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The Wild Card Weekend may not have been as wild as advertised, but we still got to see some solid action. The Commies beat the Bucs with a game winning doink, the Rams defense made Sam Darnold see ghosts (again), and the teams that we expected to dominate did.
Divisional Power Rankings
Team to Note
Los Angeles Rams (Rose 3 spots)
The Rams have been on a tear through the second half of the season, and it looks like nothing will slow them down. They've allowed 9 points or less in four of their previous five matchups, as the rookies on this squad have really put it together down the stretch. The Rams have gone 10-3 since starting the season 1-4 - which includes a win where they rested most of their starters.
Wild Card Awards
Offensive MVP | Derrick Henry |
Defensive MVP | Tony Jefferson |
Special Teams MVP | D'Angelo Ross |
Trench Tyrant | Jordan Mailata |
Relentless Rookie | Jared Verse |
Winners to Note
Jared Verse (EDGE - LAR)
Verse had another great showing, as the rookie continues to build off of his DROY campaign. He posted 7 pressures - while generating an 18.92% pressure rate, and he added 2 stops + TFLs. He also had a scoop and score which helped blow the game open. He finished the game with an 84.4 defensive grade, which was the highest among all rookies in the Wild Card round.
Tony Jefferson (Safety - LAC)
Despite the loss, Tony did the unthinkable. He joined the Chargers in Week 13 after contemplating retirement, and has played 30+ snaps in every game since. When it mattered most, he put up one of the best performances of his career, as he was all over the field making play after play. He recorded 3 stops + TFLs, forced a fumble - that he recovered, and generated a pressure. His receivers were never targeted either, and he posted an insanely high 95.0 defensive grade, highest among all defenders last week.
Photo: Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press
Divisional Game Predictions
Texans vs Chiefs (Saturday 4:30 PM)
The Texans proved me wrong last week, but they'll be playing a stronger Chiefs team this weekend. Pat Mahomes had his worst year yet, but was still decent overall. He knows how to turn it on in the postseason, and his offense is well equipped to take on Houston's multi-faceted defense. This game will be close, but the Chiefs will put it away with a defensive TD late in the 4th.
Commanders vs Lions (Saturday 8 PM)
The Commanders were more efficient last week than they were at any point from Week 10 to Week 18. During that stretch, they scored on 42% of their possessions, however, they exploded last week, scoring on 62% of their possessions. I doubt they keep up that efficiency against the Lions, who are going to ground and pound their way through Washington's defense. I think Jayden and Co. will keep up early, but the Lions will put it away for good with plenty of time left.
Rams vs Eagles (Sunday 3 PM)
This might be the game of the week. LA's and Philly's defenses have been red-hot, while their respective offenses have been leaving plays on the table. The Rams will look to pierce through the Eagles impenetrable secondary with Puka and Kupp, and the Eagles will look to run through the Rams stout front-seven with Saquon. This one will go down to the wire, with a late score by the Eagles to claim victory.
Ravens vs Bills (Sunday 6:30 PM)
Most would say this is the game of the week - as two MVP favorites are pitted against each other. The Ravens are just an overall better team, and they've had the best defense in the NFL since Week 8. I'm not sure if Josh Allen will be able to keep up, and this game has a pretty good chance of being a blowout similar to their Week 4 matchup. If the Bills can find ways to feed their playmakers, they may have a small chance at winning.
Record from Wild Card: 4-2
Season Record: 168-110
Final Notes
As we get through the weekend, be on the lookout for my Cardinals Season Recap, as well as the House Enterprise Awards for the 2024 Season!
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