With the regular season coming to a close, the NFC playoff picture is clear. Both NFC and AFC matchups are set for Wild Card Weekend. The Arizona Cardinals epic 35-31 win over the Philadelphia Eagles shook up the NFC playoff standings, with the Cowboys snagging the second seed as a result. Here are three interesting NFC Wildcard matchups that you should look out for.
Wild Card Weekend: Breaking Down Every NFC Game
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
This may be my most anticipated potential showdown of Wild Card Weekend. The Detroit Lions have finally found relevancy again, and are looking to capitalize under fiery head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions are looking to get back on track after their controversial loss in Dallas, in hopes of reaching new heights in the postseason.
In regards to the Rams, their star quarterback: Matthew Stafford has been balling out as of late. He would love to steal a road playoff game against his former team, making this a must-watch matchup. The Rams close win over the New York Giants snuck them into the playoffs, awarding them a first-round match-up with Detroit.
Out of the gate, the Los Angeles Rams should prevail over the Detroit Lions in this matchup. Although Dan Campbell has turned their franchise around, Detroit’s secondary will struggle to stop the passing offense of Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford has proven he can elevate his game come playoff time. With pass catchers like Puka Nuka and Cooper Kupp, the Detroit Lions secondary will not be able to keep up. The Lions offense to do some damage through the air and on the ground but give me the Rams 27-20.
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
This Wild Card Weekend matchup is going to keep Cowboys fans up at night. These Green Bay Packers have had the Cowboys number in the playoffs, but for the record, Dez Bryant made that catch. The Dallas Cowboys have looked like the better team all year, but the Packers may be getting hot at the right time. Green Bay ended the year strong on a three-game winning streak. Jordan Love has been up and down this year but has shown enough for the Packers front office to give him some more time. With a 21:3 touchdown/interception ratio in his last 10 starts, Jordan Love has heated up when it matters and is looking to make some noise in the NFC playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys defense has done well to make up for the Trevon Diggs injury. On the other side of the ball, Dak Prescott has played like an MVP candidate all year. If the Dallas Cowboys play anything close to what we have seen this season, they will have no trouble with Green Bay. Although, the Cowboys curse in the playoffs is real, especially against the Packers. Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy is going to feel the pressure this game and has to stay aggressive if he wants to beat his former team. If Dallas wants to advance, they will need Dak Prescott to step up, with questions about his level come playoff time. Let Dak Prescott take control of this football game, and the Dallas Cowboys will be cruising to the divisional round. Give me the Dallas Cowboys over the Green Bay Packers 30-17.
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Philadelphia Eagles will be spending Wild Card Weekend in Tampa Bay this year. After serious regression on both sides of the ball, Philadelphia has found a lack of success this season. Following a brutal final stretch, the Eagles have their work cut out for them against Tampa Bay. They have felt the loss of both 2022 coordinators: Shane Steichen and Jonathon Gannon. The Eagles have lost the explosive plays in the run-and-pass game that they saw last season, and rely too heavily on big plays from A.J. Brown. The Philly offense has become overly predictable, and teams have capitalized on this. On the defensive side of the ball, their cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay have both taken a step back. This has opened up numerous big play opportunities for opposing offenses. Their regression has shifted the outlook of the NFC playoff picture this year.
Regardless, the Eagles finished 12-5 and have found ways to win close games this year. Their opponent, the Tampa Bay Bucs, has beaten up some bad teams throughout the season to sneak in. This end-of-season collapse by the Philadelphia Eagles raises major concerns come Wild-Card Weekend. Nick Sirriani needs to galvanize the troops, as he quickly reaches the coaching hot seat. Give me the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 at home.
Main Photo: Robert Hanashiro – USA Today Sports
