This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/baconlovr on 2024-01-10 16:03:16.

Happy Wild Card Weekend, /r/NFL! As we roll into the 2024 Playoffs, we appreciate all the great games we saw and all the crappy predictions that were made. At the end of it all, we have 14 teams that are in, with 12 of them playing this weekend. Last week’s predictions were another good one, with me going 12-4 bringing me to 176-96 overall for the season (61.4% correct). How did you all make out? We’ll have two games on Saturday, three being played throughout Sunday, and one on Monday. Buckle up! Let’s get to it!

Saturday, January 13th

Matchup Time/Network Winner Comments
Browns@ Texans 4:30p ET on NBC Browns Confidence: Low - Cleveland won in Houston in Week 16. Flacco passed for 368 yards and three TDs, and the Texans were not able to generate a pass rush. Stroud missed that game, and the rookie is a game-changer for Houston. He had 23 TDs and five INTs this season, but the Browns’ pass rush will be a huge test. The Texans are 1-4 when Stroud takes four sacks or more. Garrett will make the most of his first playoff game. Cleveland pulls off the win as a road favorite.
Dolphins@ Chiefs 8:00p ET on Peacock Dolphins Confidence: Low - This will be a popular upset pick because the Chiefs might be in a shootout with the Phins. In their Week 9 matchup, the Chiefs were effective in keeping Hill away from making big plays. Mahomes is 9-2 at home in the postseason, but the offense just has not clicked the same this season. Look for McDaniel to be aggressive early. Tua gets his first career playoff victory over the defending Super Bowl champs.

Sunday, January 14th

Matchup Time/Network Winner Comments
Steelers@ Bills 1:00p ET on CBS Bills Confidence: Low - Buffalo won its past five games, but four of those were one-score games. The Bills were 1-5 when favored by more than seven points. Still, they will be a popular pick in this spot given how Allen is 3-1 against the Steelers. Watt also might be out, and Pittsburgh still has an unsettled QB situation with Rudolph and Pickett. The Steelers were 5-0 as an underdog of three points or more this season. Pittsburgh hangs around and makes this a tough pick.
Packers@ Cowboys 4:30p ET on FOX Cowboys Confidence: Medium - No coach has more pressure on them than Mike McCarthy. He’s 1-2 in the postseason with Dallas, and his former team is visiting Jerry World. Love enjoyed an amazing first season as a starter, but the Packers were 4-5 on the road despite his 94.6 passer rating. Dak should have more success with Lamb. Green Bay’s defense improved against the run, but there are too many holes in the secondary. Dallas’ pass rush will be a difference-maker. The Cowboys were 8-0 at home this season.
Rams@ Lions 8:15p ET on NBC Lions Confidence: Moderate - Stafford’s return game will be a good one, and the Rams have allowed just 86 rushing YPG through a four-game streak. Detroit has 115 rushing yards or more in their home victories this season, and they should be able to lean on that to keep Goff, who has a 107.9 passer rating at home, comfortable enough to avoid turnovers. LaPorta is a tough injury, but that means more targets for Amon-Ra. For all the talk about Campbell’s fourth-down calls, the Rams have a 61.9% conversion rate on fourth down with McVay. Might not see that many punts in this one.

Monday, January 15th

Matchup Time/Network Winner Comments
Eagles@ Buccaneers 8:15p ET on ESPN/ABC Eagles Confidence: Moderate - The Eagles have lost five of their past six, and they have a -8 turnover ratio in that stretch. The Bucs won five of their past six games and had a +4 turnover ratio. If Baker gets hot, then Tampa could put the Eagles out. Brown will need to be watched throughout the week. Hurts’ first playoff career start at Tampa did not go well two years ago. In another game where fourth-down calls could be interesting, Philly (73.0%) and Tampa (66.7%) have the top two percentages. The Eagles bounce back, but it’s a risky pick given their injuries.

Those are my predictions, let’s hear yours. Keep it civil and fun. Good luck!

Playoff Bracket with my picks.