2021 NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Picks and Score Predictions (Sunday)
Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens: The first game of Sunday’s slate is a matchup between the top two rushing offenses in the league. Tennessee’s rushing attack is primarily made up of one man, and that is Derrick Henry. Henry finished the regular season as the league’s leading rusher, and the only player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards this season. Baltimore on the other hand has a committee of players that contribute to their ground game. Lamar Jackson leads the team in rushing with 1,005 yards, which ranks 9th in the league. Raven’s running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards rank 18th and 21st in the league respectively, and Mark Ingram will likely get a handful of carries as well. The Ravens have the advantage defensively, allowing the 2nd fewest points per game, while the Titans have the 24th ranked scoring defense. These teams met earlier this season, and despite entering the 4th quarter with an eight point lead, the Ravens lost in overtime. It is unlikely that Tennessee’s defense will be able to slow down the NFL’s premier rushing offense, and despite having a respectable run defense Baltimore will have a hard time stopping Derrick Henry. Both teams will do all they can to stop the run, which will leave opportunities for big plays in the passing game. The difference will be who converts more of these opportunities.
I’m taking Tennessee 31-27.
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears: The Saint’s offense will be at full force tomorrow, Michael Thomas is active and no longer on the IR, and Alvin Kamara is active after spending time on the COVID-19/reserve list. Despite missing Michael Thomas for a majority of the season, and franchise quarterback Drew Brees missing time due to injury, New Orleans still ranks 5th in points per game and 12th in total yards per game. Chicago’s offense is not as impressive, ranking 22nd in points per game, and 26th in total yards per game. The Bear’s challenge to produce offensively will not be made any easier tomorrow as they will be staring across the field at a defense that allows the 4th fewest yards, and 5th fewest points per game. If the Bears can find a way to move the ball efficiently on offense, and their defense can create a couple of timely turnovers, they may have a chance.
In other words, too much has to go right for Chicago to win this game, Saints win 34-20.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: Playing in their first playoff game since 2002, the Browns will have their hands full with a tough Pittsburgh defense that allows both the 3rd fewest total yards and points per game. The Browns rank 3rd in the league in rushing yards per game, with perhaps the best running back duo in the league, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. If they can establish the run, put together long drives, and win the time of possession battle, they could be in a position to win this game. Offensively the Steelers rank 15th in passing yards per game, but this may be slightly misleading. They have a trio of receivers (Diontae Johnson, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Chase Claypool) who are all more than capable of having a 100 yard day. The Cleveland defense ranks 22nd in passing yards allowed per game, and having three high caliber receivers to cover will present a challenge. If the Steelers can take an early lead and force the Browns to play from behind while relying less on their running game, they will be in great shape.
I’m taking the Steelers, 27-24.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Sources:
Team offensive stats found here
Team defensive stats found here
Player rushing stats found here
Thumbnail image found here
