NFC Playoff Predictions (Predicted by Conner Orr):
Rams (#5) vs. Panthers (#4):
Both of these teams are limping into this game. The Rams lost two out of their last three, including an abysmal loss to the Falcons. For the Panthers, they made the playoffs despite going 8-9 and losing their last two games, even though they would have clinched a playoff spot if they had just won either of those matchups. They were bailed out by the 8-9 Falcons beating both the Rams and Saints these past two weeks.
The last time these two teams met, the Panthers pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Rams 31-28. However, I do not see that happening again. In that game, it took Matthew Stafford throwing two interceptions and having an interception for the Rams to lose. Additionally, Bryce Young played one of his best games of the season, throwing for three touchdowns and completing 75% of his passes.
Even though the Rams’ defense has not been as strong recently, I see them doing better this time against the Panthers. First off, I do not see Bryce Young being as efficient this week as he was in their Week 13 matchup. He has struggled in his last two games, which were important games, having thrown two touchdowns and two interceptions, while leading the Panthers to an average of 12 points. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle have struggled the past four weeks, with neither having over 60 rushing yards in those games.
For the Rams’ offense, they have been one of the best all season. They finished the regular season averaging both the most yards (394.6) and points (30.5) in the league. The Panthers’ defense has been solid for the most part this season, but they have struggled against teams with good offenses.
In this game, although I think the Panthers can put up points, since the Rams have allowed an average of 29.8 points in their last four games, I do not think they will be as efficient as the Rams’ offense. I also think the Rams’ defense has a decent chance to bounce back this week since they have been playing at a mediocre level recently, and the Panthers’ offense has struggled as of late. I also have a lot more faith in Sean McVay and Stafford than Dave Canales and Young, and the Rams have much more playoff experience than the Panthers.
Prediction: Rams 30-24
Actual Score: Rams 34-31
Packers (#7) vs. Bears (#2):
These two split games in the regular season, with the home teams winning each time. Both games came down to the wire, but the Bears were especially lucky to win in the second matchup. It took an onside kick recovery, a fourth-down stop in overtime and a DJ Moore moon ball to defeat the depleted Packers. For that reason, I believe the Packers have a real shot in this one, especially given their playoff experience compared to the Bears.
Defensively, the advantage goes to the Packers. Even though they recently allowed 41 points, they were going up against Derrick Henry, one of the best running backs in the league. This week, they will have to manage Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift, which will be a tough task, but will likely be easier. In their two regular-season matchups, the Packers allowed an average of 4.7 yards per carry combined to Monangai and Swift, but still held the Bears defensively to a limited number of points.
The Bears’ defense is allowing 428.7 yards per game over the last three weeks, compared to the Packers’ 392.3, and teams have been moving the ball up and down the field at ease against them. Although they are opportunistic, Jordan Love has only thrown six interceptions all year. The Packers’ offense will also be rested since they benched several key starters last week.
Offensively, the Bears have been better than the Packers this season, scoring an average of 2.9 more points per game. However, they do not play their best until the end of halves, which I see hurting them in this game. Last week, they opted to play their starters and only put up 16 points against an injured Lions’ defense. Their offense has also struggled more against strong defenses than the Packers have. Their offense has also come up short in the last two weeks in one-score games, despite winning in close games being one of their strong suits the entire year.
Regardless of which team wins, this game will be another nail-biter, but I am taking the Packers. I think they have the better defense and are more rested than the Bears. Their offense will also be solid enough with Love and Josh Jacobs. The Packers have also been the No. 7 seed in the playoffs before, in 2023, and went into “Jerry World” and smacked the No. 2-seeded Cowboys 48-32. Lastly, Matt LaFleur and Love have more playoff experience than Williams and Ben Johnson, which is key come playoff time.
The main hope for the Bears is that they are 6-2 at home while the Packers are 4-4 on the road this year. Even then, the Packers should have won the last time they played at Soldier Field, and I think they will on Saturday.
Prediction: Packers 27 – 26
Actual Score: Bears 31 – 27
49ers (#6) vs. Eagles (#3):
In the final NFC wild-card round game, I am taking the Eagles. Even though the 49ers’ offense has been great since Brock Purdy returned, against a real defense (the Seahawks) last week, they managed just three points. Mike Macdonald had Kyle Shanahan in his bag, and the 49ers’ offense did virtually nothing until the fourth quarter. Even then, Christian McCaffrey bobbled a ball right into LB Drake Thomas’ hands. That essentially ended the game.
Despite allowing just 13 points, the Niners’ defense was also horrible. They allowed 361 yards of total offense, and the Seahawks’ offense had possession for over 38 minutes. The Niners could not get off the field on third down, and DC Robert Saleh was unable to force Sam Darnold to win the game for the Hawks, which should have been his game plan. The Niners also allowed 5.2 yards per carry to the Seahawks’ running backs.
The Eagles, on the other hand, are well rested on both sides of the ball. Their offense has been the question mark this season, with them scoring an average of 22.3 points per game. This has mainly been because Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have not been as efficient as they were last year. However, their defense has been amazing, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game in the regular season (19.1).
In their past four losses, their defense has allowed an average of 23.5 points, meaning they would have won if their offense was more productive. They also recently held the Bills to just 12 points. Overall, their defense has been playing amazingly. As a result, as long as their offense shows up, they should cruise through this game. They have playmakers on offense, with Hurts, Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, so I think they should be fine.
The Eagles should also not struggle to move the ball since the 49ers will be banged-up defensively. The Niners will be without Fred Warner’s backup: Tatum Bethune. They may also be without LBs Dee Winters and Luke Gifford. Without a strong linebacking corps and with arguably the worst defensive line in football, I see the Niners struggling to stop the run and get to Hurts. The defense has also been the 49ers’ weak suit since Warner was injured, and I do not see that changing this week.
Then, offensively, I see the Niners struggling. Last week, against a Super Bowl-caliber defense, they scored only three points, and since they are going up against another great defense, I see them having a hard time moving the ball, especially if Ricky Pearsall and Trent Williams do not play.
Overall, considering the health of both teams and how poorly the Niners have been defensively this year, I see the Eagles taking this one. This is especially true because the Niners proved last week that their offense could not keep up with strong defenses.
Prediction: Eagles 20-14
AFC Playoff Predictions (Predicted by Abe Daniel):
Bills (#6) vs. Jaguars (#3):
Liam Coen and the Jags have been on fire over the last two months, their defense forces turnovers and generates a heavy pass rush. On offense, Trevor Lawrence is playing like the elite talent he was scouted as when he was coming out of Clemson. The Jags match up well with the Bills and their strengths. What they will need to do is win the turnover ratio and run the football down the Bills’ throat.
The Bills are the favorite to win this game, even though they are the lower seed, mainly because of Josh Allen. All season, they have been wishy-washy and inconsistent, but when the playoffs come around, the team with more experience and vets tends to be the reason you win. James Cook led the league in rushing with 1,621 rushing yards; his production will be instrumental.
Prediction: Bill 28-27
Chargers (#7) vs. Patriots (#2):
The Chargers have been playing mediocre football all season. They have not gone on a dominant stretch and have not shown an ability to play from behind and win consistently. The Pats’ offense has been explosive and rolling all season. If they get out to a 10-point lead early, things could be difficult for Justin Herbert and the offense.
For the Pats, the name of the game is controlling the clock. Their one-two punch of TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson has made life easy for star QB Drake Maye. When you can run the football, you can dictate the game as long as you are not turning over the football. Maye has a wide net of weapons on the outside, receiver Kyle Williams is a weapon that the Pats have not fully unlocked yet, but the rookie receiver is a vertical deep threat that can exploit the Charger secondary.
Prediction: Chargers 24-21
Texans (#5) vs. Steelers (#4):
The Steelers and Mike Tomlin were three feet from being in the situation the Ravens are in: coachless. In Week 18, with their season on the line, the defense was abysmal and let the Ravens’ offense do whatever it wanted to. Against an offense in the Texans that is getting better each week, it could get ugly for the Steelers. The Texans’ defense is the No. 2 defense in the league, and the Steelers’ offense does not pose many threats outside of wide-out DK Metcalf, who is coming off a two-game suspension. As long as the Texan defense can take away the checkdowns and seams from Aaron Rodgers, the Texans have an easy win on their hands.
The Texans on offense have a blueprint that, if they follow, will lead to a win. That is, pass the ball to Nico Collins on the opposite side of Jalen Ramsey and run the football between the tackles with Woody Marks and Nick Chubb.
Prediction: Texans 27-17
