NFL Wildcard Playoff Predictions
Wildcard Weekend Predictions: Can the Eagles Upset Chicago?
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Somehow, some way, the Philadelphia Eagles have found themselves in the postseason. Entering week 17, two things had to be done: the Eagles had to knock off their division rivals in D.C., and the Bears (who really didn’t have much to play for) had to come out victorious against the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Doug Pederson stressed how the birds had to handle their business before worrying about any other outcomes, and they did just that, steamrolling the Redskins 24 to zip.
Kirk Cousins did Kirk Cousins things (AKA choking in big games) to officially punch the Eagles ticket to the playoffs. Last week we were all Bears fans, but this week, they’re our worst enemy. It’s time for Lane Johnson and Co. to bust out the masks again, since Philly is once again the underdog.
#6 Philadelphia Eagles @ #3 Chicago Bears
Completely Unbiased Prediction: 16-10, Eagles
In chilly Chicago, the stage is set for a classic defensive slug fest to close out wildcard weekend. Both offenses will struggle to move the ball, and game-wreckers Khalil Mack and Fletcher Cox will come up big for their respective teams. The golden foot of Jake Elliott will make the difference, and a couple of missed kicks by former Eagle Cody Parkey will sink Chicago. In a game like this, it will come down to which quarterback can get the job done when it matters, and I trust Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles more than I trust first time postseason attendee Mitchell Trubisky. While the Bears are the better team, this is a situation where playoff experience matters, similar to the Rams-Falcons wildcard matchup last season.
F. Cox: 2.5 sacks, 3 TFL
T. Cohen: 97 receiving yards, TD
SPOTLIGHT: #5 Seattle Seahawks @ #4 Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: 23-20, Seahawks
NFL fans should be delighted to see two run-happy teams with outstanding linebackers go head-to-head in January. The Cowboys, featuring the league’s leading rusher in Ezekiel Elliott and defensive rookie of the year candidate Leighton Vander Esch, will host the Seahawks, who boast the NFL’s #1 rushing offense and middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, who missed zero of his 138 tackle attempts. Both squads are similar in several ways, but the Seahawks hold a giant advantage at the most important position in the game, quarterback. Even with the league’s top rushing offense, Russell Wilson still tossed 35 touchdowns (good for third in the league) and thrust himself into the MVP conversation. When it matters the most, Wilson will drive his team down the field to set up the veteran Sebastian Janikowski for a game-winning kick.
R. Wilson: 231 passing yards, TD
E. Elliott: 93 rush yards, TD, 75 receiving yards
#5 Los Angeles Chargers @ #4 Baltimore Ravens
Prediction: 24-16, Ravens
M. Gordon: 72 rush yards, TD, 32 receiving yards
L. Jackson: 185 passing yards, TD, 92 rush yards, TD
#6 Indianapolis Colts @ #3 Houston Texans
Prediction: 30-24, Colts
T. Hilton: 156 receiving yards, 2 TDs
D. Hopkins: 143 receiving yards, TD
By Micah Jimoh