NFL Playoffs 2019 - Wild Card
As usual, all of my preseason predictions for the regular season came true. I wouldn't bother checking. Now, on to the picks:
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
In my opinion, the Texans are the most difficult team to figure out this weekend. They're a good, yet inconsistent team. We've seen Watson play lights out at times and make rookie mistakes other times. Their defense has also taken a step back lately, which is why it's unfortunate they have to play the Colts this week. While the Colts aren't great in any area in particular, they CAN do everything pretty well. Teams that don't have any real weaknesses usually make for a tough out. In the end, I think Luck and Co get it done in a close one.
Colts 28 - 24
Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
Another good matchup. Both of these teams exceeded my expectations. Largely due to somewhat bad divisions, but still. Credit them for being the best of the bad. These teams are very similar in how they play. Rely on your running game and play bend-but-don't-break defense. I think the Cowboys are slightly more talented overall, but I believe much more in Wilson over Prescott. Oh, and the Seahawks just beat the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football a few weeks ago... so there's that.
Seahawks 20 - 17
Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens
The hardest game to pick this weekend. Seriously, this is a coin flip. How often do you see a 12-4 team have to play on the road during Wild Card Weekend? And the Ravens just beat LA a few weeks back. The defenses of these teams are pretty similar and LA has the more talented offense. The problem is Lamar Jackson. He adds a dynamic that's been tough for teams to figure out to this point. I don't believe it's sustainable necessarily, but it seems to be working. However, if LA can keep from self-inflicted wounds, I think they'll be able to stick with Baltimore and eventually pull this one out late.
Chargers 24 - 23
Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears
The defending Champs sneak into the playoffs to take on the 12-4 Bears in Chicago. I've heard a lot of analysts talk about how they believe that Foles is here to deliver the Eagles past the Bears and that this is history repeating itself. First, let me say as a Bears fan, I am a bit worried about Foles. Not because he's some all-time great Quarterback, but because he's dependable and takes what the defense gives him (especially underneath). That's the Bears one weak point in their defense, so I don't like that matchup. However, 2 reasons I'm picking the Bears this week: 1. The Bears have only lost 1 home game all season (against the Patriots) and 2. This is a completely different situation from last season. Philly has to go on the road against the #1 defense in the NFL. I just don't see the Eagles being able to put up more than 20 points against Chicago. Also, I'm curious if all of these "History is repeating itself" analysts will pick the Eagles against the Saints... I don't think so.
Bears 24 - 20
