NFL Pick ’em Wild Card Weekend

By: Dylan Mondi and Justin Erlandson
January 6, 2017

 

Matchups Dylan Mondi Justin Erlandson
Raiders at Texans Raiders, despite missing star quarterback Derek Carr the Raiders still have a very formidable defense led by Khalil Mack and Malcolm Smith and a strong running game by Latavius Murray that they can use carry themselves past an overrated Texans squad. Raiders, this team’s front seven is a stone wall being ranked in the top 5 at the end of the season. Both teams will value their defenses much more due to the losses of Derek Carr and Tom Savage. With Texans Lamar Miller questionable, the Raiders have the advantage in the offensive game.
Lions at Seahawks Lions, Although Matt Stafford’s numbers have declined since suffering the injury to his middle finger he is still a very good quarterback and a major threat to Seattle’s very strong defense Lions, Seattle’s signed veteran Devin Hester to be their kick and punt returner after losing emerging Tyler Lockett. The Lions high powered offense has proven to be good against top secondaries. I believe this will be an offensive battle, and the Lions will come up on top. Even with Matthew Stafford’s injury.
Dolphins at Steelers Steelers. With Matt Moore being thrusted into the starting role due to Ryan Tannehill’s injury it makes an already tough matchup for the Dolphins just that much harder. Steelers, With Ryan Tannehill and Jay Ajayi questionable, The Dolphins will struggle to keep up with the Steelers  resting the three headed monster of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’veon Bell, and Antonio Brown in Week 17.
Giants at Packers Giants, although the Packers crushed the competition during the last few weeks their defense is still a major concern and I think the Giants will be the Cinderella story of this years playoffs. Packers, With the packers winning their last 6 games and finally rediscovering their offense, I have them favored over the Giants who lost the first matchup against them in Week 5.