(11-6) Cleveland Browns (5) @ (4) Houston Texans (10-7)
The 2024 NFL Playoffs begins with arguably the game of the weekend as the 10-7 Houston Texans host the 11-6 Cleveland Browns. The Houston Texans picked up a great win in Indianapolis last weekend which ultimately landed them the AFC South Title and they are about to play in their first Playoff game since 2020. As for Cleveland, their second team was thrashed by the Cincinnati Bengals last week, but that doesn’t change the fact that The Browns have looked really good this season. The Browns’ last Playoff appearance came back in 2021. In terms of my Prediction, I think The Browns will win this game. This is for me the hardest game to choose when it comes to which teams walking out as the victor. Both Houston and Cleveland deserve to be here, but I think it will be The Browns who move on to next week’s Divisional Round.
(11-6) Miami Dolphins (6) @ (3) Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins collide for the second time this season. The Kansas City Chiefs managed to beat the LA Chargers last weekend (to go 11-6) and they’re about to make their 9th-consecutive Post-Season appearance. As for Miami, they suffered a home loss against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday Night (to drop to 11-6) which ultimately cost them the AFC East Title, the Number 2 seed in the AFC, and also a Wild Card game at home. The Dolphins are also looking to secure their first Playoff victory since 2001! In terms of my Prediction, I fully expect Kansas City to advance. Whilst The Chiefs aren’t having their best ever season, Patrick Mahomes and co know how to win in the Playoffs whilst The Dolphins have shown all year long that they can’t handle playing top opposition (to the point where I’m actually sick of talking about it).
(10-7) Pittsburgh Steelers (7) @ (2) Buffalo Bills (11-6)
Two in-form teams collide on Super Wild Card Weekend as the 11-6 Bills host the 10-7 Steelers. The Buffalo Bills picked up a Division-clinching win in Miami last weekend and they head into the Playoffs on a 5-game winning run. The Bills are now looking to make their 4th-successive Divisional Round appearance. As for Pittsburgh, they picked up a great win in Baltimore last weekend to make it into the Playoffs and they’re currently on a 3-game winning streak. The Steelers are looking for their first Playoff win since 2017 (when they made it to the AFC Championship game). In terms of my Prediction, I believe Buffalo will come out on top in this one. The Bills are on a roll right now and whilst Pittsburgh have done a good job to get here, I don’t think they’re quite good enough to topple their opponents.
(9-8) Green Bay Packers (7) @ (2) Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
The Dallas Cowboys thrashed the Washington Commanders last weekend to seal the NFC East Title and they’re about to make their third-consecutive Playoff appearance. It’s also worth mentioning that The Cowboys are 8-0 on their own turf this season. As for Green Bay, their win over Divisional Rivals Chicago last time out was enough for them to sneak into the Playoffs and they head into this weekend on a 3-game winning run. It’s also worth mentioning that this is The Packers’ first appearance on Wild Card Weekend for 7 years as their last 3 Playoff appearances have all seen them get a Bye to the Divisional Round. In terms of my Prediction, I fully expect The Cowboys to beat The Packers. Green Bay can be really happy that they made the Post-Season this year, but they’re nowhere near as good a side as Dallas who’ve been immense at home.
(10-7) Los Angeles Rams (6) @ (3) Detroit Lions (12-5)
A special Playoff edition of Sunday Night Football sees the 12-5 Detroit Lions host the 10-7 Los Angeles Rams. The Detroit Lions were able to beat the Minnesota Vikings last weekend and they’re about to have their first Playoff tie at home for 30 years! As for LA, they managed to beat the San Francisco 49ers last weekend and they’re currently on a 4-game winning run. The Rams are about to make their first Playoff appearance since they won the Super Bowl back in 2022! In terms of my Prediction, I think Detroit will just about win this game. This is actually quite a close game to call, but I think The Lions will just about have enough to edge out LA.
(11-6) Philadelphia Eagles (5) @ (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)
The final game of Super Wild Card Weekend (in 2024) sees the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the 11-6 Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 9-0 win in Carolina last weekend was enough for them to seal the NFC South Title and they’re about to make their 4th-consecutive Post-Season appearance. As for Philadelphia, they suffered a terrible loss at The Giants last weekend which ultimately ended any chance of them winning the NFC East. The Eagles are also on a 2-game losing run and they’re about to play their first Playoff game on the road (besides Super Bowl 57) since they lost in Tampa Bay two years ago (interesting)! In terms of my Prediction, I am going to back The Eagles to win this game. Even though Philly haven’t been amazing this year, you still have to remember that they have a better record than The Bucs and that’s the main reason why I’m backing them to get the W.
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