Inferno’s NFL Wild Card Round Picks
Saturday Games:
Indianapolis Colts 24 vs. 28 Buffalo Bills - Inferno’s Pick: Bills
Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has the edge on Josh Allen in terms of experience, but Allen has more offensive weapons than Rivers. Allen’s legs should play a big factor in neutralizing Indy’s defense. On the other hand, Allen can be reckless with the ball at times, so look for the Colts to try and rattle him early in the game. Also, given it is potentially Rivers’ last crack at a Super Bowl run, look for him to come out strong out of the gate.
Injury Note: One of Buffalo’s top receivers, Cole Beasley, is out for the game. Beasley’s injury could play a significant factor on Saturday’s matchup, especially on crucial third-down plays.
Los Angeles Rams 21 vs. 27 Seattle Seahawks- Inferno’s Pick: Seahawks
On paper, the Rams’ offense doesn’t have much of a fighting chance against Seattle’s tenacious defense. However, the Rams do have an offensive mastermind in Sean McVay. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is playing with a chip on his shoulder and is looking to lead his team back to the Super Bowl. Seattle’s defense should perform well, but it will be up to Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense to give the defense some breathing room.
Injury Note: Jared Goff’s injury puts tremendous pressure on McVay to reinvent his offensive schemes. If Los Angeles wants to keep up with Wilson, they will need to be aggressive on offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35 vs. 21 Washington Football Team- Inferno’s Pick: Bucs
This season Tom Brady proved that he can still play quarterback at the highest level by throwing for 4,633 yards and second-most passing touchdowns in NFL (40). But ultimately, defense wins championships and the Bucs defense isn’t too shabby. Washington doesn’t have the weapons to keep up with Tampa. Although, look for Chase Young to potentially give Brady trouble throughout the game.
Sunday Games:
Baltimore Ravens 31 vs. 28 Tennessee Titans - Inferno’s Pick: Ravens
Since Baltimore reverted to their bread and butter on offense, which is running the football, they have dominated opponents. In this game, however, the key will be whether Lamar Jackson can protect the football on passing plays. However, let’s remember that the Titans still have Derrick ‘King’ Henry in the backfield and Ryan Tannehill under center. Tannehill is coming off a solid regular season performance which included 3819 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Look for a hard-fought, physical football game.
Chicago Bears 24 vs. 30 New Orleans Saints - Inferno’s Pick: Saints
The Bears clawed their way into the playoffs, but their offense isn’t solid enough to compete against veteran quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense. Not to mention, the Saints’ defense is resilient and should give Trubisky trouble all throughout the game.
Injury Note: Kamara’s absence is a huge blow to the Saints’ offense, especially since Brees isn’t the most mobile quarterback. Chicago has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL so look for Sean Payton to try different strategies (Taysom Hill in wildcat?) to neutralize the Bears defense.
Cleveland Browns 24 vs. 35 Pittsburgh Steelers - Inferno’s Pick: Steelers
History doesn’t favor Cleveland in this matchup, as the Steelers are 20-1 against the Browns at Heinz Field, per ESPN. Needless to say, the Browns shocked the Steelers last weekend in Cleveland to clinch the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2002. Yet, the Browns are at a disadvantage this weekend as they shut down their facilities this past week after multiple players contracted COVID-19. Therefore, Big Ben and company should cruise in this matchup.
Injury Notes: Steelers will be without starting center Maurkice Pouncey, which could spell trouble for a pocket-passer like Roethlisberger. Meanwhile, aside from the players placed on the COVID-19 list, the Browns listed defensive end Myles Garrett (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (neck) as questionable.