Alternative picks: Wild Card weekend, 2018

by Andy | Jan 5, 2019 | 2018 Season, NFL Picks, NFL Playoffs

Well, we’re not really going to do alternative picks in the postseason, but we still will share our thoughts on the games.

Andy:

Indianapolis at Houston — The Colts have been stunningly good on both sides of the ball. The Texans had a great run, but the offensive line can’t protect Watson. Prediction: Colts 28-24

Seattle at Dallas — Are the Cowboys that good or are they the product of a division that wasn’t very successful? I’m not a believer in Dak. The Seahawks have not been as good on the road as at home, but I’ll take Russell Wilson in this duel 100 times out of 100. Prediction: Seahawks 24-14

L.A. Chargers at Baltimore — The Ravens defense is legit. The Chargers are also really good. Had they won homefield, I might be picking them for the Super Bowl. Hell, might be anyway, knowing Andy Reid’s propensity for grasping his throat and squeezing hard in the playoffs. Can Baltimore keep Lamar Jackson from looking like a rookie? Prediction: Chargers 24-17

Philadelphia at Chicago — The Bears are awesome and, for once, fun to watch. The Eagles struggled all season, but got hot at the right time and snuck in. Mitch Trubisky is the key here. Can the Eagles keep it close enough where they force him to have to make plays? Or do the Bears get a lead and pound? Prediction: Eagles 20-16

Tony T.:

A full slate of games that I could care so little about, its unbelievable.

Indianapolis at Houston — DeSahaun Watson may have been the comeback player of the year if not for Andrew Luck. The Colts haven’t been particularly good in the playoffs with Luck at QB, but they’ve also not been good at building an OL or coaching up until this year. Colts 31, Texans 17.

Seattle at Dallas — Two teams that I haven’t believed in all year. I still can’t figure out how the Seahawks ran for that many yards with as non-descript of running backs as they have, nor how Dak Prescott managed to salvage Amari Cooper’s season/career. Ultiamtely, I think the Cowboys running game is what wins this one, amazingly enough. Dallas 20, Seattle 17.

LA Chargers at Baltimore — The closest to a game I’m interested in this weekend. Ultimately, I’m not convinced that the Ravens offense (Lamar Jackson) is ready for this type of game. It would be interesting to see them prove that they are, though–they do have a defense that could give the Chargers fits. Chargers 23, Ravens 13.

Philadelphia at Chicago — If the Eagles go on a run to the Super Bowl again this year, will their fans be just as obnoxious as last year? Did the city of brotherly love budget extra Crisco for greasing up their light poles this year? Did the police department decide to change up the diets of their mounted police horses, in case another genius Eagles fan decides to once again get on hands and knees to take a taste of their excrement? Isn’t it sad that these are legitimate questions in 2019? I’m not sure that the Eagles have what it takes to stop Khalil Mack, or effectively stop Matt Nagy’s offense–but I’ll pick them just the same. Eagles 35, Bears 13. Hopefully that’s as good of a pick as the rest I’ve made this season.

Tony P.

Houston over Indianapolis

Seattle over Dallas

LA Chargers over Baltimore

Chicago over Philadelphia