The 2024 NFL Playoffs begin Saturday, which means it’s prediction time! Don’t be surprised if I am eerily wrong with these predictions, but hey, it was worth a shot.
Browns @ Texans
The Deshaun Watson Bowl. The Joe Flacco Revival Tour. No matter what you want to call it, this game might be the best matchup of the weekend.
You have Flacco making a career resurgence facing off against a team with the shoe-in Offensive Rookie of the Year at quarterback. Last time they faced off, the Browns won by two scores on the road, but the texans were without CJ Stroud. This time around, Stroud will be behind center for Houston, and I think they will pull off the victory.
Flacco’s comeback has been something out of a storybook, but I think the young guns from Houston will find a way to get it done. It is difficult to win in the same building twice in one season, even with an elite playoff performer like Flacco, which is why I think the Texans will pull this one off by two points.
Texans 23, Browns 21
Dolphins @ Chiefs
The Tyreek Hill Bowl is the second Saturday matchup, and with the projected temperatures being in the single digits and even in the negatives, I think the Chiefs and their playoff experience will prevail.
The Dolphins have a great run game, which they will have to rely on heavily in the frigid temperatures, but the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes. And if there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that you do not ever count out a Mahomes-led team in the playoffs.
Chiefs 34, Dolphins 20
Steelers @ Bills
Neither of these teams even knew if they would be playing in the postseason until the final day of the regular season. Then the Bills went ahead and won the AFC East once again.
That said, I think the Steelers will find a way to end their four-game postseason slide. They have won 10 games this year while being outgained and outscored, and I think they will find a way to do it again. The Bills have an iffy playoff history, and while I believe they have what it takes to win the Super Bowl if they pull this game out, I think they Steelers will win for TJ Watt.
Steelers 17, Bills 13
Packers @ Cowboys
The Mike McCarthy Bowl is a matchup of two quarterbacks who have played brilliantly all year. And if there is one guarantee come playoff time, it is that the Cowboys will let you down no matter how great of a regular season they had. I am not about to bet against that, especially with Jordan Love balling out (yes, I know Dak Prescott has been balling out as well).
Packers 31, Cowboys 27
Rams @ Lions
The reunion tour for Matthew Stafford. The revenge game for Jared Goff.
The storylines for this game lined up well, and as much heartache as the Lions fans have been through over the years, I think that will continue again this year. This is the first playoff game for the Rams since their Super Bowl victory, and they have had a sneaky great season.
And with Jared Goff on the other side, you never know what you are going to get. This is a game where my heart wants to see the Lions win, but I think the Rams will pull out the narrow victory.
Rams 26, Lions 21
Eagles @ Buccaneers
The Eagles stumbled into the playoffs, but I think their Super Bowl loss last year really left a bad taste in their mouths. They still have a solid team, and I think that is the team that will show up on Monday.
Baker Mayfield leading his team to the division crown has been a great story, and the Buccaneers can play well when they want to, but I think despite what I mentioned before about it being difficult to win in another building twice in the same season will not phase the Eagles. Nick Sirianni will light a fire under those guys and have them ready for a double digit victory.
Eagles 27, Buccaneers 14
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