Sunday, January 10, 2021

2020 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard (Sunday games)

Baltimore Ravens (-3) at Tennessee Titans: Last season the Ravens coasted into the playoffs as the AFC's top seed. After the Titans effectively ended the New England Patriots' nearly two decade dynasty in last year's wildcard round, they went into Baltimore the next week and thoroughly dismantled the mighty Ravens. In that game, Titans RB Derrick Henry ran roughshod over Baltimore with 195 yards on the ground and a touchdown pass for good measure. 


In a 2020 regular season matchup, the Titans won again in Baltimore, 30-24 in overtime. Once again, Henry plowed through the Ravens D with 133 yards rushing, including the game winning TD in OT. While Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is a legit star in the NFL, the Titans' defense seems to have his number. Despite the Baltimore passing attack being feeble in 2020, they were the top run offense in the NFL. Anything that can accomplish keeping Derrick Henry off the field would be a big plus. 

Baltimore 21 Tennessee 20



Chicago Bears (+10) at New Orleans Saints: Ya think the Saints have a chip on their collective shoulders? I'm thinking it's more like the Rock of Gibraltar given the past three postseasons have ended in defeats, all of which were due to the opponent scoring on the final play of the game. QB Drew Brees is 41-years old, so the sense of urgency to capture a second Super Bowl title is as high as ever. 


After being left for dead earlier this season, Bears QB Mitch Trubisky actually looked functional a few games near the end of the regular year. Granted his finest performances were against awful defenses in the Texans, Vikings and Jaguars, but it was a dramatic improvement over what we've seen the past couple seasons. But let's be honest. If the Bears are to score the upset here, it has to be on the strength of their defense. While Chicago's D is still formidable, it isn't on the level of 2018. 

New Orleans 35 Chicago 17



Cleveland Browns (+6) at Pittsburgh Steelers: For the first time since 2002, the Browns are in the postseason! As a reward, they draw their division rival Steelers, with whom they split two games in the regular season. 


The Browns coaching staff has been wracked with COVID-19, including head coach Kevin Stefanski. Barring a last second NFL decision to delay this game, Special Teams coach Mike Priefer will assume the head coaching duties for the Browns. Add to that the fact the Browns will also be without Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio (also due to COVID), they're task against the #3 overall defense in the NFL will be that much more difficult. 

Pittsburgh 31 Cleveland 17


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