by: Pedro the intern

1/13

NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview (FanDuel Odds):

It’s finally here! It’s playoff season and there are some really good matchups this week,
including multiple division games and rematches from the regular season. I do see some of these
matchups getting ugly but nonetheless I am so excited for playoff football. Let’s start with
Saturday’s games:

Seahawks vs. 49ers (-9.5)
I really like San Francisco in this matchup. Although it is hard to beat a team twice let alone
three times in a season, I think San Francisco is frankly better than Seattle at just about every
position group. It will be interesting to see what Pete Carroll does in terms of game planning as I
can see the Seahawks taking some gambles in this game. Nonetheless, San Francisco’s 10 game
winning streak does not end here as not only do they win, but they also cover.

Score Prediction: 49ers 27-10

Chargers (-2.5) vs. Jaguars
What a fun atmosohere this is going to be! DUUUUVAL county is going to be rocking on
Saturday night, but I would take the Chargers spread. Jacksonville’s offense has looked suspect
at certain points in this season, and I don’t see them keeping up with Justin Herbert and the high-
powered Chargers offense. Although Jacksonville is on a 5 game winning streak and blew out
the Chargers in the regular season, I will prioritize talent and experience in this matchup. I do
believe this will be a close and tense game, but the Chargers eventually take control of this game
and win comfortably.

Score Prediction: Chargers 23-13

Sunday’s Matchups:
Dolphins vs. Bills (-13.5)
I truly believe this would have been the best game of Wild Card weekend if Tua Tagovailoa was
playing, but he is not. Therefore, Buffalo will win this game comfortably and cover the spread. I
think Buffalo will take control of this game early as the atmosphere and setting will be too
overwhelming for the Dolphins whether it’s Teddy Bridgwwater or Skylar Thompson under
center.

Score Prediction: Bills 34-10

Giants vs. Vikings (-3)
We do know one thing about this matchup, these teams love a close game. The national media
tends to focus on the Vikings being 11-0 in one score games and although that is a crazy stat, the
Giants were effective in one score games as well with a record of 8-4-1. The previous time these two teams played in the regular season, it was an instant classic as Greg Joseph walked the
Giants off with a 61 yard field goal at the end of regulation. Although I can see a revenge game
for the Giants, I do see the Vikings squeaking out another win here. There are certain factors that
have me leaning towards them such as the fact they are 8-1 at home this season and that the
Giants are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. I will say this: take the half point! I do see the Vikings
winning by 3 points again and as a bettor, I would take the half point to avoid the push.

Score Prediction: Vikings 30-27

Ravens vs. Bengals (-8.5)
No Lamar? No problem for Who Dey nation as the Bengals win this game comfortably.
Although the Ravens’ defense has been unbelievable this season, I don’t see the Ravens making
any noise on the offensive side of the ball as Joe Burrow and company win this game by 2 or
more possessions. Such as the case with Miami and Buffalo, if Lamar was playing this could
have been a whirlwind of a football game. But he’s not, and Cincinnati will be playing with a
chip on their shoulder considering how last season ended.

Score Prediction: Bengals 30-13

Monday’s Matchup:

Cowboys (-2.5) vs. Buccaneers
Dallas may have the better defense, run game and more but there’s one guy I trust on that field
more than anyone else: Tom Brady. I know it seems like a basic thing to say but Dak’s
performance this season has been mediocre to say the least and his turnovers have become a real
issue. When the Bucs have needed him most, Brady has stepped up and although they only
finished 8-9, it was enough to win their division and be in this position. I would go as far as
taking Bucs ML and I would not have any regret even if Dallas pulls this out. Give me Tompa
Bay in a slugfest!

Score Prediction: Bucs 16-13