We made it folks – Wild Card Weekend. We have six incredible matchups to follow this weekend, and we have you covered for all of them here on CLNS Media.
Here are my game previews and predictions, with odds powered by our partners at BetOnline.ag:
Saturday
Raiders @ Bengals – 4:30pm
Odds
Spread: Bengals -5
Total: O/U 49
Moneyline: Bengals -224/Raiders +194
Preview & Pick
Cincinnati is getting hot at just the right time, and it’s because of the four-headed monster they have on offense. Joe Burrow threw for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns after coming off of an ACL tear, Joe Mixon ran for 1,205 and 13 touchdowns, Ja’Marr Chase led the team in receiving and is BetOnline’s heavy favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Tee Higgins broke 1,000 yards in his sophomore season. The Bengals have a bright future on offense.
The Raiders were literally the last team to get into the playoffs after squeezing by the Chargers on Sunday Night Football. They’ve had an up and down season – both on and off the field – and interim head coach Rich Bisaccia has handled it just about perfectly. He’s made chicken salad out of chicken *bleep* this season and deserves at least a shot at the Las Vegas coaching job next season.
I’m going to ride with the Raiders here. I like what Derek Carr brings to this team and although he hasn’t played in a playoff game yet in his career, he seems ready for it. Vegas wins as a dog and sends the Bengals packing.
Prediction: Raiders 31 – Bengals 28
Side: Raiders +5
Total: OVER 49
Patriots @ Bills – 8:15pm
Odds
Spread: Bills -4.5
Total: O/U 44
Moneyline: Bills -215/Patriots +185
Preview & Pick
Read my FULL game preview HERE
Sunday
Eagles @ Buccaneers – 1:00pm
Odds
Spread: Buccaneers -8.5
Total: 49
Moneyline: Buccaneers -400/Eagles +320
Preview & Pick
The Eagles are in the playoffs? I didn’t see that coming this season, but after a 2-5 start, Nick Sirianni rallied the troops and got the Birds the NFC’s 7-seed. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the team in both passing and rushing and although getting flack from the majority of football pundits and fans (myself included), he actually impressed this season and earned himself at least a shot Philly’s QB job moving forward.
These two teams faced off in week six of this season and the Bucs took it home 28-22. Tom Brady led the NFL in passing yards (4990), passing touchdowns (40), first down throws (254), and 20+ yard completions (69) in his age 45 season. What more is this guy out to prove? I guess an eighth ring helps…
Playoff time is Brady time. The GOAT continues to roll and gets some revenge over the Eagles.
Prediction: Buccaneers 24 – Eagles 14
Side: Buccaneers -8.5
Total: UNDER 49
49ers @ Cowboys – 4:30pm
Odds
Spread: Cowboys -3
Total: 50.5
Moneyline: Cowboys -158/49ers +138
Preview & Pick
We all know that Dallas has the best offense in football, but their defense is what impressed me this season. Linebacker Micah Parsons is going to take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in a runaway, and he even has a case for Defensive Player of the year. Cornerback Trevon Diggs also had an impressive season, leading the league with 11 interceptions. Coordinator Dan Quinn is sure to get some bites as a head coaching candidate again.
San Francisco is streaking at the right time, having won four out of their last five games heading into this weekend. Jimmy Garoppolo has once again held his own this season and it makes me further wonder what Lynch and Shanahan were doing this offseason with the whole trade up for Trey Lance saga. You’re a win-now team, build around the vet.
There’s just something I love about Jimmy G in crunch time. San Fran is going to keep rolling. Give me them on the moneyline.
Prediction: 49ers 27 – Cowboys 24
Side: 49ers +3
Total: OVER 50.5
Steelers @ Chiefs – 8:15pm
Odds
Spread: Chiefs -13
Total: 46.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -725/Steelers +545
Preview & Pick
Ben Roethlisberger made waves this week, telling reporters, “We don’t have a chance, so let’s just go in and have fun.” Surely he doesn’t believe this and is trying to get Pittsburgh fired up, but it didn’t come off right. The Steelers squeezed into the playoffs right at the very end, and should be working with confidence – not snark.
"We don’t have a chance, so let’s just go in and have fun."
—Ben Roethlisberger on the Steelers' playoff game vs. the Chiefs
(via @steelers) pic.twitter.com/ajZJkG0PSk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2022
Kansas City got shellshocked several times at the beginning of the season – but is full steam ahead heading into January. They’ve won nine out of their last ten and are second only to Green Bay (+350) to win the Super Bowl favorites according to BetOnline.ag with (+450) odds.
Make it 11 out of 12. Big Ben will cover in his last NFL game, but it won’t be as close as the score says. Chiefs by 10.
Prediction: Chiefs 31 – Steelers 21
Side: Steelers +13
Total: OVER 46.5
Monday
Cardinals @ Rams – 8:20pm
Odds
Spread: Rams -4
Total: O/U 49.5
Moneyline: Rams -190/Cardinals +165
Preview & Pick
Read my FULL game preview HERE
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