The NFL Wild Card Weekend is upon us and Colossus Bets have put a nice little rollover into the pool, which currently sits at a jackpot of £13,394. Expect that to go up!
I’ve set a syndicate ticket up that I also preview below, get involved with my ticket here.
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Titans had lost three straight games before getting a much needed victory on the final weekend against the Jaguars. It seems Coach Mularkey will keep his job for another week despite how clear it is to everyone that they have struggled on Offense during the second half of the season.
The Chiefs finished the season with four straight wins, none of which came easy. Kansas City had a great 5-0 start to their season and truly looked unstoppable but their luck soon ran out and during a two-month period in the middle of the season the team went 1-6. Efforts to pull it back together were to take the AFC West. Titans won’t make this an easy game for the Chiefs, but Kansas will come away with the victory. Pick: Kansas, 1-6, 7-12, 13-18.
Atlanta Falcons @ Los Angeles Rams
The Falcons made it to the Super Bowl last but we all know how that game ended. It’s clear the team hasn’t had the same impact they once had. They haven’t been the explosive team we’re used to watching. In this game, Matt Ryan will need to carry the Offense while their Defense will really need to up its game if they’re going to have a chance against Los Angeles.
The Rams started the season with a new coach, Sean McVay and he truly has turned the team around. Their defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips has also played a pivotal role in guiding the Defense to be one of the best in the league.
This could be a huge game for the Rams, especially as the last time they won a playoff game was back in St. Louis in 2004. Making it to this stage is a ‘first’ for a number of Rams players, whereas the Falcons have been here, done that, got the t-shirt. Overall it’s a tough one to call but I believe Falcons experience will give them the added edge though I have a saver on the Rams. Pick: Falcons, 1-6, 7-12. Rams, 1-6.
Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Buffalo hasn’t won a playoff game since 1995, nor made the playoffs since 1999 – so this will be a real test for them. The Jaguars were last were in the playoffs back in 2007 and lost their last two games against 49ers and the Titans.
They’ll really need to recuperate for the game on Sunday. They have great Defense but their offense is sporadic at best. That said, H2H, I’m siding with the home-side. Pick: Jaguars, 7-12, 13-18, 19-24.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
While the Panthers defense has remained solid, their offense was a real let down in their week 17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This really needs to improve if Carolina is to have a chance.
The Saints however are a great well-rounded team with both an incredible Offense and Defense. In fact, it’s the revival of their Defense which has played such a huge role in their success this season and will be their first return to the postseason since 2013.
As it goes for these teams, the Saints have already proved themselves having beat the Panthers twice already this season and I’m confident they’ll get the victory in this game too. Pick: Saints, 1-6, 7-12, 13-18.