Vikings (12-4) @ Rams (15-1)

Players to watch for:

Rams: Tua Tagovailoa, HB Cam Akers, CB Jalen Ramsey

Vikings: QB Spencer Norton, HB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson

Unlike the AFC matchup, this game features the two best teams in the NFC and what better way to finish up the cycle.

For the Vikings there are two main keys: Stop/Contain the run and stay composed. Fazz tends to get emotional when things aren’t going his way or he can’t stop the run. Bad things happen in every game, but he’s one of the best players in the SML. If he can stay focused and have Spencer Norton sling the ball around to guys like Justin Jefferson, he’ll be just fine. Look for the Vikings to fight fire with fire with a nice dose of Dalvin Cook and their success on the ground will be key.

For RD and the Rams, the keys are clear: Run the ball and get the Vikings rattled. If Cam Akers can get rolling and manufacture long drives, they can get in the head of the Vikings and cause issues. But this is the conference championship round and the Rams will be forced to pass, and make no mistake about it, Tua Tagovailoa is up for the task. He is one of the most efficient passers in the league and will need to continue that style against a stingy, athletic Vikings defense.

This is going to be an instant classic, and I think it’s too close to call. But these are predictions for a reason and that’s what the fans want so I’ll give it to them. No matter what, grab a cold drink and enjoy two of the SML’s best fighting it out for the right to play for their second Simbardi of the cycle. MadBomber and MikeFML will be on the call.

My prediction: Vikings 28 Rams 24

Panthers (12-4) @ Vikings (12-4)

Players to watch for:

Panthers: QB Russell Wilson, WR DJ Moore, CBs Martin Baker and Donte Jackson

Vikings: QB Spencer Norton, HB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson

Here. We. Go. A rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game is about to go down tonight. The Panthers advanced to the Super Bowl last year with a 31-25 win. Can they knock the Vikings out of the playoffs again?

The Panthers are still without the services of Christian McCaffery and the Panthers certainly felt his absence against the 49ers last round, only rushing for 51 yards on the day. But it was the Panthers air attack that found success against the 49ers as DJ Moore caught 3 balls for 143 yards and 3 TDs. Talk about efficiency. The Vikings have been bad against the run this year, but I think the Panthers will need to air it out again to win. Russell Wilson has performed incredibly well for this team since he was acquired in free agency. Look for the Panthers to be more conservative in their passing this round as the Vikings play much better defense than the 49ers. If they can limit the turnovers and stick around late, we could see an upset.

The Vikings are looking to become only the second player to win 2 Simbardi’s this cycle and they have the talent to do it. Spencer Norton may have the best arm since Aaron Rodgers, and he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, with Justin Jefferson being his favorite. Jefferson was held in check in last year’s NFC Championship Game with only 2 catches for 25 yards thanks to the Panthers excellent cornerback duo of Martin Baker and Donte Jackson. I expect Jefferson to get much more involved in this one, and I’m predicting at least 1 touchdown. On defense the Vikings need to stop the run and stay calm if they have any struggles against it. If they stick to their plan and stay focused, the Vikes win.

My prediction: Vikings 31 Panthers 24

***

Eagles (10-6) @ Rams (15-1)

Players to watch for:

Eagles: HB Marcus Thomas, WR Devante Adams, OLB Sam Webber

Rams: Tua Tagovailoa, HB Cam Akers, CB Jalen Ramsey

 I got a real good feeling about this one.

My prediction: Rams 21 Eagles 0

Colts (12-4) @ Jaguars (15-1)

Players to watch:

Colts: HB Jonathan Taylor, DT DeForest Buckner, QB Frank George, WR DK Metcalf

Jaguars: HB Antonio Hendricks, QB “Mean” Joe Green, FS Cortez Street, MLB Myles Jack

Here we go. While most of the SML probably wanted a Colts vs Broncos matchup in this round, we get the next best thing with the third matchup of the season between the Colts & Jaguars, with the Jags having won the previous two with a combined score of 79-25. But throw that out the window. When this game starts, it’ll be 0-0.

The Colts have one of the best histories in the SML and they know how to get it done in the playoffs. Look for them to establish the run early with Jonathan Taylor to setup those patented play action passes that get Frank George rolling to the right. The key for the Colts will BE for George to avoid the turnovers. In the two blowout losses this season, the future HoF QB threw 6 total INTs. You cannot do that against teams of the Jaguars caliber and expect to win. On defense, it's all about stopping the run and that starts with DeForest Buckner. In the two meetings this season, the Jags rushed for a combined 426 yards. If the Colts can’t stop the run this time, stick a fork in ‘em.

For the Jaguars they should come in looking to continue what worked before: running the ball with stud Antonio Hendricks who ranked 4^th in the SML in rushing yards but has at least 34 fewer carries than anyone above him. Getting Hendricks going will allow Joe Green time in the pocket to find open lanes in the passing game against a good Colts secondary. On defense, the Jaguars know what the Colts want to do and they should be ready for a heavy dose of Taylor and play action. Cortez Street will play a pivotal role in this game ensuring he and the rest of the defense does not bite on those play actions to keep DK Metcalf and the rest of the Colts receivers in front of them.

I think this is going to be a classic game between two great teams and owners. The Jaguars have all of the momentum especially after the regular season meetings, but the slate is wiped clean and it’s tough to beat a team 3 times in one season. I think the Colts avoid the mistakes they made the last 2 games and they find a way to win it.

My prediction: Colts 34 Jaguars 31

Dolphins (10-6) @ Broncos (14-2)

Players to watch for:

Dolphins: HB Quincey Jordan, QB Sheldon Tolbert, DE Jadeveon Clowney

Broncos: QB Charles McDowell, WRs Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Courtland Sutton, DE Bradley Chubb

The Dolphins vs Broncos game might be the most intriguing game of the wildcard round. Although Pauly is the underdog, he plays everyone tough so he’s never a true, true underdog. Dan has typically had his number so we’ll see if that continues.

For the Dolphins, they have the perfect offensive attack to beat Dan: Solid rushing offense and a very efficient passing offense that doesn’t take many risks. Sheldon Tolber completed 80% of his passes on the season, with his running back Quincey Jordan leading the way in receptions. Jordan, a rookie, also led the team in rushing with over 1,500 yards. If Pauly can find success on the ground and not turn the ball over in the air, this has the makings of upset city.

An upset won’t be an easy task as the Broncos bring a very explosive offense to the table with three 1,000 yard receivers. Jerry Jeudy led the way with 1,300 yards, while Courtland Sutton and KJ Hamler both barely creeped over the 1,000 yard mark. The Broncos also have a 2-headed rushing attack with Jose Grant and Raymond Calais. Look for the Broncos to establish the run against a stingy Dolphins secondary that allows the 5^th fewest passing yards in the league but is 14^th against the run. Dan just needs to avoid the turnover as he is too talented of a passer to be held down. If he can limit turnovers and contain the run, Dan should come out on top.

I think this game is a lot closer than people think. I’ve got the Broncos coming out on top but just barely. Keep in mind, if it snows in Denver, I think the advantage leans heavily toward Miami.

My prediction: Broncos 24 Dolphins 23

***

Colts (12-4) @ Bengals (6-9-1)

Players to watch:

Colts: QB Frank George, HB Jonathan Taylor, WR DK Metcalf, DT Deforest Buckner

Bengals: QB Joe Burrow, HB Joe Mixon, WR Joey Forbes

No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you: A 6-9-1 team made the playoffs. That’s the AFC North, everybody.

The Colts come into this game in playoff mode and really just need to stick to their gameplan to advance. Jonathan Taylor should have his way against the Bengals 20^th ranked run defense, and expect Frank George to carve up the Bengals secondary which ranks 25^th in the league. As lon as the Colts don’t get cute, they shouldn’t have an issue.

For the Bengals, they have nothing to lose and need to play like it. Come in loose, have a plan and try to execute it. Don’t force passes or try to make things happen that aren’t there. What’ll be key for the Bengals is getting Joe Mixon going to try and shorten the game. The Bengals under no circumstance can beat the Colts in a shootout. If they can run the ball effectively and cause a turnover or two…maybe, just maybe it could happen. The Bengals do have two explosive WRs in Joey Forbes and John Ross who can turn any reception into a touchdown.

Look, making the playoffs in the SML is no easy task and TwoStep should be proud of himself, even with a 6-9-1 record. That said, the Cinderella season ends here. And it ends as ugly as Prime wants it to.

My prediction: Colts 42 Bengals 10

Football Team (11-5) @ Vikings (12-4)

Players to watch for:

Football Team: QB Malik Adkins, WR Terry McLaurin, DE Chase Young

Vikings: QB Spencer Norton, HB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson

This is a fantastic matchup against two very good teams, two very good owners and two owners who respect each other. These teams played week 17, with WFT coming out on top late 31-28, but Minnesota also rested their starters.

For the WFT, the gameplan is going to be limit turnovers with Malik Adkins, which they did in week 17 (1 INT). Get Terry McLaurin involved, which they did but didn’t in week 17 with 2 catches for 82 yards but he did have the game winning 63-yard TD reception. But ultimately, the secret to beating Fazz comes down to running the ball. If Antonio Gibson can get going, the WFT’s chances of winning this game improve immensely. On the defensive side of the ball, Chase Young will need to get pressure against perhaps the best passing team in the SML. If Norton has time, he will pick you apart.

Fazz isn’t putting too much thought into the week 17 loss. In fact, losing by 3 while resting your starters has to be a confidence boost if anything. The WFT defense ranks 9^th against the run, so look for Dalvin Cook to play a little more a decoy than an offensive focus for Fazz since WFT ranks 13^th in passing, which is still respectable. But Fazz is going to do not only what he does best, but what he enjoys best and that is airing it out with the Spencer Norton to Justin Jefferson connection. The key defensively for Fazz will be to contain the run. He doesn’t have to stop it, but contain it and don’t get so frustrated by the run game that he loses focus.

My prediction: Vikings 34 WFT 31

***

49ers (12-4) @ Panthers (12-4)

Players to watch for:

49ers: QB Jalen Hurts, HB De’Veon Eddins, WR Brandon Aiyuk, the entire defense

Panthers: QB Russell Wilson, HB Christian McCaffery, WR DJ Moore, CBs Martin Baker and Donte Jackson.

For the second straight season we will miss a playoff matchup between Eddins and another high profile running back. Last year, Eddins was injured in a matchup vs Cam Akers and the Rams. This year Eddins is healthy but Christian McCaffery is not.

The 49ers are hot having just handed the Rams their first loss win week 17. Jalen Hurts has been a stud for this team and he has done so with help from stud wideout Brandon Aiyuk who has 700 more yards than the next leading receiver on the team. If the stud corners for the Panthers lockdown Aiyuk, look for George Kittle to step up. De'Veon Eddins is of course the biggest threat for the 49ers, and with the Panthers having no CMC, the 49ers could control this game on the ground and force the Panthers to not make a single mistake in the air to win, which is a tough task.

The Panthers have had a few weeks to get used to not having Christian McCaffery, and Percy Dalton has done OK in relief, including rushing for 102 yards last week vs Philly. But we all know this game comes down to Russell Wilson and his ability to create magic for this offense. The 15-year vet is defying age again with a passer rating of 125.4 on the season, and his dual threat ability gives Coach Dom the ability to extend plays. While the 49ers have their stud QB/WR tandem so do the Panthers with DJ Moore proving to be Wilson’s favorite target.

I look for this game to be two teams that are very similar in offensive position groups, and I think we’ll see a similar style of offense from both teams, with the 49ers looking more for the big play while Carolina keeps it simple. Carolina did absolutely destroy the 49ers in week 13, but I think the 49ers adjust and their defense is one of the most talented in the entire league. This score would be flipped if CMC was healthy, but he isn't.

My Prediction: 49ers 42 Panthers 38

***

Eagles (10-6) @ Giants (12-4)

Players to watch:

Eagles: HB Marcus Thomas, WR Devante Adams, OLB Sam Webber

Giants: HB Saquon Barkley, QB Bobby Pearson, OLB Pat Jackson

This is the only interdivisional matchup of the wildcard round and it should be a good one as the two teams split the season series.

The Eagles have had success passing on the Giants, completing 43 of 65 passes during the two matchups, but oddly enough, they lost the game they threw 4 TDs and 0 INTs in and won the game they threw 1 TD and 3 INTs in. Still, you can’t commit turnovers and expect to win games so Geoff Howard will need to be on his game as QB has been a sore spot for the Eagles this season. It does help that Howard has Devante Adams to throw to. We’ve seen games where the Eagles have just lobbed it up to Adams with great success. The Eagles will have their hands full with the Giants run game, but they’ll be prepared and force New York to pass. This is where Sam Webber can change the game. The 2^nd year player had 10 sacks on the season.

For the Giants, they need to make sure Saquon Barkley is fed and fed often. And not just in the run, but Barkley leads the Giants in receptions, with 9 more than the closest teammate. Bobby Pearson will be in charge of ensuring this great Giants season doesn’t end early. In the win over Philly in week 13, Pearson threw for 4 TDs and 0 INTs. But in the week 17 loss, he threw for 1 TD and 4 INTs. Keep those turnovers down and get Alan Gregory involved. Gregory had 5 receptions in the win over Philly, and 0 in the loss. On the defensive side, Pat Jackson wrecks havoc against the run and pass, amassing 11 sacks and 1 FF on the season.

This is going to be a great game and a toss up between two teams who know each other well. That said, I have to go with the team who has the better QB.

My prediction: Giants 27 Eagles 20

Colts @ Panthers

Players to watch for:

Colts: HB Jonathan Tayler, WR DK Metcalf, QB Frank George, DT DeForest Buckner

Panthers: HB Christian McCaffery, QB Russell Wilson, HB Christian McCaffery

Well, here we go folks. After going 0-1 with one no contest in the conference title game predictions, we're looking to bounce back with the most important game of the season. And what a story that's unfolding here: Can Prime cement himself as the current GOAT of the cycle? Or will Dmues prove it is his time to capture the Simbardi?

For both of these teams, the formula should (and will) remain the same. For the Colts that means a lot of Jonathan Taylor and why not? Against the Broncos in the AFCCG, Taylor rushed 21 times for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Colts to a 28-25 win. Expect Coach Prime to establish Taylor early and often to try and keep the ball out of Carolina's hands. When forced to go to the air, Frank George loves him some DK Metcalf. Look for Metcalf to have at least 1 TD in this game. On the defensive side, the front 7 for Indianapolis will be the key. Can they contain Christian McCaffery? They don't have to stop it. They just need to contain him. 

For the Panthers it's clear that Christan McCaffery is the key to their success, so much so that it wasn't an error listing him twice in the Players to Watch above. Yes, Russell Wilson had one of the most efficient seasons in recent memory, but McCaffery sets everything up. And not to mention he's a great weapon in the receiving game as well. Like the Colts, look for the Panthers to establish the ground game early. CMC will need to avoid big DeForest Buckner when running up the middle, and I look for that battle to be one of the keys of the game. When throwing, Wilson prefers CMC who leads the team in receptions with 60, followed by his TE Ian Thomas with 53. On the defensive side, Donte Jackson and company will need to slow down the speed of this Colts WR group. 

I didn't expect Coach Dmues to be here, but he played a solid game last round against Fazz. Still, I think this Colts roster is too talented and Coach Prime knows how to play to his team's strengths. I've got this game close, but I think Jonathan Taylor and that Colts defense prove to be too much.

My prediction: Colts 31 Panthers 28

Panthers @ Vikings

Players to watch:

Panthers: QB Russell Wilson, HB Cristian 'CMC' McCaffery, WR DJ Moore

Vikings: QB Spencer Norton, HB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson, DE Danielle Hunter

I don't know about all of you but that AFC Championship Game was trilling, and a huge congrats to the Colts for making yet another Super Bowl appearance. But now it's time to switch gears as we look ahead to the NFC side of things where the top two seeds will battle it out to join the Colts as the only two teams left standing.

For the Panthers, they are led by Russell Wilson, who had one of the most efficient QB seasons we've seen in the SML. Check this out: 3,700 yards, 76% completion, 40 TDs and only 7 INTs. That's a stellar demonstration of efficiency,  but two of those interceptions did come in a week 6 loss to Minnesota. Christian McCaffery only ran the ball 8 times in that game, and that can't happen in this one. The Vikings run defense is 30th in the league, so Dmues will have to take advantage of that. On the defensive side, it'll be up to Donte Jackson to try and lockdown Justin Jefferson. It'll be interesting to see if the Panthers shadow Jefferson in this game. I would.

The Vikings and coach Fazz are one of the pillars of the SML this cycle and he's looking for his 2nd straight Super Bowl appearance and possibly back-to-back titles. Coming in as the #1 seed, Fazz is led by Dalvin Cook and his insane shiftiness that leaves defenders in the dust. Despite Cook's elite talent, opposing defenses cannot strictly focus on him because Spencer Norton has a cannon of an arm and Justin Jefferson is an absolute freak that will wave goodbye to your defense if you're caught staring at Cook for too long. Norton and Jefferson connected 64 times this season and during that week 6 win over these same Panthers, Jefferson caught 5 balls for 73 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings will put the pressure on you with outside studs Danielle Hunter and Yannick Ngakou. To counter this, teams need to run, run, run. Did I mention the Vikings are 30th in the league against the run?

I think this game gets interesting if the Panthers keep the ball on the ground and find success. The Vikings did do a great job containing Akers last round, but history says the run is the Vikings greatest weakness as a defense--and as a team. Still, I think the Vikings eliminated their biggest competition last round. The Panthers and Coach Dmues are talented, battle-tested and hungry. But I don't think it's his time just yet.

My prediction:

Vikings 35 Panthers 24

Broncos @ Colts

Players to watch for:

Broncos: WR Jerry Jeudy/KJ Hamler, SS Jalen Thompson, HB Jose Grant/Raymond Calais 

Colts: HB Jonathan Taylor, WR DK Metcalf, DT DeForest Buckner

Wow. A clash of the true heavyweights. The Broncos and the Colts are two of the most talented rosters in the league and they're about to go toe-to-toe for the right to play in the Super Bowl. The winner of this game will also put themselves in a position to be the first two-time winner of the Simbardi for this cycle. There's a lot on the line, so why dont I tell you who wins?

The Colts have the formula for beating the Broncos and I don't see them changing things up: Run Jonathan Taylor and make the Broncos prove they can stop it. Last year the Colts beat the Broncos without Taylor, so having him on the field should give coach Prime a huge confidence boost. When the ball isn't going to Taylor, WRs DK Metcalf and Tre Harper will be looking to cause havoc against a good Denver secondary. On the other side of the ball, the Colts are loaded and led by DeForest Buckner and his 14 sacks on the season. The Colts will need him to put pressure on Broncos passing game. If the Broncos are able to find time to throw, DBs Akari Willis and Bobby McCain will be lurking as they both amassed 11 INTs on the season.

The Broncos come in with more pressure, but Coach Dan has been in these kinds of games his whole life. The loss from last year has to sting, especially with Taylor being inactive for that game. Still, the Broncos offense is dangerous, well-planned and centered around it's duo of two-headed monsters. On the ground you have to deal with HBs Raymond Calais and Jose Grant. Both backs have the speed to break big runs and Dan will want to establish the run to keep the ball out of Prime's hands, which worked well for the Dolphins in the Divisional Round. Through the air, speedy and explosive WRs Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler will test this talented Colts secondary. Can Charles McDowell make the plays through the air when needed and avoid costly turnovers? On the defense side of the ball, the Broncos are just as scary and well-coached. DE Bradley Chubb will try to make things hard for Frank George. Meanwhile, the key to the Broncos defense will likely reside with SS Jalen Thompson who had 10 picks on the year. Look for Thompson to get at least 1 in this game.

If you can only watch one championship game, this is it. These are the big dogs in the AFC and there is a lot riding on this game. I think it goes back and forth and is close until the very end. I think Dan is playing with a chip on his shoulder after last season's loss and the recent talk that he may be washed. I think both offenses find success in this one, but I think Frank George throws a costly pick at some point. I look for Dan to do what it takes to get it done in a thrilling game that's decided late.

My prediction: Broncos 31 Colts 27

Dolphins (9-6) @ Patriots (12-4)

Players to watch:

Dolphins: HB Matt Breida, DE Jadeveon Clowney, speedy WRs

Patriots: HB Lance Camp, FS Tyron Vernon, OLB TJ Watt

In our 2^nd of 3 divisional matchups in the wild card round, the Patriots and Dolphins square off. New England swept the regular season with both games being extremely close. The Patriots offense is not going to surprise anyone: They are going to run and if you stop the run, they’re going to run some more. If the Pats want to pull off the tough task of beating the same team 3 times in a season, they will need to limit mistakes by Drew Lock and avoid the big play when on defense.

The Dolphins come in with the Al Davis mentality: Speed baby, speed. One of the faster offenses in the league, led by Matt Breida who not only leads the team in rushing yards, but also in receptions with 70. Scotty Miller is second with 48 and brings with him some speed of his own. The key for the Dolphins will be to limit turnovers and stop the run. Do that and they win.

One thing to watch out for here is the weather. If it’s snowing in Foxboro, the Pats could have the advantage.

I do not pick my own games, so we brought in SML Commissioner, Prime-time000 to make the pick.

Prime’s prediction: Dolphins 27 Pats 21

***

Jaguars (13-3) @ Ravens (11-5)

Players to watch for:

Jaguars: HB Antonio Hendricks, DE Josh Allen, OLB Myles Jack, SS Emmett Saunders

Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson, HB Brandon Bayless, DT Benji Wheaton

In a rematch of a snowy week 17, the Jaguars travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The Jags actually finished the season with a better record, but the only AFC team with a better record happens to be in their division.

We are going to throw the week 17 game out of the window since not all starters played. Much like above, the story of this game will unveil itself right at kickoff when we see what the weather is like. If the weather is snowy, look for the Jags to keep the ball on the ground with Hendricks and let their star-studded defense contain Lamar, who struggles with accuracy in perfect weather, let alone the snow. Baker Mayfield struggled passing in the snow last week, but I think Bomber adjusts for that. NYT can’t as he goes as Lamar goes.

Speaking of Lamar Jackson, he will be the key. Can he make and extend plays against this stellar Jags team that leads the league in total defense, passing defense and is 3^rd in rushing defense. Wow! I honestly struggled to pick a leader on the defense, but Josh Allen had 10 sacks on the year, good enough for 5^th in the SML. Meanwhile Emmett Saunders had 12 picks to rank 2^nd in the league. Oh, and Khalil Mack is on the team too.

I don’t think Bomber lets himself lose to an AFC North foe in the first round 2 seasons in a row.

My prediction: Jags 24 – Ravens 21

***

Raiders (10-6) @ Broncos (11-5)

Players to watch:

Raiders: HB George Ginn, WR Henry Ruggs III

Broncos: WRs Jeudy/Hamler, SS Jalen Thompson, HB Jose Grant

Our last game of wildcard weekend sees another divisional matchup between the Broncos and Raiders. These two teams just played week 17 in a game that was for the division, which the Broncos won 42-24.

For Future and the Raiders, the job is simple: Run the ball with George Ginn and get the ball to Henry Ruggs III but don’t force the ball to Ruggs. In the week 17 matchup, the Raiders threw 4 picks and tried to get the ball to Ruggs when he wasn’t open. You cannot turn the ball over vs the Broncos. They’re too good. Too well-coached. Somebody else needs to step up, and I look for that to be Darren Waller.

On the Broncos side, it’s simple: Play like the 2^nd half of the season Broncos and not the first half. Get Jose Grant going on the ground to setup the big plays to Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. On defense, the Broncos will be prepared for the two-headed monster and I expect them to force turnovers, led by Jalen Thompson who had 10 INTs on the year.

I think this is the stone cold lock of the wildcard weekend.

My prediction: Broncos 38 Raiders 17

Bears (8-8) @ Panthers (14-2)

Players to watch for:

Bears: HB JK Dobbins, WR Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, MLB Roquan Smith

Panthers: QB Russell Wilson, HB Christian McCaffery, WR DJ Moore

Figgs and the Bears needed a week 17 win over the Finz’s Lions to get into the playoffs and they were able to achieve that with a near flawless performance. But standing in his way are the mighty Panthers who come in as the 2 seed behind an offense that ranks 4^th in the entire SML.

The key to this game will be the Bears ability to control the ball and get just a couple of stops on defense. The Panthers are 2^nd in passing yards per game and Russell Wilson has only thrown 7 picks the entire season. DJ Moore has had a sneaky good season, finishing 10^th in total receiving yards with 1,130.

Figgs is likely going to dance with the ones who brought him in JK Dobbins and Hollywood Brown, but I think he’ll have to find some other playmakers in order to pull this one out. In the first meeting between these two teams, Dobbins only had 35 yards on 14 carries, while Brown caught 4 passes for 90 yards and a TD. The Panthers won that game 17-13.

I think this game is closer than people think.

My prediction: Panthers 24 Bears 13

***

Rams (9-6) @ 49ers (12-4)

Players to watch for:

Rams: Cam Akers, Tua Tagovaiola, Darius Slayton

49ers: Jalen Hurts, Brandon Aiyuk, the entire defense

This game is actually 1 of 3 wildcard matchups between divisional foes. The 49ers won both regular season games with both games being decided by 7 points.

This game would normally be touted as the Eddins vs Akers bowl, but Eddins is recovering from a broken collarbone so we’ll have to wait another season to see that matchup again. Still, the 49ers boast the #1 offense in the SML behind passing yards leader Jalen Hurts and his tag team partner Brandon Aiyuk. But don’t think this 49ers team is all offense, as they boast one of highest rated front 7’s in the league…

…and they will need that front 7 to stop Cam Akers.  Akers is one of the most feared running backs in the league and rightfully so, as he helped the Rams and Coach RD win the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. What shouldn’t be overlooked here is the efficient season that Tua Tagovaiola is having, completing 75% of his passes for over 3300 yards. The Rams will have to pass to win this game, and make no mistake, RD can get it done.

I think we see a high scoring upset here in a great battle between two teams who know each other well.

My Prediction: Rams 42 49ers 35

***

Cardinals (11-5) @ Football Team (11-5)

Players to watch:

Cardinals: Kyler Murray

Football Team: Malik Adkins, Terry ‘Scorin’ McLaurin, Chase Young, Antonio Gibson.

If you can only watch one playoff game, make sure it is this one, which should be easy since they’re playing last. These two teams played a thrilling 27-25 game during the regular season with the Football Team coming out on top.

We know how this one is going to go: Kyler Murray is going to use his athleticism to make plays, while the WFT is going to lean on the Adkins to McLaurin connection with a mix of Antonio Gibson on the ground.

The WFT does have the 5^th best passing defense in the league, but Murray lit them up in the first meeting. I think this game comes down to who makes the big play in that big moment when you need a first down or you need a stop. And in those kind of games, I’m going to lean toward the team with the best player and that’s Chase Young.

My prediction: WFT 24 Cards 20