Playoff Predictions: Wild Card Weekend 2020

Just in time! My predictions are LOCKED, as Wild Card Weekend is mere minutes away. The field is packed with top end talent, so much so that we will see the 13-3 Saints and the 12-4 Patriots squaring off in the first weekend of the playoffs. So, let’s get right to it. Check out my brilliant prognostications below. 

Buffalo Bills (10-6) @ Houston Texans (10-6)

Saturday, 4:35 PM ET (Current Line, Texans -2.5)

The Bills and Texans took informal Bye Weeks in Week 17, as they were both already locked into their respective seeds. We’ll see if the extra seven days of rest improves the quality of the football on the field. Buffalo got off to a hot start this season, benefiting from the third easiest schedule in the league. They were able to keep pace with the Patriots, up until their loss in Foxborough in Week 16. Josh Allen was adequate, buoying his value with his running ability. However, saying that he’s the reason for Buffalo’s success would be a big stretch. The Bills were pulled along by the strength of their defense, which ranked second in the league in scoring and third in yards. Of course, it is possible that they were simply benefiting from the easy schedule that I mentioned earlier. 

Meanwhile, the Texans have shown the potential of a true contender thanks to some sparks of MVP-like brilliance from Deshaun Watson. However, he has gone quiet in some critical moments as well. Still, I like how this Texans team is put together. With plenty of receiving weapons and defensive stars, this team certainly has the ability to make the big plays in the most critical moments of the game. 

Prediction: Defense reigns supreme in the first half, as neither team is able to punch the ball into the end zone. At halftime, the Texans lead 6-3. The offenses come to life in the second half, as both teams score on their opening drives of the third quarter. Up 17-13 in the 4th quarter, the Texans are finally able to put the game to bed when Watson hits Deandre Hopkins for a 62-yard score. The Texans defeat the Bills, 24-13.

Tennessee Titans (9-7) @ New England Patriots (12-4)

Saturday, 8:15 PM ET (Current Line, Patriots -5.0)

The Patriots are playing on Wild Card Weekend for the first time since 2009. It’s the stat everyone is talking about, and for good reason. This season, New England was simply not the same team that we have grown accustomed to seeing, especially on offense. Of course, the Patriots were not their same dominant selves last year either, and they still ended up winning the Super Bowl. Anyways, even in an off-year the Patriots were one embarrassing loss away from locking up the number two seed in the AFC. Instead, they fell to the pitiful Dolphins at home, opening the door for the Chiefs to snatch the two seed from their grasps. Now New England must navigate the up-and-coming Titans before they even get the opportunity to move onto the Divisional Round, where the Chiefs would be waiting for them at Arrowhead. 

The Titans have been great since Tannehill took over. If a couple of unlucky plays had gone their way at the end of the season, they very possible could have been hosting a playoff game right now, as the AFC South champion. Instead, they snuck into the playoffs as the six seed, holding off the pitiful Raiders and Steelers for the final spot. Objectively, the playoffs will be better off with an actually decent team occupying the AFC's six seed, so I’ll try not to be too upset about Oakland’s missed opportunity. Tennessee is slowly becoming a team of superstars. Tannehill played out of his mind during his ten starts. Henry has been an absolute beast, consistently ripping off at least one 50+ yard run per game. And AJ Brown may be the next big thing at receiver, as the standout rookie has made me almost totally forget about the other A. Brown that used to play receiver in the NFL. Still, even with all this absurd talent, I think I know better than to bet against the Patriots in Foxborough in the playoffs. The Titans have a massive hill to climb...

Prediction: It’s all New England in the first quarter, as they break out to an early 10-0 lead, thanks to a couple of early turnovers and a touchdown pass from Brady to Edelman. However, the Titans keep things tight, heading into halftime trailing 13-6. On the first play of the second half, Henry breaks free for his trademark long run of the game, scoring from 75 yards out. With the game tied at 20 late in the fourth quarter, New England is driving down the field, looking for the winning score. However, Brady throws an interception when N’Keal Harry slips during a crossing route. The Titans get into field goal range, and Ryan Succop hits the game-winner from 39 yards out. The Titans shock the Patriots in Foxborough, 23-20. 

Minnesota Vikings (10-6) @ New Orleans Saints (13-3)

Sunday, 1:05 PM ET (Current Line, Saints -7.5)

In a rematch of the Minneapolis Miracle, the Saints will be looking for some playoff revenge from the game that ended their season two years ago. In a tough NFC, the Vikings are one of the stronger six seeds in recent memory. Their playoff positioning was decided heading into Week 17, so they benefited from an informal Bye Week that allowed them to rest their starters. Cousins seems more comfortable in the offense in his second year in Minnesota, which he will need to be as he tries to navigate the difficult NFC half of the playoff field. Unfortunately, injuries have begun to plague the Viking defense at the worst possible time, as they prepare to face their most difficult test yet. 

The Saints have weapons. Michael Thomas just had one of the greatest receiving seasons in NFL history. Tre’Quan Smith and Ted Gin Jr. can burn any cornerback for big plays. Kamara is still one of the best running backs in the league. And Latavius Murray has shown the best of his abilities, playing the role of power running back that was recently vacated by Mark Ingram. The defense has also been sneakily good this season, finishing as the 4th ranked defense against the run, which they’ll need if they hope to slow down Dalvin Cook. 

Prediction: The Saints score the first two touchdowns of the game as the Vikings cannot find a way to slow down Brees in the first half. At halftime, New Orleans is cruising, 24-7. The second half sees more of the same as Minnesota struggles to get a foothold in the game. The Saints easily defeat the Vikings, 38-17. 

Seattle Seahawks (11-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

Sunday, 4:40 PM ET (Current Line, Seahawks -1.5)

Just like last year, Seattle will play on the road against the NFC East Champion on Wild Card Weekend. This will be a rematch of these team’s Week 12 game, which saw the Seahawks tough out a win in a defensive battle, 17-9. The Eagles have been mediocre all season. While they come into this game on a 4-game winning streak, it must be noted that those wins were against the Giants (twice), Redskins, and Cowboys. Wentz has shown that he is capable of brilliance in the past, but perhaps that was just a flash in the pan. With the Philadelphia receiving corps in total disarray (Jackson & Jeffrey on IR, Agholor Out), Wentz will be forced to look to his Tight Ends and Running Backs for help. And to make matters worse, there is a chance that Ertz will not be able to play. Will the Eagles' injury-plagued offense have enough firepower to outscore the Seahawks? 

As I mentioned in my season recap, the Seahawks only outscored their opponents by seven points over the course of the entire season, which would indicate that Seattle was more lucky than good in 2019, on their way to amassing 11 wins. Russell has shown his MVP potential this year, but only for moments at a time. The Seahawks continue to play with a run-first mentality, which will be difficult to continue with Carson, Penny, and Prosise all on IR. Incredibly, Lynch will be the lead back for the Seahawks for the second week in a row. Beast Mode will need to be at his best if he hopes to help Seattle on offense. Otherwise, the Seahawks may need to consider switching to a pass-first mentality, so that their other weapons of Lockett, Metcalf, and Hollister can be as involved as possible. 

Prediction: This game mirrors the one in Week 12, as the defenses control the game. Wentz can’t find a rhythm. The Seattle running game struggles mightily. And the Punters are the stars of the show in the first half. The teams head into the locker room to a chorus of boos, with the Seahawks holding onto a slim 3-0 lead. Things pick up in the second half but only slightly. Lynch crashes into the end zone for the first score of the game, but Wentz responds with a touchdown pass to Goedert on the ensuing drive. With the score tied at 13 and only 2:30 left to play, the Eagles get the ball back deep in their own territory. Wentz orchestrates an offensive drive, buoyed by a couple of questionable penalties against the defense, into field goal range. Elliot sets up for the game-winner from 54 yards out, and…… he misses! However, Carroll had called a timeout before the kick. Elliot nails his second attempt, as the Eagles sneak past the Seahawks 16-13. 

So, there you have it. Four games. Four ironclad predictions. With the kickoff of the first playoff game of 2020 only minutes away, the most exciting portion of the NFL season is finally upon us. Enjoy Wild Card Weekend!