Piece by: Tyler Collins
It's evident that almost every human being experienced a sort of unorthodox year in 2020. From sports to politics to everyday life, last year was one we all want to leave in the rear-view mirror. Despite the setbacks and minor damages to expectations, we were still treated to a wild and exciting NFL season.
Thankfully, the NFL was able to get all 17 weeks in for each team. The playoffs are now right around the corner. The Wild Card Weekend will kick-off this Saturday at 1:05pm on CBS.
2 Seed vs 7 Seed
Philip Rivers and the 7-seed Indianapolis Colts travel to face Josh Allen and the 2-seed AFC East Champion Buffalo Bills this Saturday for the first scheduled game of the Wild Card Weekend.
It's easy to believe that the Bills will come out firing. Josh Allen has put up MVP numbers in his third year in the NFL, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. I see Allen having another big game, throwing a few touchdown passes (enter Stefon Diggs) and possibly running one in for himself. Allen had 8 rushing touchdowns on the year. The Colts defense will have to step it up in the secondary to stop the big play downfield.
Offensive weapons for the Colts include veteran QB Philip Rivers and a two-headed running back monster with Jonathan Taylor and Nayhiem Hines. With the Bills allowing 123 rushing yards per game to RB's, the Colts could make moves on the ground to keep up.
Final Score: Bills 38, Colts 26
3 Seed vs 6 Seed
The 3-seed NFC West Champion Seattle Seahawks will host the 6-seed Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at 4:40pm on FOX as part of the Wild Card Weekend triple-header.
Let's be honest, the Seahawks have the better offense. Yet, the Rams have the better defense. The number 1 defense to be exact. If Quarterback Russel Wilson finds ways to thread the needle to his receivers like Tyler Lockett or DK Metcalf, the Seahawks will walk away with a win.
Considering LA's star cornerback Jalen Ramsey didn't allow Metcalf to do anything special last game, you could expect that result on Saturday. Seattle will have to get creative with their play calling. Russel Wilson has also been sacked the most out of all QBs this year, so I'd expect at least one this game, and it might come at a crucial time. (Enter Aaron Donald)
If Quarterback Jared Goff is healthy for the Rams, he will need to be at his best. It will also be essential for the Rams offense if they can get Wide receiver Cooper Kupp back from the COVID-19/Reserve list in time for kick-off.
The Rams will have to step it up from their last meeting with Seattle, which ended in a disappointing 20-9 loss. This Saturday, the Rams will need to find the end zone at least a couple times. Despite the Seahawk defense stepping it up recently, I see Los Angeles squeaking out a win against their division rival.
Final Score: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
4 Seed vs 5 Seed
The 4-seed NFC East Champion The Washington Football Team will be taking on Tom Brady and the 5-seed Tampa Bay Bucs at 8:15pm on NBC.
"I want Tom." 21-year-old rookie Defensive end Chase Young said in an interview once he found out his Washington team was facing Tampa Bay. Can he and the Washington defense stop Brady?
The compelling and heroic story behind Head Coach Ron Rivera as well as starting QB Alex Smith has pushed this Washington team to win their first division title since 2015. Despite them being just the third team in NFL history to win a division with a losing record, this team is full of young talent and can certainly keep up, but will have to make some big plays.
On the other hand, Tom Brady and his several offensive weapons will be difficult to stop. At the age of 43, Brady threw 43 touchdowns this season, which means he really hasn't slowed down and is ready for the playoffs yet again.
Final Score: Tampa Bay 36, Washington 19
4 Seed vs 5 seed
Derrick Henry and the 4-seed AFC South Champion Tennessee Titans will host Lamar Jackson and the 5-seed Baltimore Ravens Sunday at 1:05pm on ESPN.
The biggest difference of this game compared to others over the weekend is the running game. Both teams are top in the league in rushing and prove week after week they can use the old fashioned way to score - and win.
Derrick Henry was an unstoppable force again as he rushed for over 2,000 yards this season for the Titans. The crazy part is that it's nothing new for the 6 foot 3 running back. Now a back-to-back league rushing champion, he and Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will look to out-score Lamar Jackson, who rushed for 1,000 yards in back-to-back years and had the most by far of any QB this year. This one will be interesting.
Final Score: Titans 30, Ravens 27
2 Seed vs 7 Seed
The 7-seed Chicago Bears head down South to visit Drew Brees and the NFC South Champion Saints on Sunday at 4:40pm on CBS.
This game relies heavily on the health of Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas for the Saints. If Michael Thomas can be ready and Kamara is activated from the COVID-19/Reserve list to play against the Bears, the Saints have a much better chance than without them. Although the Saints have multiple offensive weapons and have a solid defense, they will be tested by the Bears in this one.
Chicago's offense must utilize their talent to out-score New Orleans. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky will need to read the defense well all game and be able to dish the ball to all available teammates including RB's Tarik Cohen, David Montgomery and WR Allen Robinson.
Both teams are solid on both sides of the ball but if the Saints have Kamara in the backfield, which will probably be a game time decision, they should be able to tough out a win.
Final Score: Saints 28, Bears 20
3 Seed vs 6 Seed
The AFC North Champion 3-seed Pittsburgh Steelers will be hosting Baker Mayfield and the 6-seed Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 8:15pm on NBC.
One of the biggest surprises of the year was the Browns making the playoffs for the first time since 2002. In 2017, that team was 0-16. This year, 11-5. Not a bad turn around. Unfortunately for the Browns, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will be out after testing positive for COVID-19. Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting Head Coach, the team announced Tuesday.
Despite the setback, Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the tough-as-nails running back duo of Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb will have to find the end zone multiple times to keep up with Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Steelers Quarterback and future hall of famer Ben Roethlisberger will look to throw for multiple touchdowns in this game utilizing his solid 3 choices at wide receiver, with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool. If Big Ben can make some big plays, the Steelers will do just fine against a Cleveland defense allowing 248 passing yards per game.
Final Score: Steelers 34, Browns 21
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