-15, but things will be different this time around. Look for Miami to struggle, and even though Pittsburgh is giving 11 there’s a good chance they will cover.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27 Miami 14
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
New York vs Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers made his famous run the table statement, and 6 wins later here is Green Bay hosting the Giants in the playoffs. The rest of the NFC has to be thrilled that one of these teams has to go down this week, because both are major threats to anybody they face down the line. The winner will play Dallas next week. Look for New York’s defense to slow down Rodgers, but for Rodgers to do just enough to win. Head to head this season Green Bay won 23-16. Green Bay has to give 5.5, but they may do just enough to cover. Look for about the same score as last time.
Prediction: Green Bay 23 New York 16
How do you think the games will play out this weekend? Comment and let us know! Stay tuned for more current sports stories. Don't forget to follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram @beyondthemetrics, and Twitter @byondthemetrics
