AFC Wildcard Playoff Predictions
AFC Playoff Picks
Photo Credit: Medium.com
#3 Texans VS #6 Colts
Vegas Pick (per Bovada): Texans
My Pick: Colts
Breakdown: While this should be a close battle and may even include a two-minute drill from Andrew Luck and the Colts, right now you just can’t pick against the Colts. Whiles the Texans have the talent across the defensive line, Indianapolis might have the best Offensive Line in the NFL. Marlon Mack and co have been on an absolute tear running the ball, and they have Andrew Luck looking better than his old self playing the most important position on the field. To win this game the Colts will need to continue dominating in the run game to give Luck more time in the backfield to throw, and the defense will have to contain Deshaun Watson to the pocket and keep Hopkins out of the end zone. For the Texans to win they will need to slow the Colts running game.
#4 Ravens VS #5 Chargers
Vegas Pick (per Bovada): Ravens
My Pick: Chargers
Breakdown: This will be the second matchup between the two teams, and while the Ravens won the last matchup, I do think having the first matchup works in the Chargers favor. The Ravens are a primarily scheme offense, and while they do have the ability to eventually expand from that hopefully, right now they have the exact same offense that most teams have seemed to fail to stop. However, the Chargers are the first team to face this scheme for a second time. Along with that the Chargers return Melvin Gordon and Hunter Henry to add to the already weapon filled offense. To win this game the Chargers will need to slow the Ravens on the ground and try to not give up any big plays. On offense they will have to make sure to keep a balanced attack to keep a talented Ravens defense from being able to key on the pass. For the Ravens to win this game they will need to continue running the ball as effective as they have to try and neutralize the Chargers very talented defensive line, and jump to an early lead to force the Chargers to throw allowing for the line to pin their ears back, and for the great defensive coaching to continue mixing its looks to try and confuse Rivers into turnovers.
By Austin Bronstad