Wild Card Monday Night Football Preview
Matchups: Texans @ Steelers
Times: 8:15PM ET
Where to Watch: ESPN and ABC
Spreads: HOU -7
Total: 38.5
Things to Pay Attention to on MNF
Mike Tomlin is UNDEFEATED on MNF
The Texans are 0-6 in road playoff games, but are currently on a 9-game win streak
Could we be watching Aaron Rodgers’ last NFL game?
The Texans top-tier defensive line against the Steelers underrated offensive line
DK Metcalf is back!
Will Rodgers be more aggressive with the idea in mind that this season could be his last?
Wild Card Roundup
Rams vs. Panthers:
My Pick: Rams
What I got right/wrong:
The Panthers kept this game closer than many NFL fans would have thought, but, in the end, the Rams got the job done. I expected the Rams to handle business more than they did, but the prediction was correct nonetheless. Now, they head to Chicago to play in a game that is going to be insanely cold. There will be more analysis from me on the Bears/Rams game in an email later this week. Stay tuned!
Packers vs. Bears:
My Pick: Bears
What I got right/wrong:
The Bears won this game in the most Bears way possible, and the Packers continue their underrated recent history of heartbreak. I predicted that Chicago would come from behind and win, so I will take that! If the Bears want to upset the Rams, they will need to make some more of their magic happen.
Bills vs. Jaguars:
My Pick: Jaguars
What I got right/wrong:
Josh Allen was fantastic in a matchup with the Jaguars that, in an ideal world, we would be seeing in a later round. As long as Allen is on his A-game, they can beat anyone, and he showed that against a Jags team that I expected to make fewer mistakes. The Bills are favored against the one seed Broncos, and they can make it as far as Josh Allen takes them.
49ers vs. Eagles:
My Pick: Eagles
What I got right/wrong:
What Kyle Shanahan has done with the Niners this season is nothing short of miraculous. They have injuries in virtually every single position group and yet, they have just knocked off the defending champs. I underrated how dysfunctional the Eagles can be. San Fran now has a chance to rectify the atrocity they put on the field against the Seahawks in Week 18.
Chargers vs. Patriots:
My Pick: Chargers
What I got right/wrong:
This matchup was a defensive slog for a large portion. Then the Chargers offensive line showcased just how dreadful they are, letting Justin Herbert get annihilated several times during the final stretch of the game. I underestimated just how atrocious the LA offensive line is capable of being.
Shoutout to Milton Williams for dominated the interior of the Chargers offensive line. Drake Maye looked somewhat shaky to begin the game, but finished the game with some surgical offense. The Patriots are a threat and will take on either the Steelers or Texans in the Divisional Round.
My Playoff Predictions Record so Far
Hey guys, it’s Samps here… so… I am 2-3 before tonight’s game. BUT, I did say the Bears would win after making a comeback. My prediction for tonight is “The Texans win one of the grossest playoff games ever.” Do not worry, next week I am going to pick all the games correctly and not incorrectly. I hope you enjoyed the opening weekend of the playoffs!
