Expat Smoggie
Well-known member
So here we go for winner takes all games. Some really tasty and intriguing games on tap . I’m especially looking forward to the Packers at the Cowboys. The Packers have the a big task on their hands as they face a red hot Cowboy offense. I’m not too sure if there’s a more open game with an improving Packers offense & Dee, so this is my upset game of the weekend.
Anyone fancy the Steelers over the Bills? Apparently the game could be switched to Cleveland due to the worsening weather conditions in Buffalo.
All the wildcard games have potential for upsetting the Vegas odd makers.
Super Wild Card Weekend
Saturday, Jan. 13
(5) Browns at (4) Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET
This matchup pits the NFLs most durable QB Joe Flacco against the rookie sensation CJ Stroud, and with one of the most partisan crowds in the NFL Stroud will need to show a lot more poise in the pocket if he’s to overcome a very tough Browns defense.
Incredibly this is the Browns only second appearance in the playoffs for 20 years so I’m sure it’s going to be near ear-bleeding decibel range at the Browns stadium. These two teams met back in Week 16, when Flacco completely out classed the Texans with a masterly display hitting 3 TDs and over 350 yards passing. Ok Texans QB C.J. Stroud didn't play but it’s going to take a big effort for the Texans to stay in this one.
(6) Dolphins at (3) Chiefs, 8 p.m. ET
Although Dolphins standout WR Tyreek Hill is going to get a second chance at beating his former team, and in Kansas City the biggest question for Dolphin’s fans will the likes of Waddle, Mostert and their two standout cornerbacks be available for this playoff matchup? If the answer is yes and they’re ready then the Fins have hope against a Chiefs team that has shown a lot of wear and tear this season. These two teams did meet back in Week 9 in a game that Kansas City won 21-14, but that game was played in Germany. The temperature in Kansas City is expected to be hovering around 6 degrees when the game kicks off on Saturday night.
Sunday, Jan. 14
(7) Steelers at (2) Bills, 1 p.m. ET
Depending on the weather the NFL may opt to switch this venue to Cleveland— if not the game will be played in Buffalo, where the Bills have been nearly unbeatable this year, going 7-1. Josh Allen has faced the Steelers four times in his career and he's gone 3-1 in those games. The Sunday forecast in Buffalo is calling for sub-freezing temperatures with possible snow.
(7) Packers at (2) Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET
The Boys will probably be at full strength for their matchup v the Packers, who also should have top CB Jaire Alexander available but who knows if he plays? Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has a lot riding on this game as another playoff failure would be unacceptable to owner Jerry Jones. This game will mark just the second time that the Cowboys coach has faced the Packers since being fired by them in December 2018. McCarthy lost the first meeting in 2022 and will be looking to get his first win over Green Bay so there’s definitely an air of trepidation for McCarthy and his troops.
(6) Rams at (3) Lions, 8 p.m.
For their first home playoff game in 30 years, the Lions will be welcoming an old friend back to Detroit: Matthew Stafford. The Rams QB led the Lions to the playoffs three times, but never got to play a home game. This will also be a huge game for Jared Goff, who will be facing a team and a head coach that traded him away because they didn't want him anymore. The Rams wil probably start as underdogs for this one but the Rams do have potential game-breakers in Cooper Kupp and rookie of the year Puka Nacua, so the Lions will have to be at their very best if they are to outlast the Rams.
Monday, Jan. 15
(5) Eagles at (4) Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m. Et
Hard to believe how poor the Eagles have performed over the past six weeks as they only managed one win since early December. The Eagles are stumbling into the playoffs, but they will head to Tampa Bay knowing that they beat the Buccaneers 25-11 at Raymond James Stadium back in Week 3. Both teams have injury concerns with both teams concerned over starting QBs. Eagles QB has had issues over his throwing while Bucs QB Baker Mayfield also has injury problems. This game could come down to which team can start the better with neither team having a healthy roster to pick from.
Anyone fancy the Steelers over the Bills? Apparently the game could be switched to Cleveland due to the worsening weather conditions in Buffalo.
All the wildcard games have potential for upsetting the Vegas odd makers.
Super Wild Card Weekend
Saturday, Jan. 13
(5) Browns at (4) Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET
This matchup pits the NFLs most durable QB Joe Flacco against the rookie sensation CJ Stroud, and with one of the most partisan crowds in the NFL Stroud will need to show a lot more poise in the pocket if he’s to overcome a very tough Browns defense.
Incredibly this is the Browns only second appearance in the playoffs for 20 years so I’m sure it’s going to be near ear-bleeding decibel range at the Browns stadium. These two teams met back in Week 16, when Flacco completely out classed the Texans with a masterly display hitting 3 TDs and over 350 yards passing. Ok Texans QB C.J. Stroud didn't play but it’s going to take a big effort for the Texans to stay in this one.
(6) Dolphins at (3) Chiefs, 8 p.m. ET
Although Dolphins standout WR Tyreek Hill is going to get a second chance at beating his former team, and in Kansas City the biggest question for Dolphin’s fans will the likes of Waddle, Mostert and their two standout cornerbacks be available for this playoff matchup? If the answer is yes and they’re ready then the Fins have hope against a Chiefs team that has shown a lot of wear and tear this season. These two teams did meet back in Week 9 in a game that Kansas City won 21-14, but that game was played in Germany. The temperature in Kansas City is expected to be hovering around 6 degrees when the game kicks off on Saturday night.
Sunday, Jan. 14
(7) Steelers at (2) Bills, 1 p.m. ET
Depending on the weather the NFL may opt to switch this venue to Cleveland— if not the game will be played in Buffalo, where the Bills have been nearly unbeatable this year, going 7-1. Josh Allen has faced the Steelers four times in his career and he's gone 3-1 in those games. The Sunday forecast in Buffalo is calling for sub-freezing temperatures with possible snow.
(7) Packers at (2) Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET
The Boys will probably be at full strength for their matchup v the Packers, who also should have top CB Jaire Alexander available but who knows if he plays? Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has a lot riding on this game as another playoff failure would be unacceptable to owner Jerry Jones. This game will mark just the second time that the Cowboys coach has faced the Packers since being fired by them in December 2018. McCarthy lost the first meeting in 2022 and will be looking to get his first win over Green Bay so there’s definitely an air of trepidation for McCarthy and his troops.
(6) Rams at (3) Lions, 8 p.m.
For their first home playoff game in 30 years, the Lions will be welcoming an old friend back to Detroit: Matthew Stafford. The Rams QB led the Lions to the playoffs three times, but never got to play a home game. This will also be a huge game for Jared Goff, who will be facing a team and a head coach that traded him away because they didn't want him anymore. The Rams wil probably start as underdogs for this one but the Rams do have potential game-breakers in Cooper Kupp and rookie of the year Puka Nacua, so the Lions will have to be at their very best if they are to outlast the Rams.
Monday, Jan. 15
(5) Eagles at (4) Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m. Et
Hard to believe how poor the Eagles have performed over the past six weeks as they only managed one win since early December. The Eagles are stumbling into the playoffs, but they will head to Tampa Bay knowing that they beat the Buccaneers 25-11 at Raymond James Stadium back in Week 3. Both teams have injury concerns with both teams concerned over starting QBs. Eagles QB has had issues over his throwing while Bucs QB Baker Mayfield also has injury problems. This game could come down to which team can start the better with neither team having a healthy roster to pick from.
Last edited: