Fikkle Fame’s NFL Predictions for the Wild Card Round of Playoffs January 9th-10th, 2021

The NFL playoffs begin with a slightly different format than in the past. There are seven playoff teams in each conference, four division winners and three wild cards. The only teams with first round byes are the #1 seeds, in this case, Green Bay and Kansas City. One division winner, Washington, is below .500 at 7-9. Washington won the NFC East in part because of questionable coaching decisions by Eagles’ coach Doug Pederson –especially his use of third string QB Nate Sudfeld in the 4th quarter– in Philadelphia’s 20-14 loss to Washington in the season finale. If Washington had lost, the New York Giants would have been the East champs. Understandably, the Giants were not happy with this. But the Giants were 6-10 this season, so maybe they should look in the mirror if they want to question why they didn’t make the post season. Four of their losses were by a combined total of 10 points. Meanwhile, the 10-6 Miami Dolphins didn’t make the AFC playoffs.

Games of Saturday January 9th

Indianapolis (11-5) at Buffalo (13-3). Bills favored by 7. O/U: 51.5. The Bills, winners of the AFC East, are scorching hot right now, winning six straight and nine of 10 to close out the regular season, including a 56-26 dismantling of Miami to crush the Dolphins hopes for reaching the post season. The Colts did a fine job this season under new QB Philip Rivers and rookie running back Jonathan Taylor (1169 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns plus 299 receiving yards and another touchdown). Buffalo QB Josh Allen passed for 4544 yards and 37 touchdowns, and the off season acquisition of WR Stefon Diggs (a league best 1535 reception yards, eight touchdowns) really paid off. Bills 31 Colts 21.

Los Angeles Rams (10-6) at Seattle (12-4). Seahawks favored by 4. O/U: 42.5. The Seahawks and Rams split their two games this season, including Seattle beating the Rams 20-9 two weeks ago. With QB Jared Goff, WR Cooper Cup, and RB Darrell Henderson all sidelined with injuries or Covid issues, the Rams relied on a dominant defensive performance to beat Arizona 18-7 last week. They’ll need a similar performance from the defense to beat the Seahawks, who score more points than the Cardinals, and it would help if some of their offensive weapons are back, especially Goff. At this point his thumb injury makes it iffy at best for his return. The Seahawks have won six of seven and are 7-1 at home this year. Seahawks 27 Rams 24.

Tampa Bay (11-5) at Washington (7-9). Buccaneers favored by 8. O/U: 45. Tom Brady is back in the playoffs with a new team, and knows how to win in the post season. Tampa Bay was just 1-5 against teams that reached the playoffs, but the Buccaneers have plenty of offense and a pretty good defense to go along with it. Washington’s stay in the playoffs will be brief. Buccaneers 31 Washington 20.

Games of Sunday January 10th

Baltimore (11-5) at Tennessee (11-5). Ravens favored by 3 1/2. O/U: 55. The Ravens lost to the Titans 30-24 at Baltimore in November. If you like a lot of rushing yards, this is the game for you. Tennessee’s Derrick Henry led the NFL with 2027 rushing yards, and scored 17 touchdowns; as a team, the Titans averaged 168 yards per game on the ground, second in the NFL. The Ravens rushed for 404 yards in their win at Cincinnati last week, and led the league with 192 rushing yards per game. Baltimore also has a solid defense. The Ravens have been one and done in the playoffs the last two years, including a loss to the Titans last year. They’ve gotten hot at the right time after losing three in a row earlier, and will avenge last year’s loss. Ravens 26 Titans 20.

Chicago (8-8) at New Orleans (12-4). Saints favored by 9 1/2. O/U: 47.5. These teams played midway through the season while Chicago was in a six game losing streak, with New Orleans winning 26-23. The Bears had a hard time scoring until they were about two thirds of the way through the schedule, when the offense finally came together. The Saints have not had trouble scoring this season, and are averaging 30 points per game. One potential problem for New Orleans: RB Alvin Kamara is out due to Covid protocols, but could be cleared in time for the game. If he isn’t available, it will make it more difficult, but New Orleans should still pull out the victory. Saints 28 Bears 20.

Cleveland (11-5) at Pittsburgh (12-4). Steelers favored by 6. O/U: 47. The teams split their two meetings during the regular season, with Cleveland winning in Week 17 24-22 after nearly blowing a 24-9 4th quarter lead. Pittsburgh had already clinched the NFC North and rested some starters, including QB Ben Roethlisberger. Still, this is the Brown’s first playoff appearance since 2002; just three years ago they were 0-16. The Steelers closed out the season losing three of four, but they came back from a 24-7 second half deficit to beat Indianapolis 28-24 in Week 16 and nearly came back to beat the Browns in that season finale. Pittsburgh will win this one, but the Browns are a team on the rise. Steelers 27 Browns 24.