Written by John Edward Betancourt  Well, fellow football fans, it’s a quite a special day in the NFL. For after months of hard offseason work, a grueling preseason and a bevy of tough and hard-fought games, the playoffs get underway today with twelve teams vying for a shot to play in Super Bowl LIII. Which means that we are going to be in for a quite a treat over the next couple of days, because the first round of the playoffs, Wild Card Weekend, often lives up to its namesake since we are often privy to stunning upsets and quality play as these teams work to advance to the Divisional Round. So, with that in mind, let’s not waste any more time today and get right down to previewing what to expect from Wild Card Weekend in the NFL. AFC Wild Card Matchup #1 |
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
I’m starting to wonder if the NFL should dub this game, the Miracle Bowl since early on in 2018, both of the teams featured in this game, looked as though they had zero chance of making the playoffs. For the Colts lost five of their first six games, making it seem as though another disappointing year was on the horizon for them. But clearly, this squad came together since they finished strong in the second half of the season, posting a final record of 10-6 and they did just enough to find a home in the tournament and the team they’re facing, also had a scare to start their season since the Houston Texans went 0-3 to start off their 2018 campaign. But much like the Colts, a light switch flipped on for Houston and they went on an outright tear, enjoying a nine-game win streak before suffering a few more late season losses. But their record of 11-5 was enough to lock up the AFC South.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Make no mistake about it, both of these teams feature prolific offenses that can quite frankly achieve wonders and much that comes courtesy of Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson since they can score seemingly at will. Which means that the real key to this game is defense. Because unfortunately, both of these teams feature bend, but don’t break defenses that tend to keep their opponents in the game with this softer style of play so really, one of these teams needs to step it up on that side of the ball if they want a chance to advance to the next round. Which means they simply cannot give up an inch when it comes to the run game, and their secondaries have to play tight coverage to take away routes from these talented quarterbacks and the first team to buckle down and play stifling defense will be the one to advance to the Divisional Round.
I’m starting to wonder if the NFL should dub this game, the Miracle Bowl since early on in 2018, both of the teams featured in this game, looked as though they had zero chance of making the playoffs. For the Colts lost five of their first six games, making it seem as though another disappointing year was on the horizon for them. But clearly, this squad came together since they finished strong in the second half of the season, posting a final record of 10-6 and they did just enough to find a home in the tournament and the team they’re facing, also had a scare to start their season since the Houston Texans went 0-3 to start off their 2018 campaign. But much like the Colts, a light switch flipped on for Houston and they went on an outright tear, enjoying a nine-game win streak before suffering a few more late season losses. But their record of 11-5 was enough to lock up the AFC South.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Make no mistake about it, both of these teams feature prolific offenses that can quite frankly achieve wonders and much that comes courtesy of Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson since they can score seemingly at will. Which means that the real key to this game is defense. Because unfortunately, both of these teams feature bend, but don’t break defenses that tend to keep their opponents in the game with this softer style of play so really, one of these teams needs to step it up on that side of the ball if they want a chance to advance to the next round. Which means they simply cannot give up an inch when it comes to the run game, and their secondaries have to play tight coverage to take away routes from these talented quarterbacks and the first team to buckle down and play stifling defense will be the one to advance to the Divisional Round.
NFC Wild Card Matchup #1
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
Saturday, January 5, 2019 – 8:15 p.m. EST – FOX
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
If there’s one thing I find truly fascinating about this particular matchup, it’s the fact that both of these teams, didn’t make the playoffs in 2017. But clearly, not being in the tournament, and being criticized for not doing so allowed for both of these teams to do a little soul searching and make some necessary changes in 2018. Because a Seahawks defense that was derided as soft, stepped up their game this year and helped Seattle play the spoiler on more than occasion and their reward for their efforts was a 10-6 record and a spot in the tournament. As for Dallas, well at first it seemed this season was going to result in another missed shot at the title, but a mid-season trade for WR Amari Cooper injected life into a listless offense, allowing for the Cowboys to go 10-6 as well, which was good enough to help them secure the NFC East Divisional title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Regardless of how dynamic and fun these teams are on game day, they both have glaring weaknesses that either side will need to exploit in order to secure a victory. The Cowboys for example, tend to fold when they become one dimensional on offense and the Seahawks defense tends to wear down when it is on the field for extended periods of time. So, if the Cowboys want to win this thing, they need long and sustained drives. Which means they cannot abandon the run, and Dak Prescott has to take whatever opportunities present themselves on the field passing wise and not worry about deep shots down the field. As for Seattle, well, they just have to shut down everything we just discussed. If they contain or neutralize the run, and blanket Amari Cooper and force Dak into making bad or panicked decisions, then the game is theirs.
If there’s one thing I find truly fascinating about this particular matchup, it’s the fact that both of these teams, didn’t make the playoffs in 2017. But clearly, not being in the tournament, and being criticized for not doing so allowed for both of these teams to do a little soul searching and make some necessary changes in 2018. Because a Seahawks defense that was derided as soft, stepped up their game this year and helped Seattle play the spoiler on more than occasion and their reward for their efforts was a 10-6 record and a spot in the tournament. As for Dallas, well at first it seemed this season was going to result in another missed shot at the title, but a mid-season trade for WR Amari Cooper injected life into a listless offense, allowing for the Cowboys to go 10-6 as well, which was good enough to help them secure the NFC East Divisional title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Regardless of how dynamic and fun these teams are on game day, they both have glaring weaknesses that either side will need to exploit in order to secure a victory. The Cowboys for example, tend to fold when they become one dimensional on offense and the Seahawks defense tends to wear down when it is on the field for extended periods of time. So, if the Cowboys want to win this thing, they need long and sustained drives. Which means they cannot abandon the run, and Dak Prescott has to take whatever opportunities present themselves on the field passing wise and not worry about deep shots down the field. As for Seattle, well, they just have to shut down everything we just discussed. If they contain or neutralize the run, and blanket Amari Cooper and force Dak into making bad or panicked decisions, then the game is theirs.
AFC Wild Card Matchup #2
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, MD
Sunday, January 6, 2019 – 1:05 p.m. EST – CBS
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
This is a bit of an odd matchup, because it isn’t every day that you see a 12-4 team like Los Angeles, traveling to another town for a Wild Card Matchup. But such is life in the AFC West and since the Chargers had to work to keep pace with the Chiefs, the best they could achieve in the playoffs was the #5 seed and I’ll be damned if they didn’t earn it. Because L.A. dominated many of their opponents this year on their way to that stellar record. As for Baltimore, well they are another team that quite frankly, I think the league and the fans left for dead early on the season because they were 4-5 heading into the bye week. But a switch to Rookie QB Lamar Jackson electrified and inspired this team, allowing for them to finish 10-6 on the season, and secure the AFC North in thrilling fashion in Week 17.
KEYS TO THE GAME
This is a tough one to dissect because both of these teams are about as dynamic as they come. But there is a path to victory for both of these teams. For Los Angeles, they have to overcome that powerhouse Ravens defense, and that is no easy task. But a balanced attack, one involving the run and a quick passing game should help to wear that defense down and allow for Philip Rivers to find the end zone. As for Baltimore, well, the time has come to unleash a passing attack. Because the Chargers will be fully prepared for the run, since that is Lamar Jackson’s favorite thing to do, so, if he can air it out and catch Los Angeles off guard, there’s a good chance that Baltimore can outscore the dynamic Chargers offense.
This is a bit of an odd matchup, because it isn’t every day that you see a 12-4 team like Los Angeles, traveling to another town for a Wild Card Matchup. But such is life in the AFC West and since the Chargers had to work to keep pace with the Chiefs, the best they could achieve in the playoffs was the #5 seed and I’ll be damned if they didn’t earn it. Because L.A. dominated many of their opponents this year on their way to that stellar record. As for Baltimore, well they are another team that quite frankly, I think the league and the fans left for dead early on the season because they were 4-5 heading into the bye week. But a switch to Rookie QB Lamar Jackson electrified and inspired this team, allowing for them to finish 10-6 on the season, and secure the AFC North in thrilling fashion in Week 17.
KEYS TO THE GAME
This is a tough one to dissect because both of these teams are about as dynamic as they come. But there is a path to victory for both of these teams. For Los Angeles, they have to overcome that powerhouse Ravens defense, and that is no easy task. But a balanced attack, one involving the run and a quick passing game should help to wear that defense down and allow for Philip Rivers to find the end zone. As for Baltimore, well, the time has come to unleash a passing attack. Because the Chargers will be fully prepared for the run, since that is Lamar Jackson’s favorite thing to do, so, if he can air it out and catch Los Angeles off guard, there’s a good chance that Baltimore can outscore the dynamic Chargers offense.
NFC Wild Card Matchup #2
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Solider Field – Chicago, IL
Sunday, January 6, 2019 – 4:40 p.m. EST – NBC
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
If anything, this matchup features a lot of feel good stories when it comes to the teams taking the field. After all, a year ago, the Chicago Bears were a in a rough place, having finished 5-11. But a coaching change, and a dynamic trade for one of the best pass rushers in the league jumpstarted this team in 2018 and they outright dominated most of their opponents this season as they more or less cruised to a 12-4 record and their first NFC North title in 8 years. As for the Eagles, well, the defending Super Bowl Champion looked as though they were dealing with a Super Bowl hangover since it was an up and down year for this team. But, once again, the injury bug found QB Carson Wentz, pushing Nick Foles back into the starting lineup, which in turn created a little late season magic, since Foles led the Eagles on a three-game win streak, one that helped Philly lock up a playoff berth and a chance to properly defend their title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Make no mistake about it, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing quite the opponent in this matchup, but victory is possible, provided they make a few key things happens. First and foremost, the offensive line needs to give Nick Foles time for a play to develop, which means they have to figure out how to slow that pass rush down and open holes for their running back and the defense, well they have to confuse Mitch Trubisky. So, if they can put together some wonderfully disguised packages on the field, they’ve got a shot at winning this game. As for Chicago, well…they just need to play their game. Let the defense dominate the line of scrimmage and let Khalil Mack rush all day long and they should be able to get off the field quickly and keep themselves fresh, allowing for the offense to wear down Philly’s D on their way to the end zone, and a win.
If anything, this matchup features a lot of feel good stories when it comes to the teams taking the field. After all, a year ago, the Chicago Bears were a in a rough place, having finished 5-11. But a coaching change, and a dynamic trade for one of the best pass rushers in the league jumpstarted this team in 2018 and they outright dominated most of their opponents this season as they more or less cruised to a 12-4 record and their first NFC North title in 8 years. As for the Eagles, well, the defending Super Bowl Champion looked as though they were dealing with a Super Bowl hangover since it was an up and down year for this team. But, once again, the injury bug found QB Carson Wentz, pushing Nick Foles back into the starting lineup, which in turn created a little late season magic, since Foles led the Eagles on a three-game win streak, one that helped Philly lock up a playoff berth and a chance to properly defend their title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Make no mistake about it, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing quite the opponent in this matchup, but victory is possible, provided they make a few key things happens. First and foremost, the offensive line needs to give Nick Foles time for a play to develop, which means they have to figure out how to slow that pass rush down and open holes for their running back and the defense, well they have to confuse Mitch Trubisky. So, if they can put together some wonderfully disguised packages on the field, they’ve got a shot at winning this game. As for Chicago, well…they just need to play their game. Let the defense dominate the line of scrimmage and let Khalil Mack rush all day long and they should be able to get off the field quickly and keep themselves fresh, allowing for the offense to wear down Philly’s D on their way to the end zone, and a win.
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