Wednesday, January 8, 2025

NFL Wild Card Predictions for this Weekend

 

Now that the regular NFL season is over, we have the Super Bowl to look forward to. However, before we can get to the Super Bowl, we have to get through the NFL Divisional Round and before we can get to that round, we got the NFL Wild Card Round this weekend. Therefore, here are my top 2 NFL Wild Card Predictions for this Weekend.

According to football betting websites, the Wild Card Weekend is set to start in Houston and will wrap up in Los Angeles.

Last Sunday, the NFL revealed the schedule for the initial round of the playoffs, starting with the AFC's fourth-seeded Houston Texans facing the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS.

The series of six games will continue until Monday night, when the Los Angeles Rams, the NFC's fourth seed, will host the team that loses in the Sunday night matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, airing on ESPN/ABC at 8 p.m. ET.

2025 NFL Wild Card Predictions for Sunday, January 12, 2025

Commanders vs Buccaneers NFL Prediction on 1/12/2025 at 8:05 PM ET

The last match of Sunday’s NFL Wild Card round triple header will be between the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The sixth-seeded Commanders (12-5) are currently on a five-game winning streak and hold the third position in the league for rushing offense. In the recent game on Sunday, quarterback Jayden Daniels did not participate in the second half, yet Washington managed to score 20 points during his absence, ultimately securing a 23-19 victory on the road against Dallas.

Marcus Mariota linked up with Terry McLaurin for a five-yard touchdown pass with just three seconds left on the clock, securing a victory for Washington. In addition to this connection, Mariota also delivered a five-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz and contributed a five-yard rushing touchdown. McLaurin led the Commanders with a total of 62 receiving yards.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured four consecutive NFC South Division championships and are the sole team in the division to conclude the season with a positive point differential. The Buccaneers, seeded third with a record of 10-7, rank third in the NFL for total offense, averaging just under 30 points per game. On Sunday, Tampa Bay overcame a ten-point deficit at halftime to achieve a 27-19 victory at home against New Orleans.

Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels had to leave the game on Sunday due to leg discomfort, but he is anticipated to participate in the upcoming match. Data from Pay Per Head Bookie providers show that both offenses are among the top seven in the league, each averaging nearly 30 points per game. It is expected that the Buccaneers will manage to secure a victory at home in a contest that surpasses the total points line. Therefore, I predict the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be with a final score of 30-27.

Vikings vs Rams NFL Prediction on 1/12/2025 at 8:00 PM ET

Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold struggled with accuracy, overthrowing multiple receivers in the end zone and concluding the game with 116 passing yards. All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson managed only three receptions for 54 yards. Cam Akers led the Vikings in rushing with 65 yards, a performance that could have secured the team the top seed with a win.

football sportsbooks show that the Los Angeles Rams currently hold a record above .500 at home, guided by experienced quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has amassed 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns this season. The Rams, with a record of 10-7, are ranked tenth in the league for passing offense, averaging 21.6 points per game. On Sunday, Los Angeles opted to rest several starters, resulting in the end of their five-game winning streak following a 30-25 defeat at home against Seattle.

Los Angeles offensive tackle Rob Havenstein is currently managing a shoulder injury but is anticipated to participate in the upcoming game. The Vikings are known for their aggressive blitzing strategy; however, this approach may not be effective against an experienced quarterback such as Stafford. Expect Puka Nacua to deliver an outstanding performance, potentially leading the Rams to the divisional round. Thu, I expect the Los Angeles Rams to win with a final score of 28-20.

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