NFC Wildcard Preview

The first round of the NFL playoffs kick off this weekend and we have some fun matchups. I’ll be breaking down the 3 games in the NFC. Due to COVID, the playoff format is a little different this year. Seven teams make it into the playoffs instead of the traditional six. That means only one team, the Green Bay Packers, get a first round bye this year. If you missed my preview on the AFC here it is AFC Wildcard Preview.

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (Saturday 4:30 pm)

Bitter division rivals meet for the third time this season with both teams winning at home. Seattle won the most recent meeting in week 16 which allowed them to win the division and host this game. The Rams had to fend off Arizona in the final week of the season to secure their place in the playoffs. Seattle comes into this matchup the hotter of the two teams winning 6 of their last 7 games. That being said form goes out the window when rivals meet.

The Rams have stumbled into the playoffs and have some uncertainty at QB. Starting QB Jared Goff recently had surgery on his thumb and there’s no word on whether he plays or not. If he can’t play, John Wolford, who made his first career NFL start last week, would get the start. On the other side of the ball, the Rams boast arguably the best defense in the league. Their secondary has been brilliant all season and Aaron Donald, who should win defensive player of the year, will be looking to wreak havoc.

Seattle will like their chances in this one as they just beat this Rams team. Add to the fact that Seattle hasn’t lost a playoff game at home since 2005 and things are looking good for them. The only problem would be the team they lost to in 2005? The Rams back when they were still in St. Louis. Seattle QB Russell Wilson will lead an offense that has struggled a bit of late, but can’t be counted out. Speaking of being counted out Seattle’s defense, which at one point was one of the worst in the league, has quietly become a solid unit.

Seattle 21 Los Angeles 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Football Team (Saturday 8 pm)

Tom Brady leads his Tampa squad into DC to take on a team that’s only here because someone had to win the terrible NFC East. Of the six games this weekend this is probably the least thrilling. On one side you have Tampa who’s offense is firing on all cylinders and on the other side, Washington is just happy to be here.

Tampa Bay’s offense boasts a whole host of weapons for Tom Brady to pick apart Washington’s defense with. There however is an injury worry with star WR Mike Evans going down last week. The team says he avoided any structural damage in his knee, but it remains to be seen whether or not he plays. Tampa’s pass defense remains the team’s weakness as they gave up yards for fun. Luckily for this unit, there doesn’t seem to be much threat from Washington in regard to passing. Washington’s strength is in their run game which Tampa excels in stopping. That’s a key matchup to watch.

Washington had quite the drama-filled season. Their coach suffered through cancer and came back. Alex Smith, who will be the starting QB, almost lost his life two years ago due to a horrific leg injury is back. Former starting QB Dwayne Haskins was cut from the team due to off-field issues including going to a strip club despite COVID protocols. This team has had all that going on and yet here they are in the playoffs.

It’s partly due to resilience and also the incompetence of the other teams in their division. That being said, this team has nothing to lose and will be looking to pull off the upset. That starts with rookie defender Chase Young and Washington’s solid defense. If they can make things uncomfortable for Brady they might have a chance.

Tampa Bay 35 Washington 14

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints (Sunday 4:30 pm)

The Bears should send LA a gift basket because without the Rams beating Arizona last week Chicago wouldn’t be here. Their reward for backing into the playoffs? A Saints team that is hungry for a title after narrowly missing out the last few years. This might be the Saints’ last chance to grab glory before their title window slams shut. These two teams did meet earlier this year with the Saints pulling out an overtime win in Chicago.

The Chicago Bears are led by QB Mitch Trubisky who at times looks lost on the football field. Then he draws you back in with great performances and leaves you wondering why he can’t be more consistent. Bears fans must be wondering which Mitch do they get on Sunday. The Bears having a good defense is like the sun rising. It’s in their DNA to always have a good defense and this season is no different. Khalil Mack leads a defense that at times has had to be the reason why they win. Pressuring Brees into mistakes is the key to victory here.

The Saints’ reign as one of the best teams in the NFC might be coming to an end, but for now, they aren’t missing a beat. Rejuvenated by a tough defense this team managed to secure the #2 seed in the NFC and will be a tough team to beat. Drew Brees had some injury issues earlier this season, but that seems to be behind him as he’s starting to heat up. Having his favorite weapons in Kamara and Thomas means they will be able to put up points at will. The Saints defense should be able to force Mitch into some mistakes which gives them plenty of chances to put the game away.

Chicago 13 New Orleans 24