Written by John Edward Betancourt  Hello again football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup. One that gets to spotlight a very special time of year. For this is it, the NFL Playoffs are about to get underway, and fourteen teams will now duke it out for a chance to be crowned as the NFL’s finest team and well… let’s not waste any time today and dive right in and preview what to expect from Super Wild Card Weekend. Saturday’s Matchups AFC Wild Card Matchup |
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
This game features a pair of teams that reached the playoffs in a shaky manner. Because neither of these teams were dominant this year and lost some big games that would have helped them notch a higher seed in the tournament. But despite Las Vegas’ entry into the playoffs coming down to the wire and Cincinnati having some serious scares here and there throughout the season, the Raiders are in, and the Bengals won the AFC North and now they have their shot and, in the NFL, sometimes a shot at glory is all a team needs to be inspired to go the distance.
KEYS TO THE GAME
While it is wonderful to talk about inspiration and hope when it comes to the playoffs, none of those elements will help these teams win, here. In fact, in order for these teams to advance to the Divisional Round, they need to exhibit serious discipline. Because sloppy play is what kept these teams from being outright elite this season and really, the first team to execute flawlessly in every phase of the game and maintain patience with their opponent is the one that will win, and it will be quite interesting to see which team lets bad habits control their destiny in this one.
This game features a pair of teams that reached the playoffs in a shaky manner. Because neither of these teams were dominant this year and lost some big games that would have helped them notch a higher seed in the tournament. But despite Las Vegas’ entry into the playoffs coming down to the wire and Cincinnati having some serious scares here and there throughout the season, the Raiders are in, and the Bengals won the AFC North and now they have their shot and, in the NFL, sometimes a shot at glory is all a team needs to be inspired to go the distance.
KEYS TO THE GAME
While it is wonderful to talk about inspiration and hope when it comes to the playoffs, none of those elements will help these teams win, here. In fact, in order for these teams to advance to the Divisional Round, they need to exhibit serious discipline. Because sloppy play is what kept these teams from being outright elite this season and really, the first team to execute flawlessly in every phase of the game and maintain patience with their opponent is the one that will win, and it will be quite interesting to see which team lets bad habits control their destiny in this one.
AFC Wild Card Matchup
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, NY
8:15 p.m. EST – CBS
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
This is a matchup that features a pair of teams that reached the playoffs in supremely unique ways. For the Buffalo Bills were expected to dominate this year and didn’t, since they lost some games, they shouldn’t have. But despite having some dubious moments on the field, they did do enough to lock up their second straight AFC East title. As the Patriots, well… no one expected them to be here. For it is rare for Rookie quarterbacks to lead their teams to the postseason in their debut year. But Mac Jones pulled it off, and the Pats are back in the tournament.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Now this is a game that Buffalo should win. Because they have playoff experience now, and this new Patriots roster really doesn’t. In fact, Mac Jones hasn’t a clue what to expect from his first postseason start and if the Bills defense takes full advantage of that, and Josh Allen does his thing, they’ve got this in the bag. But… and there is a big ‘but’ here, if the Bills take their opponent for granted, things might go south easily. Because while Jones is inexperienced, he will take full advantage of a team that gives him an opening and march the Pats down the field and into the end zone. So really, this is Buffalo’s game to lose, and if they can keep their focus and keep the pressure on, they should be able to lock up a Wild Card win.
This is a matchup that features a pair of teams that reached the playoffs in supremely unique ways. For the Buffalo Bills were expected to dominate this year and didn’t, since they lost some games, they shouldn’t have. But despite having some dubious moments on the field, they did do enough to lock up their second straight AFC East title. As the Patriots, well… no one expected them to be here. For it is rare for Rookie quarterbacks to lead their teams to the postseason in their debut year. But Mac Jones pulled it off, and the Pats are back in the tournament.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Now this is a game that Buffalo should win. Because they have playoff experience now, and this new Patriots roster really doesn’t. In fact, Mac Jones hasn’t a clue what to expect from his first postseason start and if the Bills defense takes full advantage of that, and Josh Allen does his thing, they’ve got this in the bag. But… and there is a big ‘but’ here, if the Bills take their opponent for granted, things might go south easily. Because while Jones is inexperienced, he will take full advantage of a team that gives him an opening and march the Pats down the field and into the end zone. So really, this is Buffalo’s game to lose, and if they can keep their focus and keep the pressure on, they should be able to lock up a Wild Card win.
Sunday’s Matchups
NFC Wild Card Matchup
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
Now this is a game that features a pair of teams that reached the postseason in a supremely polarizing manner. For the Philadelphia Eagles were all but forgotten this season and rightfully so. For their early season performance was fairly blasé and no one thought they’d make the playoffs. But they went on a tear late in the year and made magic happen and now, they’re in the tournament. Whereas the Bucs really didn’t have to worry all that much. Because their defense performed well again, and Tom Brady once more turned on the juice and led this team to victory after victory and another NFC South crown.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Let’s be honest, this is a game that Tampa Bay should win easily. Because they’ve got Tom Brady running the offense and that defense is no slouch either. So, we should expect the Bucs to advance to the Divisional Round no problem. But anything can happen in the playoffs and this season has been wild and well, if the Philadelphia Eagles have done their homework and execute the age-old blueprint that exists to bringing down Tom Brady… wherein they blitz heavy to frustrate #12 and play press cover on his receivers to disrupt his routes and find a way to score… they could advance instead. But more than likely, Tampa Bay is going to walk out of this one, the winner.
Now this is a game that features a pair of teams that reached the postseason in a supremely polarizing manner. For the Philadelphia Eagles were all but forgotten this season and rightfully so. For their early season performance was fairly blasé and no one thought they’d make the playoffs. But they went on a tear late in the year and made magic happen and now, they’re in the tournament. Whereas the Bucs really didn’t have to worry all that much. Because their defense performed well again, and Tom Brady once more turned on the juice and led this team to victory after victory and another NFC South crown.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Let’s be honest, this is a game that Tampa Bay should win easily. Because they’ve got Tom Brady running the offense and that defense is no slouch either. So, we should expect the Bucs to advance to the Divisional Round no problem. But anything can happen in the playoffs and this season has been wild and well, if the Philadelphia Eagles have done their homework and execute the age-old blueprint that exists to bringing down Tom Brady… wherein they blitz heavy to frustrate #12 and play press cover on his receivers to disrupt his routes and find a way to score… they could advance instead. But more than likely, Tampa Bay is going to walk out of this one, the winner.
NFC Wild Card Matchup
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
4:30 p.m. EST – CBS
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
Ironically, Saturday’s games feature a trio of games where the teams involved took polarizing paths to the playoffs. For the Niners were all over the place earlier this year in the win/loss column and looked like a team that was going to miss the playoffs entirely. But they did enough to secure a berth and they’re taking on a Dallas team… that was one of the crown jewels of the NFC this year. Because they played lights out football for a better part of the year and dominated their opponents often on their way to an NFC East title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
This is another matchup where the home team, should win no problem. Because Dallas has it all, a great defense, solid offense and both of those units score and score often. So, if San Francisco wants a chance at moving to the Divisional Round, they need to achieve some very specific goals on offense and defense. From an offensive standpoint, they have to be patient with drives and offer up a conservative game plan. One that moves the ball and wears that defense out and scores points. As for the defense, they have to make the Cowboys offense one dimensional, so that the team overcompensates and makes mistakes. But while that is a sound plan, the Niners don’t have the talent to pull it off consistently and that’s why Dallas should advance no problem
Ironically, Saturday’s games feature a trio of games where the teams involved took polarizing paths to the playoffs. For the Niners were all over the place earlier this year in the win/loss column and looked like a team that was going to miss the playoffs entirely. But they did enough to secure a berth and they’re taking on a Dallas team… that was one of the crown jewels of the NFC this year. Because they played lights out football for a better part of the year and dominated their opponents often on their way to an NFC East title.
KEYS TO THE GAME
This is another matchup where the home team, should win no problem. Because Dallas has it all, a great defense, solid offense and both of those units score and score often. So, if San Francisco wants a chance at moving to the Divisional Round, they need to achieve some very specific goals on offense and defense. From an offensive standpoint, they have to be patient with drives and offer up a conservative game plan. One that moves the ball and wears that defense out and scores points. As for the defense, they have to make the Cowboys offense one dimensional, so that the team overcompensates and makes mistakes. But while that is a sound plan, the Niners don’t have the talent to pull it off consistently and that’s why Dallas should advance no problem
AFC Wild Card Matchup
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri
8:15 p.m. EST – NBC
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
The NFL saved the best for last when it comes polarizing paths to the playoffs. Because the Chiefs, absolutely earned their berth through and through, since their season started off soft before the team buckled down and played some incredible football, netting them the #2 seed and their sixth AFC West title in the process. Whereas the Steelers, basically backed their way into the playoffs. Because they really didn’t have that strong a record this year, but the math and a Raiders win, catapulted them into the postseason unexpectedly.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Once again, the home team has a ridiculous advantage here. Because the Kansas City secondary is finally playing good football and the offense has found its groove and is scoring up a storm. Whereas the only thing the Steelers have going for them, is their stout defense. One that gets worn down often because the offense cannot produce. So really, as cynical as this sounds, the Steelers just don’t stand a chance in this game. Because Big Ben has little left in the tank and the Chiefs want another shot at the title, so expect KC to just do their thing and rip the Steelers to shreds on their way to the Divisional Round.
The NFL saved the best for last when it comes polarizing paths to the playoffs. Because the Chiefs, absolutely earned their berth through and through, since their season started off soft before the team buckled down and played some incredible football, netting them the #2 seed and their sixth AFC West title in the process. Whereas the Steelers, basically backed their way into the playoffs. Because they really didn’t have that strong a record this year, but the math and a Raiders win, catapulted them into the postseason unexpectedly.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Once again, the home team has a ridiculous advantage here. Because the Kansas City secondary is finally playing good football and the offense has found its groove and is scoring up a storm. Whereas the only thing the Steelers have going for them, is their stout defense. One that gets worn down often because the offense cannot produce. So really, as cynical as this sounds, the Steelers just don’t stand a chance in this game. Because Big Ben has little left in the tank and the Chiefs want another shot at the title, so expect KC to just do their thing and rip the Steelers to shreds on their way to the Divisional Round.
Monday’s Matchup
NFC Wild Card Matchup
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN/ESPN+/ABC
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HOW THESE TEAMS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS
If there was a good nickname to apply to this particular game, it would have to be the ‘Blue Collar Bowl’. Simply because these teams worked overtime to make it to the postseason and had to fight through all kinds of adversity to get here. For the Cardinals, their struggles related often to injury and fatigue, but despite losing some big games, they managed to lock up enough wins to be here. As for the Rams, well tinkering with the roster lead to some conflicts on the field, and some sloppy play made their journey the playoffs perilous at times. But they too fought back and fought hard and locked up the NFC West this year.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Now this is a matchup, that could go either way. Since both teams boast dynamic offenses with equally as dynamic quarterbacks and stout defenses that enjoy keeping their opponent to minimum yardage. Which means that the key to this matchup is going to be patience and execution. Because there is no margin for error here and turnovers will be disastrous if they happen. So, the first team that plays sound and efficient offense and stifling defense that forces mistakes, will be the one to win this game. As to which one that is, is anyone’s guess, since both of these teams are so evenly matched.
If there was a good nickname to apply to this particular game, it would have to be the ‘Blue Collar Bowl’. Simply because these teams worked overtime to make it to the postseason and had to fight through all kinds of adversity to get here. For the Cardinals, their struggles related often to injury and fatigue, but despite losing some big games, they managed to lock up enough wins to be here. As for the Rams, well tinkering with the roster lead to some conflicts on the field, and some sloppy play made their journey the playoffs perilous at times. But they too fought back and fought hard and locked up the NFC West this year.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Now this is a matchup, that could go either way. Since both teams boast dynamic offenses with equally as dynamic quarterbacks and stout defenses that enjoy keeping their opponent to minimum yardage. Which means that the key to this matchup is going to be patience and execution. Because there is no margin for error here and turnovers will be disastrous if they happen. So, the first team that plays sound and efficient offense and stifling defense that forces mistakes, will be the one to win this game. As to which one that is, is anyone’s guess, since both of these teams are so evenly matched.
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