2021 NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Picks and Score Predictions (Saturday)
Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts: I’m sure by now most of you have seen the video of the Bills dancing to MC Hammer at their practice earlier this week, and I think it is safe to say they are looking loose and confident. Over their last three games the Bills are averaging just over 47 points per game, with an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points. Led by star quarterback Josh Allen, and the league leader in receptions and receiving yards Stefon Diggs, Buffalo is firing on all cylinders entering super wild card weekend. Buffalo will face a formidable Indianapolis defense that ranks 8th in yards allowed (2nd in rushing yards allowed), and 10th in scoring defense. Colt’s rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has been on a tear over the past month, scoring seven touchdowns over a four game span, one game reaching 150 rushing yards, and another eclipsing 250 rushing yards. Ultimately I believe the deciding factor in this game will be quarterback play, and it will be a tall task for veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to keep up with Josh Allen.
With that being said our prediction is 31-20, Bills move on.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams: This will be the third meeting of the season between these teams, L.A. won the first matchup while Seattle won the second. Perhaps the biggest question leading up to this game is who will be under center for the Rams? Jared Goff underwent surgery on his right thumb 12 days ago, which gave 25 year old John Wolford the opportunity to start last week against the Cardinals. As of now the starter for Saturday’s game remains a mystery. The leader of the Ram’s defense however, is no mystery at all. Aaron Donald captains a defense that allows both the fewest points per game and the fewest yards per game. Despite their explosive start to the season, the Seattle offense now ranks in the middle of the pack in total yards per game (although they still rank 8th in points per game). Seattle’s defense on the other hand went from one of the worst in the league, and now they find themselves just inside the top half of the league (ranking 15th) in points allowed. Over their last eight games Seattle has given up an average of just 16 points per game. Expect a close, hard-fought game between these divisional foes.
Assuming Jared Goff takes the field, we’re taking the Rams 24-20.
The Washington Football Team vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The dynamic Tampa Bay offense led by 43 year old Tom Brady ranks 3rd in points per game and 7th in yards per game. The Washington offense comes nowhere near Tampa Bay, ranking an abysmal 30th in yards per game and 25th in points per game. If you just take in to account the games Alex Smith has started (not including 12/13 against the 49ers when he split time with Dwayne Haskins), The Washington Football team is 4-2, and they would rank around 20th in yards per game and 16th in points per game over that span. The young and hungry Washington defense allows the 2nd fewest passing yards per game, the 4th fewest points per game, and ranks 6th in total sacks. Tampa Bay is no slouch defensively either, they allow the 6th fewest yards per game (#1 rushing defense), 8th fewest points per game, and they are tied for 4th in total sacks. If Tampa Bay doesn’t turn the ball over, and their offensive line can protect Brady it is likely they will come out on top. If Washington can force a couple of turnovers, provide their offense with a short field, and get a few big plays out of the backfield from Antonio Gibson and/or J.D. McKissic, they might be able to pull it out.
We’re going with the six-time champ. Bucs win 27-14
Come back tomorrow morning for Sunday’s picks!
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Sources:
Team defensive stats found here
Team offensive stats found here
Team total sacks found here
Thumbnail image found here
