:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68642310/usa_today_15391511.0.jpg)
After 17 weeks and 256 games of NFL action, we have finally reached the postseason. Unlike previous years, where only 12 teams get a chance to participate in the NFL’s postseason tournament.
This season, we will be seeing 14 teams all fighting for that chance to play in Super Bowl 55 next month and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. However, before we can think about the Super Bowl, we have to get through the six games during Super Wild Card Weekend. These six games features some of the game’s best players and also give us rematches from this season.
But out of those six games, we could see maybe one or two upsets. Therefore, which teams might see their postseason runs end early? We are going to discuss that and more below.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are coming into this postseason with a record of 13-3 and have not lost a game since Week 10. However, the No. 2 seed Bills, who are favored by 6.5 points, do not have an easy out to start the wild card round in the Indianapolis Colts.
Unlike the Bills, who have a tremendous passing offense spearheaded by Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. The Colts have leaned on running back Jonathan Taylor and he has paid major dividends. In Indianapolis’ last five games, Taylor has rushed for 651 yards on 97 carries and seven touchdowns. Last week against the Jaguars, the rookie had a season-high 253 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns.
If Taylor can average 4.5-5.0 yards per carry on Saturday, then the Colts have a chance in this game. Then, if you look at the Colts’ defense it isn’t bad at all. They are only allowing 22.6 points per game and recording 2.5 sacks per game. Indianapolis must put pressure on Allen, if they want to have a chance to pull the upset.
A lot of the money is swaying towards the Bills and it’s understandable. But do not be surprised to see the Colts keep it within a touchdown points late into the fourth quarter.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
This upset honestly depends on who starts at quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams. If the Rams start Jared Goff then that should help their passing game against the league’s worst pass defense in Seattle. But if Goff cannot go and McVay has to turn to John Wolford, then it could be open season for a Seahawks’ defense that has forced five turnovers in the last four games.
However, even if Wolford starts, what could neutralize this game is the Rams’ defense. The Rams’ defense led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey has been one of the best in the NFL. Those two playmakers can change the game in just a matter of one play.
Ramsey has done a phenomenal job defending Seahawks wideout D.K. Metcalf, who only has eight receptions (12 targets) for 87 yards and zero touchdowns. But even if the Rams take away Metcalf, they still needs to account Russell Wilson, who can make plays with his arm and out of the pocket.
These two teams split the season series, with the Seahawks winning in Week 16 by three points. It is going to be tough for Seattle to try to beat Los Angeles twice in three weeks.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans
In another rematch from earlier this season, we have the No. 5 seed Baltimore Ravens taking on the No. 4 seed Tennessee Titans. The Titans have won two-straight games, including an upset win in the playoffs last season.
Heading into this weekend’s playoff game, the Ravens are favorites according to the oddsmakers, but I don’t buy into that line. If the Ravens beat the Titans in Nashville, it would be an upset. Baltimore is one of the hottest teams in the league, winning five-straight games. They are doing it both on the ground and through the air.
Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson is completing 67 percent of his passes and has 11 touchdowns to only three interceptions. A majority of Jackson’s touchdown passes have went to Marquise Brown, who has five in the team’s last five games.
However, the question that remains is can the Ravens contain superstar running back Derrick Henry? In last year’s playoffs, Henry rushed for 195 yards on 30 carries. Baltimore cannot allow that to happen again because then that means Tennessee is controlling the time of possession.