Saturday NFL Playoff Predictions

 

After 18 long and entertaining weeks of NFL football, the playoffs are finally upon us. Wild Card weekend will kick off with two Saturday games featuring the Chargers heading to Houston to take on the Texans, and a divisional rematch between the Ravens and the Steelers. 

The Chargers and Texans matchup is easily one of my favorite showdowns and a great way to kick off the weekend. Most of the other games seem easier to predict, but this one really could go either way, but unfortunately one team will have to go home. 

Los Angeles has been a big surprise to me this season in their first year under Jim Harbaugh. After going 5-12 just a season ago, the Chargers went 11-6 this season, good enough to earn the top wild card spot. What has carried them to their success is the pristine quarterback play of Justin Herbert and their astounding defense. 

Houston, on the other hand, has slightly regressed from a season ago. After CJ Stroud's unbelievable rookie season, his numbers took a bit of a toll this season. The Texans were also dealt an unfortunate hand with the egregious number of injuries they suffered. 

LA comes in as the only road team in the AFC to actually be favored and joins Minnesota as the only road teams in the entire playoff field to be favored in their matchups. Numbers aside, this battle taking place in Houston should forecast the future of the NFL with CJ Stroud and Justin Herbert taking over as the next generational quarterbacks. 

Overall, I do see this being a close game that will come down to whoever's defense is more up to shape. In the end, I believe the Chargers will come out on top and most likely face their division rival Chiefs in the next round. 

Onto the heated rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. These divisional foes met twice during the regular season and split the series with each team winning at home. Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore come in on totally different paths to end the regular season. 

The Ravens ended their 12-5 season on a four-game winning streak, while Pittsburgh started the season 10-3, but closed on a 4-game losing streak. With Pittsburgh's struggles and Baltimore's successes, Baltimore eventually captured the NFC North crown which the Steelers had comfortably in their possession most of the season. 

While winning their last four games to close 2024, the Ravens scored at least 31 points in each game and won by a decisive two or three score margin each game. Although the Ravens will be shorthanded without Zay Flowers on Saturday night, they have so many other weapons to fill his place. 

In the NFL playoffs, momentum is key and the Ravens certainly have that on their side. Along with MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, Baltimore has the upper hand on offense, while the Steelers are known for their astute defensive group. 

Finally, I do predict that the Ravens will take this matchup in decisive fashion. There is a reason why they are almost 10 point favorites in this game. Their quest for an AFC Championship and their first Super Bowl since 2012 will commence tonight.