Wildcard match-ups and where to watch them

[True Dough]

Saturday, January 11, 2025
4:30 p.m. ET: Chargers at Texans (CBS)
8 p.m. ET: Steelers at Ravens (Prime)

Sunday, January 12, 2025
1 p.m. ET: Broncos at Bills (CBS)
4:30 p.m. ET: Packers at Eagles (Fox)
8 p.m. ET: Commanders at Buccaneers (NBC/Peacock)

Monday, January 13, 2025
8 p.m. ET: Lions or Vikings at Rams (ESPN/ABC)

[rzemanfl]

1. Thank you!

[Morbius]

2. As of this moment

Lions are up by 8, 17-9, beginning the 4th quarter. Ford Field is a domed stadium so weather is not the reason for the low score. I am at work and CAN'T WATCH THE GAME. I am only supposing.

[Morbius]

3. It's all Detroit.

With about 2:00 to go, the Lions are up 31-9. So it isn't over, but... it's over. This has been the Jahmyr Gibbs show tonight; three touchdowns on the ground and one through the air.

The Lions get the bye, so the Vikings will visit the Rams.

[Morbius]

4. My predictions

Saturday, January 11, 2025
4:30 p.m. ET: Chargers at Texans (CBS)
8 p.m. ET: Steelers at Ravens (Prime)

Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers believing in themselves and playing good defense. The Texans might have pulled this out if they had Tank Dell, because the Chargers are kind of overperforming their talent. But Dell is out until next season, and I think the Bolts move on.

Meanwhile, his brother John has the Ravens humming like a machine, and the Steelers have lost four straight. 'Nuff said.

Sunday, January 12, 2025
1 p.m. ET: Broncos at Bills (CBS)
4:30 p.m. ET: Packers at Eagles (Fox)
8 p.m. ET: Commanders at Buccaneers (NBC/Peacock)

Buffalo is mighty. Their scrubs came sort of close to winning against New England. I love the Bills here, especially at home. Do not be fooled by Denver's 38-0 shellacking of the defending champs; if the Chiefs had wanted the 16th win they would have gotten it.

The Packers just lost to the Bears. I expect Jordan Love to play next week even if he isn't 100%, but the Eagles are running well, defending well, and Jalen Hurts might play. Even if he doesn't, the Eagles have enough to defeat Green Bay at home.

The Buccaneers have won their bad division again, but will be embarrassed by a solid Washington team.

Monday, January 13, 2025
8 p.m. ET: Vikings at Rams (ESPN/ABC)

The Rams have overachieved and the Vikings, despite the loss against Detroit, are for real.

[True Dough]

5. I think your analysis is sound!

Except, I have this feeling that the Bucs are going to pull off the upset. Mayfield just had the best season of his career. Mike Evans is back from injury and hitting his stride. Bucky Irving has been sensational.

Washington might have a slight edge defensively.

The X-factor is Jayden Daniels. He's clearly talented and has a promising career ahead of him, but if he can be contained and if he feels the pressure of his first NFL playoff game, I think Tampa advances to the Divisional Round.

[Morbius]

6. It's definitely close.

I was just telling a friend that when Baker Mayfield is in a groove, he's very impressive. I think the difference is that Commanders defense, better than Tampa Bay IMO.