Lines, Picks & Matchups for All 6 Games of NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend... Including Some Epic Reunions
It’s the eve of the NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend, and that means "win or go home" from here on out. Fourteen teams enter the postseason. The two No. 1 seeds get a bye this weekend (Ravens and 49ers) while the other dozen squads are fighting for their season. Here’s a look at all six Wild Card matchups with a little commentary as we look at the odds and make our picks.
Super Wild Card Weekend
Browns at Texans (Sat. 4:30 pm, NBC)
The Browns go on the road at NRG Stadium to face the youth-movement of the Texans as we kick off Wild Card Weekend. This could be a high-scoring affair or a defensive dogfight. Give me an experienced Joe Flacco and the Cleveland defense to edge out young C.J. Stroud.
Spread: Browns (-2.5)
SL Pick: Browns def. Texans (28-24)
Dolphins at Chiefs (Sat. 8:00 pm, Peacock)
Paywall matchup, but I’m still watching. The Dolphins are going to lament the Week 18 loss that would’ve given them home field in Round 1. It’s cold in Kansas City, and the Dolphins haven’t been able to beat good teams this year. Chiefs win a freeze-out in the reunion game with Tyreek Hill.
Spread: Chiefs (-4.5)
SL Pick: Chiefs def. Dolphins (20-14)
Steelers at Bills (Sun. 1:00 pm, CBS)
Two of the NFL’s biggest smash-mouth teams get dirty in Buffalo to open Sunday afternoon. The Steelers are so well-coached, but the Bills enter the postseason hotter than anyone with five straight wins. No T.J. Watt for the Steelers? Josh Allen slings Buffalo into Round 2.
Spread: Bills (-10)
SL Pick: Bills def. Steelers (31-14)
Packers at Cowboys (Sun. 4:30 pm, FOX)
It’s the Mike McCarthy reunion game, but the Packers have a tall task. I don’t think this is “the Cowboys’ year,” but I do think they roll into the Divisional Round with that high-flying offense and the comfort of AT&T Stadium. Sorry Jordan Love, this is Dak Prescott’s game.
Spread: Cowboys (-7.5)
SL Pick: Cowboys def. Packers (35-20)
Rams at Lions (Sun. 8:00 pm, NBC)
You couldn’t write this script any better. The Lions host their first home playoff game since 1993, and they have to beat… Matthew Stafford?! This is a story straight from Hollywood. The Rams are clicking, but I think Dan Campbell’s revitalized Lions have the juice to break this 30-year drought.
Spread: Lions (-3)
SL Pick: Lions def. Rams (30-28)
Eagles at Buccaneers (Mon. 8:15 pm, ESPN)
It’s been ugly for the Eagles as of late, but I don’t see the Bucs as a scorching offense that can take on anyone. They only put up nine points against the Panthers in their must-win NFC South-clinching game last week. Give me Philly to survive one game, but barely.
Spread: Eagles (-3)
SL Pick: Eagles def. Bucs (21-20)
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