The 2019 NFL postseason is finally here! It’s wild card weekend and these matchups are looking extremely competitive and enticing. Let’s get into the predictions shall we?
AFC
Baltimore Ravens (Home) vs Los Angeles Chargers – Ravens win 27-23
Two weeks ago, we saw the normally dominant offense of the LA Chargers get silenced at home by this very same Ravens defense. On the defensive side, the Chargers had no answers to the Baltimore run game or QB Lamar Jackson, as the Ravens controlled the tempo of the game entirely. This game is one I pinpoint, as the one that showed the world that they are truly a contending team this year. Despite now having a better understanding as to what Jackson’s tendencies are and how Baltimore’s offense approaches a game, I feel as if the Chargers will still have a hard time containing them for four quarters and will lose a close one.
Houston Texans (Home) vs. Indianapolis Colts – Colts win 30-24
Despite having the better season and winning their division, the Houston Texans come into this postseason relatively inexperienced to playing in January. In their two games against the Colts this year, they finished 1-1 with both games being within one possession. QB Andrew Luck and Indy have been a high-scoring offense this season and with plenty of playoff experience over the years, I feel as if their momentum doesn’t stop in this game. I expect them to get the upset over the Texans and advance to the divisional round.
NFC
Dallas Cowboys (Home) vs. Seattle Seahawks – Cowboys win 17-13
This game is truly a 50/50 when you look at the two teams that are playing. Both the Cowboys and Seahawks have demonstrated this season that they are capable of winning big games, but also lose to mediocre teams. Home field is the biggest deciding factor for me here, as the Cowboys usually play strong inside of “Jerry World” and the Cowboy faithful will likely sell out the place. With a tough, fast defense capable of scoring points, the Seahawks offense will surely have a tough task of trying to score a lot of points on them. I feel as if the Cowboys defensive line and linebackers will contain Seattle’s run game, which should be enough to secure the game in a overall low-scoring contest.
Chicago Bears (Home) vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Bears win 35-23
Here is where the Eagles’ hope of defending their Super Bowl title ends, in the freezing cold Soldier Field, against the Chicago Bears. The Bears come in with arguably the strongest defense in the NFL and an offense that is competent and able to put up points when needed. While the Eagles with QB Nick Foles starting are a threat to almost any team in the league, I feel as if this Chicago team is just too strong to go down here.