This has to be one of the most interesting Wild Card weekend’s in recent memory. There is a legitimate chance for every underdog in each of these games.
Could we be seeing Tom Brady’s last game in New England? Can Carson Wentz win a playoff game? Those are just two of the biggest storyline’s of the weekend.
It’s extremely interesting how unexpected these matchups are. Just a week ago, most New England Patriots fans would have been confident they would have the bye-week. Now, they are forced to play a tough Titans team. Also for the Patriots: It is not ideal that they go up against the Titans 10th ranked offense a week removed from giving up 27 points to the Dolphins.
We keep waiting for this Patriots team to flip the switch. We almost expect them to start running the ball better. Start taking shots down the field. We expect Brady to find another deep target besides Edelman. But it just hasn’t happened. And now the Patriots are in serious trouble of suffering a franchise rocking loss at the hands of Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans.
The injured riddled Seahawks and Eagles going head to head provides many questions to be answered on Sunday.
We haven’t seen Carson Wentz in a playoff game before. The Eagles have relied on Nick Foles the last two seasons in the playoffs. And Foles has delivered, winning 4 of 5 playoff games, including a Super-Bowl. But, we have seen plenty of Russell Wilson in the playoffs.
Wilson is an impressive 8-5 in the postseason as the quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks. Although the offense has struggled as of late, he has put together an impressive 2019 season. He has thrown for 31 touchdown’s, and has had to be the focal point of the offense as the Seahawks backfield is banged up.
I’m interested to see how the Eagles offense can hold up without left guard Brandon Brooks on Sunday. Brooks, the highest rated guard in the NFL by PFF with a 92.9 overall grade, separated his shoulder last Sunday against the Giants. Brooks has only allowed one sack all season and has been a rock for the right side of the Eagles offensive line along side Lane Johnson.
PICKS: Eagles ML, Titans +5
Editors note: The Titan have the highest rated 2019 draft class as rated by PFF. Led by AJ Brown, the Titans rookies have been impressive.
The Buffalo Bills head to Houston to take on the Texans. The Texans opened as a 3 point favorite but now the line is at 2.5. I think I like the Bills to win this game. Josh Allen has been seriously impressive this past season.
The Bills have completely changed their EPA in just one year, and it’s due to Buffalo adapting to Allen’s strengths as a quarterback.
Last but not least, the Minnesota Vikings travel to New Orleans to face the Saints. The Saints opened as an 8 point favorite but are now favored at -7.5.
This line is a little bit unexpected. Although the Vikings did not have a strong end to the season, losing to the Packers at home in a division clinching game, I expected them to get some love from Vegas for having a strong season.
Nonetheless, both of these teams did not have a strong end to the season. The Saints could not clinch the bye and the Vikings could not win the division. I expect the Saints to cover, although it will be close.
Picks: Saints -7.5, Bills +2.5
The Final Count: News and Analysis 
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