It took each recreation of the NFL common season to settle issues within the standings, however now we’re prepared for an NFL Wild Card preview for 2024. The NFL’s flex scheduling actually didn’t disappoint in Week 18. Extra importantly, the NFL Playoff image is all set with the Wild Card Spherical scheduled for this weekend.
NFL Wild Card Preview
As has been the case in recent times, NFL Wild Card Weekend has six video games with solely the Ravens and 49ers having fun with a bye week.
Clearly, we’re anticipating six shut and aggressive video games that might go both manner. It gained’t be simple selecting winners this week, however right here is our NFL Wild Card preview for 2024.
Browns vs Texans
The Browns are one in every of two highway favorites throughout Wild Card Weekend however with good purpose. Joe Flacco has reworked the Cleveland offense late within the season and brings with him loads of playoff expertise.
Clearly, the identical can’t be stated of the upstart Texans and rookie C.J. Stroud. Houston’s future is promising, however the Browns look extra able to successful a playoff recreation proper now.
Choose: Browns -2.5
Dolphins vs Chiefs
The Chiefs haven’t been themselves this 12 months, together with Kansas Metropolis’s 5-4 residence report. That casts some doubt heading into the playoffs.
However do we actually count on Patrick Mahomes to not rise to the event? In any case, the Chiefs have performed in 5 straight AFC Championship Video games. On the opposite aspect, Miami was simply 1-5 towards playoff groups this season and has some damage questions. Mahomes and the Chiefs ought to discover a method to win.
Choose: Chiefs -3.5
Steelers vs Payments
Keep watch over the Payments in the course of the playoffs, as they’ve gained 5 in a row since their bye week, together with three wins over playoff groups. Buffalo went from presumably being neglected to being the no. 2 seed, making them a Tremendous Bowl contender.
That being stated, they haven’t been successful in convincing style. They had been simply 6-10 towards the unfold this season and going through a Pittsburgh group that’s gained three in a row and went 6-4 towards the unfold as an underdog. The Payments will win nevertheless it’ll be ugly they usually gained’t cowl.
Choose: Steelers +9.5
Packers vs Cowboys
It’s tempting to aspect with Jordan Love and the Packers as a result of Inexperienced Bay appears adequate to upset the Cowboys, who’ve had some playoff woes in recent times.
However the Cowboys are simply too good at residence. Dallas was 8-0 straight up and 6-2 towards the unfold at residence this season. Six of these eight wins got here by double digits, so look for a similar factor to occur towards Inexperienced Bay.
Choose: Cowboys -7.5
Rams vs Lions
What an incredible storyline to have Matthew Stafford returning to Detroit for his former group’s first residence playoff in 30 years. Sadly, it could be Stafford who ruins the occasion for the Lions, who haven’t gained a playoff recreation in 32 years.
Stafford and the Rams went 7-1 down the stretch and have extra playoff expertise than the Lions. Extra importantly, Detroit’s protection isn’t a playoff-caliber protection and will not be capable to include their former quarterback.
Choose: Rams +3
Eagles vs Buccaneers
Critically, how is anyone anticipated to belief the Eagles at this level? They’re slight highway favorites for Monday’s Wild Card finale largely due to their fame and partially as a result of the Bucs solely beat Carolina 9-0 in Week 18.
In idea, the Eagles might probably flip a change and seem like the reigning NFC champs. Nonetheless, they’re 1-5 and 0-6 towards the unfold of their final six video games. Even earlier than that stretch, they had been beginning to decline. Clearly, the Bucs don’t strike a ton of concern into opposing groups. However they’ve gained 5 of their final six video games and are 8-3 towards the unfold as underdogs this season. That’s sufficient to make us suppose Tampa can benefit from a struggling Philly group.
Choose: Buccaneers +2.5
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