Emma Kahle

AFC Wild Card

No. 2 Buffalo Bills (13-4) vs. No. 7 Denver Broncos (10-7)

Winner: Buffalo

Well, this one is easy as a Bills fan. But regardless of my Bills Mafia membership, I think the stats back up this prediction. Josh Allen is an MVP favorite and has had one of his best seasons yet this year. The Bills are ranked above the Broncos in all four offensive categories — rushing, receiving, passing, and downs. The Broncos, led by rookie Bo Nix and a sturdy defense, should not be seen as an easy win, but the Bills will win if they play their game.

No. 3 Baltimore Ravens (12-5) vs. No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

Winner: Baltimore

This one is easy. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson and his stacked team of nine pro-bowlers, are bound to defeat the Steelers tonight. Powerhouses Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers are among the Baltimore offensive players chosen, along with Kyle Hamilton and Patrick Ricard on defense. The Steelers have lost all momentum from the beginning of the season, having lost four games straight.

No. 4 Houston Texans (10-7) vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

Winner: Los Angelos

For this likely low-scoring matchup, I think the Chargers will come out on top. The Texans have been playing some of the weakest teams in the NFL, accounting for their record. However, when put against better competitiojn the Texans folded, such as their 2-31 loss to the Ravens. Houston is also missing two key players — Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. I think this game is going to come down to the defenses. The Texans defense has allowed 42 touchdowns, while the Chargers have given up 31. Matthew Stafford and CJ Stroud yield similar stats so far, the only big difference being Stafford throwing 4 less interceptions.

NFC Wild Card

No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) vs. No. 7 Green Bay Packers (11-6)

Winner: Eagles

I think the Eagles have this game against the Packers. Jalen Hurts being healthy is a key weapon in Philadelphia’s success. Fox Sports ranks the Eagles defense as No. 1 in the league, while the Packers trail behind at No. 6. While Jordan Love has been a force for Green Bay, I think the seasoned Eagles will have little trouble securing their spot for Divisionals.

No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) vs. No. 6 Washington Commanders (12-5)

Winner: Commanders

Tampa Bay defeated Washington 37-20 in the first game of the season, but I anticipate this matchup being a lot closer. I’m seeing an underdog victory from the Commanders this season largely due to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Not only has Daniels helped my fantasy league, he is also a more developed player from when he first played the Bucs. Baker Mayfield is a seasoned quarterback, ranking third in the NFL in passing yards with 4500 and has the second most touchdowns. However, I think Tampa Bay’s defense will lead to their downfall this game. Their passing defense is weak, ranking 29th and allowing 27 passing TDs, whereas the Commanders rank 3rd overall in their passing defense. Mayfield is also tied with now-benched Kirk Cousins for interceptions, tallying 16 turnovers.

No. 4 Los Angeles Rams (10-7) vs. No. 5 Minnesota Vikings (14-3)

Winner: Rams

This might be a hot take, but I think the Rams might just take this wild card game. While the Vikings have been solid all season, their week 18 matchup against the Lions raised some doubts about Sam Darnold’s ability to help the Vikings march past the Rams. The Vikings failed to score a single TD in the game, completing just 18 of 41 pass attempts for 166 yards.