Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

10 Bold Predictions For 2016 NFL Wild Card Weekend

+Read full article
Ken Blaze - USA TODAY Sports

The NFL playoff field is finally set and next weekend will feature four great games. While some unpredictable things happen every playoff season, here are 10 bold predictions for the upcoming weekend of games.

10. James Jones Catches Three TD Passes

James Jones Catches Three TD Passes Getty Images
In the playoffs, it's all about going to the weapons you know work. Aaron Rodgers does that better than anyone and is going to need to rely on top red-zone threat James Jones against the Redskins. They'll find themselves in the red zone more than a couple times and Rodgers will find Jones thrice, enabling Green Bay to stay in the game against Washington.

In the playoffs, it's all about going to the weapons you know work. Aaron Rodgers does that better than anyone and is going to need to rely on top red-zone threat James Jones against the Redskins. They'll find themselves in the red zone more than a couple times and Rodgers will find Jones thrice, enabling Green Bay to stay in the game against Washington.

9. Redskins Keep It Close With Packers

Redskins Keep It Close With Packers Getty Images
Most see the Packers as the better team in this matchup, but the Redskins are red hot and will be playing the game at home. Additionally, the Packers have really struggled lately. That adds up to a close game, but Green Bay has more playoff experience to give them the slight edge.

Most see the Packers as the better team in this matchup, but the Redskins are red hot and will be playing the game at home. Additionally, the Packers have really struggled lately. That adds up to a close game, but Green Bay has more playoff experience to give them the slight edge.

8. J.J. Watt Held Without a Sack

J.J. Watt Held Without a Sack Getty Images
Alex Smith is good at moving outside the pocket. The Chiefs' offense is predicated on the quick passing game, so it's going to be tough for J.J. Watt to get to the quarterback much. He might be better served trying to tip quick screen passes and slants than trying to sack Smith, because the Chiefs are going to do everything in their power to neutralize the NFL's scariest defensive player.

Alex Smith is good at moving outside the pocket. The Chiefs' offense is predicated on the quick passing game, so it's going to be tough for J.J. Watt to get to the quarterback much. He might be better served trying to tip quick screen passes and slants than trying to sack Smith, because the Chiefs are going to do everything in their power to neutralize the NFL's scariest defensive player.

7. Aaron Rodgers Throws 2 INTs, But Wins

Aaron Rodgers Throws 2 INTs, But Wins Getty Images
Rodgers has been less than his sharp self this season, and playing in a road playoff game, he might be trying to force the ball down the field. While he's still primed to have a good game overall, forcing the ball into coverage will result in a couple picks. That will make it all the more impressive when the Packers still come up with a win.

Rodgers has been less than his sharp self this season, and playing in a road playoff game, he might be trying to force the ball down the field. While he's still primed to have a good game overall, forcing the ball into coverage will result in a couple picks. That will make it all the more impressive when the Packers still come up with a win.

6. Steelers Put Up 40 Points Against Bengals

Steelers Put Up 40 Points Against Bengals Getty Images
After sneaking into the playoffs in Week 17, the Steelers are primed for a deep run. They might just have the most powerful offense in the playoff field, and they're ready to go crazy against the injury-riddled Bengals. Pittsburgh will strongly assert itself as one of the AFC's favorites with an offensive showing for the ages by Ben Roethlisberger and Co.

After sneaking into the playoffs in Week 17, the Steelers are primed for a deep run. They might just have the most powerful offense in the playoff field, and they're ready to go crazy against the injury-riddled Bengals. Pittsburgh will strongly assert itself as one of the AFC's favorites with an offensive showing for the ages by Ben Roethlisberger and Co.

5. Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Wilson Combine For 6 TD Passes

Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Wilson Combine For 6 TD Passes Brace Hemmelgarn-USA Today Sports
Both of the quarterbacks facing off in Minnesota are known for their ability to run the ball, but it will be their ability to pass the ball that will be the difference next weekend. Each has come a long way in their passing ability this season which will be on full display. In a relatively high scoring game, they will combine for at least six touchdown passes.

Both of the quarterbacks facing off in Minnesota are known for their ability to run the ball, but it will be their ability to pass the ball that will be the difference next weekend. Each has come a long way in their passing ability this season which will be on full display. In a relatively high scoring game, they will combine for at least six touchdown passes.

4. Kirk Cousins Has Best Performance of Any QB

Kirk Cousins Has Best Performance of Any QB Getty Images
Kirk Cousins has been on fire lately and that will continue into the playoffs, where he will be playing at home against a suspect Packers defense. He's likely going to be in a shootout, so Cousins will be passing the ball a ton. If he plays like he has the last few weeks, Cousins could surprise everyone and have the best game of any quarterback over the weekend.

Kirk Cousins has been on fire lately and that will continue into the playoffs, where he will be playing at home against a suspect Packers defense. He's likely going to be in a shootout, so Cousins will be passing the ball a ton. If he plays like he has the last few weeks, Cousins could surprise everyone and have the best game of any quarterback over the weekend.

3. Chiefs and Texans Go To Overtime

Chiefs and Texans Go To Overtime Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports
The Chiefs and Texans are both teams rooted in defense which means a low scoring game in all likelihood. While the Chiefs are the hot team, these teams are relatively evenly matched. With the Texans playing at home, they will get a key stop down the stretch and force overtime. However, the Chiefs will continue their hot streak and win their 11th straight game in dramatic fashion.

The Chiefs and Texans are both teams rooted in defense which means a low scoring game in all likelihood. While the Chiefs are the hot team, these teams are relatively evenly matched. With the Texans playing at home, they will get a key stop down the stretch and force overtime. However, the Chiefs will continue their hot streak and win their 11th straight game in dramatic fashion.

2. Every Game is Within 10 Points

Every Game is Within 10 Points Getty Images
No matter what they may look like on paper, each of the playoff matchups for next weekend will be extremely evenly matched. There isn't going to be a single game that someone runs away with. Of course, that makes for a very entertaining weekend of games leading into the Divisional playoff round.

No matter what they may look like on paper, each of the playoff matchups for next weekend will be extremely evenly matched. There isn't going to be a single game that someone runs away with. Of course, that makes for a very entertaining weekend of games leading into the Divisional playoff round.

1. Road Teams Win Every Game of the Weekend

Road Teams Win Every Game of the Weekend Getty Images
It has worked out interestingly this year where most of the teams that appear stronger are the non-division winners. If all goes as it should, the Steelers, Chiefs, Packers and Seahawks will win this weekend. That means every team that travels on the road will advance and play on the road once again the following weekend.

It has worked out interestingly this year where most of the teams that appear stronger are the non-division winners. If all goes as it should, the Steelers, Chiefs, Packers and Seahawks will win this weekend. That means every team that travels on the road will advance and play on the road once again the following weekend.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NFL• Videos•

Osweiler Seen Shoving Woman While Holding A Pizza

Brock Osweiler was recently offered a $45 million contract by the Denver Broncos, so you would think he'd want to be on his best behavior. Instead, in a new TMZ video, Osweiler, 25, was recently seen pushing a woman while holding a box of (delicious) pizza.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NFL• Videos•

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III To Be Released

Washington Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III better known as RG3 has just been informed of his release from the team. Veuer's Carly Figueroa takes a look at the slow demise of the once promising star.

Comment 0 Comments