Tag: green-bay-packers

2024 NFC Divisional Round Playoff Picks

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The NFC wildcard weekend had everything audiences wanted. History was made with Detroit’s first playoff win since the fall of the Soviet Union. Green Bay defied predictions and crushed the Cowboys, ending their winning streak of 15 games at home. The remaining four (the San Francisco 49ers had a week off) teams have a great shot at getting to both the conference championship and the Super Bowl. Even with an inexperienced Packers team remaining, no team is an easy out. It’s time to analyze which two teams have the best chance at making the next round.

#7 Green Bay Packers v. #1 San Francisco 49ers

Jordan Love (10) and Aaron Jones (33) are becoming a problem for any serious title contender in the NFC.

Green Bay shocked many by thumping the Cowboys last Sunday. Coach Matt LaFleur made sure the offense dominated time of possession when the game was close and drew up the right trick plays. San Francisco is not Dallas, and that more pressure on LaFleur to find specific weaknesses against the NFL’s most complete defense.

The 49ers offense also has a better offensive line and better playmakers than the Cowboys. Many will find out why Green Bay defensive coordinator Joe Barry is constantly ridiculed with his play-calling when receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk take control. The Packers have been a pleasant surprise this season after their first half stumble, but their season ends Saturday night in Santa Clara.

Prediction: 49ers win 31-13

#4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers v. #3 Detroit Lions

Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) could play more loose and free Sunday after getting Detroit their first playoff win in over 30 years. That could make Detroit’s offense more dangerous.

Another regular season re-match, Detroit could play more loose after getting their first postseason win since the early 1990s. They’re gifted with another home playoff game after Green Bay defeated Dallas last Sunday. That means Ford Field will be one of the loudest buildings in U.S. sports this weekend.

The Buccaneers demolished Philadelphia on Monday night. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has improved this year and Tampa’s defense tackles well and plays mean. It’s the matchup Lions head coach Dan Campbell wanted as he’s instilled a physical, dominant mindset in the Motor City .

Detroit’s offensive line and receivers will determine how well the team does in the divisional round. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta were decisive in the week six win in Tampa Bay. If the Lions want to make the championship round, their secondary has to disguise coverages and the offense must dominate time of possession.

Prediction: Lions win 28-14

NFC wildcard weekend predictions record: 2-1

2024 NFC Wild Card Weekend Playoff Picks

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The 2023-2024 NFL regular season is over. 14 teams in two conferences (seven in each) have a chance at winning the Vince Lombardi championship trophy. For those unfamiliar with the updated playoff format, an extra team was added. That means there’s one bye week for the top seeded team in each conference and a Monday night playoff game. Everyone wants to know which three teams in the NFC advance to the divisional round, so here are the best picks come Sunday.

#7 Green Bay Packers v. #2 Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the NFC’s best player this wildcard weekend. Although their passing game is great, Dallas’ running game needs to improve if they want to make it to the conference championship.

Dallas has won an impressive 15 straight home games (including playoffs). Dak Prescott is a worthy MVP nominee given how many analysts didn’t think the Cowboys would come close to winning the NFC East. The defense has also been one of the best in the league.

That said, Green Bay is on a roll right now. Runningback Aaron Jones’ last three games were all 100 yard performances. The Packers are 7-3 since Halloween with wins against Detroit, Kansas City and a Minnesota team that almost made the playoffs. You can bet coach Matt LaFleur will call run plays against a Dallas defense that struggles against the run. Jones being the go-to option also neutralizes pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.

The deciding factor will be the Cowboys receivers against Green Bay’s secondary. CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Martavis Bryant are better and more consistent than the trio of Corey Ballentine, Darnell Savage and Jaire Alexander. The Packers will make this close, but the home team should get a well earned win.

Prediction: Cowboys win 27-23

#6 Los Angeles Rams v. #3 Detroit Lions

Jared Goff (16, white) and Matthew Stafford face off against their former teams in what will be Detroit’s first home playoff game since 1994.

Head coach Sean McVay surprised everyone and led Los Angeles to ten wins with a bunch of rookies and new players on all three sides of the ball. Rookies Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner and Quentin Lake have elevated the play of their teammates while dominating at their positions. Detroit’s defense might have a hard time not just defending Nakua and number one team receiver Cooper Kupp, but trying to hold any leads the offense gets.

While coach McVay has been in loud stadiums before, nothing will prepare him nor any other team for how loud, festive and fun Ford Field will be in hosting Detroit’s first playoff home game since 1994. Injuries to receivers Kalif Raymond and Sam LaPorta are a valid concern but the Lions boast the best offensive line in the league and the best runningback tandem in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Expect Detroit to own the time of possession and keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford off the field as they desperately try to win their first postseason game in 33 years.

Prediction: Lions win 33-13

#5 Philadelphia Eagles v. #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One has to think Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts (1, green) will finally snap out of a slump and lead the Eagles to another playoff win…right?

By far the worst playoff game on paper, both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay are struggling to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. The Eagles couldn’t beat either the Cardinals or Giants, two of the worst teams in the league, in back-to-back weeks. Philadelphia gave up at least 27 points in each game. Tampa Bay’s offense has been atrocious, putting up 22 points in the two games played after Christmas.

The one thing in the Buccaneers’ favor is their defense. The Eagles offense won’t have A.J. Brown and Philadelphia’s running game is inconsistent. Tampa Bay will have more chances with quarterback Baker Mayfield to score against what’s now one of the worst defenses in the league called by coordinator Matt Patricia.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 20-10

2023 regular season playoff picks record: 3-4