The Wild Card weekend games were, indeed, wild. The first four were some incredible back-and-forth battles with a few unexpected outcomes. The final two, by comparison, were a little slower and went somewhat as expected. Now, we have the final eight teams vying for a shot at the Super Bowl. Will we get more wild endings? Let’s dive in.

Saturday Games:

Buffalo Bills (12-5) at Denver Broncos (14-3)
Line: Broncos -1.5
About: Though the Bills were favored by Las Vegas, many thought the Jaguars would win at home. That makes sense as the Jaguars were a top team in the AFC, finishing 13-4 and earning the No. 3 seed. The Jaguars also dismantled the top-seeded Broncos in Denver (the team’s only home loss) in December. But the Bills managed to find a way. Fittingly, the opening line for this Divisional matchup saw the Bills favored despite the Broncos being at home and being the No. 1 seed. Since that time, the line has shifted, and it’s now the Broncos who hold a slim favored status. The Broncos got the week off and are mostly healthy going into this one, which kicks off the Divisional Round. The Bills are coming off a short week and are beat up. A few players won’t suit up but Josh Allen, despite a few lingering injuries, will be on the field. He’s a difference maker and that scares me. But the Broncos have made a living this season winning against the odds, and winning the tough, close battles. I think they have one more in them.
The Pick: Broncos

San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
Line: Seahawks -7
About: It’s a big line in Seattle, and that makes sense. These teams met in Week 18 in San Francisco and the Seahawks dominated the game to earn the No. 1 seed. Now, they meet a couple weeks later in Seattle. So, why wouldn’t the No. 1 seed be heavily favored? The 49ers were sizeable underdogs in the Wild Card round, too. And yet, the team managed to come away with the win in Philadelphia. But, in two games against Seattle—the first and last of the regular season—the 49ers couldn’t best the Seahawks. That, plus a week’s rest and decent health, should give the Seahawks some confidence. The 49ers are still beat up, too. George Kittle was lost for the rest of the season—and probably most of next season—with an Achilles injury. That leaves a short-handed team even further short-handed. I expect the 49ers to put up a fight, and it’s hard to beat a team three times in a season, but this feels like Seattle’s game. I think the spread is too big, but I like Sam Darnold to get that playoff win.
The Pick: Seahawks

Sunday Games:

Houston Texans (12-5) at New England Patriots (14-3)
Line: Patriots -3
About: This is a tale of two teams who smothered their opponents in the Wild Card Round. The Patriots, one of only two home favorites, were able to hold the Chargers to just a field goal on Sunday night. The Texans, a road favorite, held the Steelers to just two field goals despite a turn-over plagued night for C.J. Stroud. The Texans defense also came up big in the Fourth Quarter, turning two Aaron Rodgers turnovers into 13 points to close out a big win. Now, these teams meet Sunday for a trip to the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots were one of the best teams in the AFC, a huge turnaround under Mike Vrabel. They also boast an MVP candidate in Drake Maye, who struggled in the first playoff game and will be looking for better on Sunday. The Texans, meanwhile, have won 10 straight games including the playoffs. Stroud needs to play better, but that defense has been stifling to the opposition. I expect a tight, low-scoring affair on Sunday. But, in the end, I think Maye will make enough plays to get the home win.
The Pick: Patriots

Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Chicago Bears (11-6)
Line: Rams -3.5
About: The Rams are the only road favorites in the Divisional Round. It makes sense, as many have the Rams as a sneaky Super Bowl pick. They were monster favorites in the Wild Card Round but managed just a three-point, come-from-behind win over the 8-9 Carolina Panthers. The Bears, meanwhile, were all but dead and buried against the Packers. They trailed 21-3 at the half, and needed a huge 25-point Fourth Quarter and a Packers collapse to move on. If they get behind big against the Rams, they shouldn’t expect a similar favorite. And the Rams, with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams supporting MVP favorite Matthew Stafford have an offense that can put up points. The Bears have been a fun story, but I think it comes to an end Sunday.
The Pick: Rams

Last Week: 5-1
Season: 175-102

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.