In Tremendous Wild Card Weekend, the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl title protection begins whereas the Payments, Browns and Texans goal to advance to their first SB championship. The Steelers and Dolphins, in the meantime, face daunting duties on the street. Under are AFC playoff predictions for the wild-card spherical.
Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7) | Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC
The Browns dominated the Texans in a 36-22 victory in Week 16. Nevertheless, Houston rookie quarterback CJ Stroud was sidelined with a concussion. On Tuesday, Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated he’ll make an influence within the rematch, calling his tape “superior.”
In the meantime, Browns QB Joe Flacco’s skill to ship in street playoff video games might give his group an edge. Per Tom Withers of the Related Press, he has received seven video games on the street within the postseason, tied with future Corridor of Famer Tom Brady for essentially the most in league historical past.
As of Thursday, FanDuel lists Cleveland as a two-point favorite. However do not be shocked if Stroud helps the Texans pull off an upset. In 15 video games this season, he joined HOFer Joe Montana and Brady as the one QBs to steer the league in passing yards per recreation and touchdown-to-interception ratio, per the group web site.
PREDICTION: Texans 28-24
Miami Dolphins (11-6) at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (11-6) | Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Peacock
In response to The Weather Channel, the temperature for this recreation will plunge to -7 levels. Miami has misplaced 10 straight video games when the kickoff temperature is 40 levels or beneath, per CBS Sports activities. Chiefs HC Andy Reid downplayed the cold-weather benefit.
“You may’t financial institution on that. That is the place you get into bother,” Reid told the media Tuesday. “We’re not having a snowball battle.”
Regardless, anticipate the Dolphins to flop. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa – who might be making his postseason debut – has struggled in his previous three video games, finishing 61.8% of his passes whereas throwing for four TDs and four interceptions. Ok.C.’s protection has allowed 49 points over its previous three video games, the third fewest within the league.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 24-19
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Buffalo Payments (11-6) | Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin introduced Tuesday star pass-rusher T.J. Watt (knee) will not play this weekend, an enormous blow for Pittsburgh. The 2021 Defensive Participant of the 12 months led the league in sacks throughout the common season (19 in 17 games).
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph will make his fourth consecutive begin. Over his previous three video games, the 28-year-old is 3-0, completing 74.6% of his passes for 716 yards, three TDs and no interceptions.
Whereas Rudolph gives an offensive spark, the Steelers upsetting the Payments – who’ve received 5 straight – appears unlikely. As of Thursday, FanDuel lists Buffalo as a 10-point favorite.
PREDICTION: Payments 23-20