10 Best Bets for Wild Card Weekend

The Wild Card weekend is upon us, and with it comes the joy of the NFL playoffs. Six groups shall be vying for 3 spots within the Divisional Spherical, and there are some nice matchups on faucet. Listed here are our greatest bets for the Wild Card weekend.

The primary recreation on Saturday options the Los Angeles Chargers on the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chargers are a slight favourite, however the Jaguars are a harmful staff at dwelling. They’ve gained their final three video games at TIAA Financial institution Subject, and so they have loads of momentum heading into the playoffs. The Chargers have been inconsistent all season, however they’ve loads of expertise on their roster. It is a robust recreation to choose, however we will give the sting to the Jaguars at dwelling.

The second recreation on Saturday options the New York Giants on the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are a heavy favourite, however the Giants have been a shock staff all season. They’ve gained their final three video games, and so they have loads of confidence heading into the playoffs. The Vikings have been struggling offensively as of late, however they’ve loads of expertise on their protection. That is one other robust recreation to choose, however we will give the sting to the Vikings at dwelling.

Dominant Divisional Performances

1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (14-3)

The Chiefs wrapped up the common season with a dominant 14-3 file, securing the AFC’s prime seed and a first-round bye. They completed the 12 months with a league-leading 565 factors scored and a top-ranked protection, permitting simply 308 factors. Patrick Mahomes as soon as once more proved why he is probably the most dynamic quarterback within the NFL, throwing for five,250 yards, 41 touchdowns, and simply 12 interceptions. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill shaped a formidable receiving duo, combining for over 2,500 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.

The Chiefs’ offense was a juggernaut all season, averaging 35.3 factors per recreation. In addition they transformed 54.2% of their third downs, the very best charge within the NFL. Defensively, they pressured 29 turnovers, tied for the second-most within the league. They allowed simply 19.3 factors per recreation, the fourth-lowest within the NFL.

The Chiefs have all of the items in place to make a deep playoff run. They’ve a confirmed chief in Mahomes, a dynamic offense, and a stingy protection. They will be robust to beat within the playoffs and are the favorites to signify the AFC within the Tremendous Bowl.

Crew	Report	Factors For	Factors In opposition to
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs	14-3	565	308

Upset Specials to Watch

Cincinnati Bengals (+6) at Buffalo Payments

The Bengals are a classy underdog on this matchup, however they’ve a couple of issues going for them. First, they’re a younger and hungry staff that’s taking part in with nothing to lose. Second, they’ve a dynamic offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow and huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Third, they’ve a stable protection that would give the Payments some issues. The Payments are the favourite for a purpose, however the Bengals have an opportunity to drag off the upset.

Tennessee Titans (+3) at Cincinnati Bengals

The Titans are one other underdog that would pull off an upset within the Wild Card spherical. They’ve a veteran quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and a powerful operating recreation led by Derrick Henry. In addition they have a stable protection that would make life tough for the Bengals. The Bengals are the favourite on this matchup, however the Titans have an opportunity to win if they’ll management the clock and restrict turnovers.

Washington Commanders (+10) at San Francisco 49ers

The Commanders are a protracted shot to upset the 49ers, however they’ve a couple of issues going for them. First, they’ve a gifted protection that would give the 49ers some issues. Second, they’ve a stable operating recreation led by Brian Robinson Jr. Third, they’ve a veteran quarterback in Carson Wentz who has performed in huge video games earlier than. The 49ers are the clear favourite on this matchup, however the Commanders have an opportunity to drag off the upset if they’ll management the clock and restrict turnovers.

Carolina Panthers (+8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Panthers are one other lengthy shot to upset the Buccaneers, however they’ve a couple of issues going for them. First, they’ve a gifted protection that would give the Buccaneers some issues. Second, they’ve a stable operating recreation led by D’Onta Foreman. Third, they’ve a veteran quarterback in Sam Darnold who has performed in huge video games earlier than. The Buccaneers are the clear favourite on this matchup, however the Panthers have an opportunity to drag off the upset if they’ll management the clock and restrict turnovers.

Quarterback Matchups to Anticipate

Josh Allen vs. Teddy Bridgewater

Josh Allen, the Buffalo Payments’ star quarterback, will face off in opposition to Teddy Bridgewater of the Miami Dolphins. Allen has been in blistering type this season, throwing for 35 touchdowns and simply 14 interceptions whereas dashing for an additional eight scores. Bridgewater, then again, has been a gradual presence for the Dolphins, finishing 65.5% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

Trevor Lawrence vs. Justin Herbert

Two of probably the most highly-touted younger quarterbacks within the NFL will go head-to-head when the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence takes on the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert. Lawrence has proven flashes of brilliance in his sophomore season, throwing for 3,680 yards and 25 touchdowns, however he has additionally struggled with consistency and decision-making. Herbert, in the meantime, has established himself as one of many league’s most explosive passers, throwing for 4,769 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.

Daniel Jones vs. Kirk Cousins

The New York Giants will face the Minnesota Vikings in a matchup that options two quarterbacks with one thing to show. Jones has proven glimpses of his potential in current weeks, throwing for 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns in his previous three video games. Cousins, in the meantime, has been a mannequin of consistency for the Vikings, throwing for 4,221 yards and 29 touchdowns this season whereas posting a career-high passer ranking of 103.1. This matchup guarantees to be a battle of rising stars and veteran management.

Quarterback	Passing Yards	Touchdowns	Interceptions
Josh Allen	3,526	35	14
Teddy Bridgewater	3,347	15	6
Trevor Lawrence	3,680	25	11
Justin Herbert	4,769	25	10
Daniel Jones	3,205	16	8
Kirk Cousins	4,221	29	10

Explosive Offensive Showdowns

Bucs at Cowboys

The Bucs and Cowboys each boast high-octane offenses led by future Corridor of Famers Tom Brady and Dak Prescott, respectively. Brady has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, together with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Julio Jones, whereas Prescott can depend on CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Dalton Schultz. This recreation has the potential for a shootout, with each groups able to placing up huge numbers.

Bengals at Ravens

The Bengals and Ravens are two of probably the most thrilling younger groups within the NFL, and their offenses are an enormous purpose why. Joe Burrow has turned the Bengals right into a juggernaut, main the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns this season. The Ravens, in the meantime, have a balanced assault led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and operating again J.Okay. Dobbins. This recreation is predicted to be high-scoring, with each groups trying to push the tempo and put up factors.

Giants at Vikings

The Giants and Vikings each enter the playoffs with spectacular offensive resumes. The Giants have been led by the electrical play of quarterback Daniel Jones and operating again Saquon Barkley, whereas the Vikings have been clicking on all cylinders with quarterback Kirk Cousins on the helm. This recreation has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with each groups able to placing up huge numbers.

Chargers at Jaguars

The Chargers and Jaguars are two of probably the most shocking groups within the NFL this season, and their offenses are an enormous purpose why. Justin Herbert has emerged as among the finest younger quarterbacks within the league, main the Chargers to a 13-4 file. The Jaguars, in the meantime, have been led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has proven indicators of changing into a star. This recreation has the potential to be a shootout, with each groups able to placing up huge numbers.

Crew	Offensive Rating
Bucs	1
Bengals	2
Giants	3
Chargers	4

Defensive X-Elements

Nick Bosa, OLB, San Francisco 49ers

Bosa is likely one of the most dominant pass-rushers within the NFL, and he’ll be a significant component within the 49ers’ matchup in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys. Bosa had 15.5 sacks within the common season, and he’ll be wanting so as to add to that whole in opposition to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Micah Parsons, OLB, Dallas Cowboys

Parsons is one other standout pass-rusher, and he’ll be a key a part of the Cowboys’ protection in opposition to the 49ers. Parsons had 13 sacks within the common season, and he’ll be wanting so as to add to that whole in opposition to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets

Gardner is likely one of the finest younger cornerbacks within the NFL, and he’ll be a significant component within the Jets’ matchup in opposition to the Miami Dolphins. Gardner had 4 interceptions within the common season, and he’ll be wanting so as to add to that whole in opposition to Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Jaire Alexander, CB, Inexperienced Bay Packers

Alexander is likely one of the finest cornerbacks within the NFL, and he’ll be a key a part of the Packers’ protection in opposition to the New York Giants. Alexander had 4 interceptions within the common season, and he’ll be wanting so as to add to that whole in opposition to Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

Devin McCourty, S, New England Patriots

McCourty is a veteran security who has been a key a part of the Patriots’ protection for a few years. He had 4 interceptions within the common season, and he’ll be wanting so as to add to that whole in opposition to the Buffalo Payments. McCourty is a flexible participant who can play within the field or in protection, and he’ll be a key issue within the Patriots’ matchup in opposition to the Payments.

Participant	Place	Crew
Nick Bosa	OLB	San Francisco 49ers
Micah Parsons	OLB	Dallas Cowboys
Sauce Gardner	CB	New York Jets
Jaire Alexander	CB	Inexperienced Bay Packers
Devin McCourty	S	New England Patriots

Rookie Influence on Wild Card Weekend

Rookies are poised to make a big affect on Wild Card Weekend, bringing a mixture of uncooked expertise, athleticism, and fearless play to the gridiron. Listed here are some notable rookies to look at:

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

RB Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks’ second-round pick of Michigan State, has emerged as a dynamic playmaker. His explosive operating model, mixed along with his capability to catch passes out of the backfield, makes him a flexible menace.

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

QB Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ final decide within the 2022 draft, has stepped into the beginning function with aplomb. His poise, accuracy, and skill to increase performs shall be essential within the playoffs.

Ahmad Gardner, New York Jets

CB Ahmad Gardner, the Jets’ fourth general decide, has been a lockdown nook all season. His physicality and sticky protection expertise make him a formidable opponent for opposing receivers.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants’ fifth general decide, is a bodily specimen with a powerful pass-rushing arsenal. His athleticism and energy shall be a drive to reckon with within the playoffs.

Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

DT Quinnen Williams, the Jets’ third general decide in 2019, is getting into his fourth season as a key piece of the Jets’ defensive position. His mixture of dimension, energy, and athleticism makes him a disruptive drive within the trenches.

Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions

EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ second general decide, is a relentless move rusher with a knack for making huge performs. His mixture of pace, energy, and relentless motor shall be a problem for opposing quarterbacks.

Teaching Methods and Changes

Offensive Sport Plans

Offenses should adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. This will likely contain establishing a dominant operating recreation, maximizing short-to-intermediate passing, or focusing on particular areas of the sphere for explosive performs.

Defensive Methods

Defenses should devise a recreation plan to disrupt the opposing offense. This consists of creating stress on the quarterback, forcing turnovers, or limiting the effectiveness of particular receivers or operating backs.

Particular Groups Play

Particular groups can play an important function in profitable or shedding video games. Coaches should successfully handle clock administration, discipline place, and return conditions.

Changes Primarily based on Efficiency

All through the sport, coaches have to be ready to make changes primarily based on the efficiency of their staff and the opposing staff. This will likely contain altering play calling, substituting gamers, or altering defensive alignments.

Sport Administration

Coaches should make sensible selections relating to play choice, clock administration, and timeouts. This requires a deep understanding of the sport state of affairs and the strengths and weaknesses of their staff.

In-Sport Communication

Efficient communication between coaches, gamers, and employees is essential for profitable execution and adjustment. This consists of clear directions, suggestions, and the flexibility to relay info rapidly.

Situational Soccer

Coaches have to be ready for varied situational eventualities, akin to Third-and-short, 4th-and-goal, and 2-minute drills. Having a predetermined recreation plan for these conditions can provide a staff a bonus.

Situational Soccer Eventualities	Concerns
Third-and-short	Run vs. move, play-action, hole blocking
4th-and-goal	Subject objective vs. landing, goal-line play calling
2-minute drill	Time administration, play choice, end-zone targets

Residence-Subject Benefit Elements

Enjoying at dwelling gives a number of benefits for NFL groups, together with:

1. Crowd Noise

Residence crowds can create important noise ranges, disrupting communication and play-calling for visiting groups.

2. Familiarity with Subject

Residence groups are accustomed to the scale, floor, and environment of their stadium, giving them a bonus in execution and decision-making.

3. Pregame Routine

Residence groups comply with a well-known routine earlier than video games, together with staff meals, movie periods, and locker room rituals, which might contribute to consolation and focus.

4. Climate Circumstances

Groups usually tend to be accustomed to the native climate circumstances, doubtlessly gaining an edge in opposition to opponents from completely different climates.

5. Journey Fatigue

Visiting groups could expertise journey fatigue, which might have an effect on their power ranges and efficiency on the sphere.

6. Time Zone Changes

For cross-country matchups, visiting groups might have to regulate to completely different time zones, which might disrupt sleep patterns and have an effect on game-day readiness.

7. Referee Bias

Whereas referees attempt to be neutral, unconscious biases in direction of dwelling groups could affect calls and selections.

8. Historic Elements

Groups with robust dwelling data and passionate fan bases are more likely to be extra motivated and comfy taking part in in entrance of their very own crowd.

Crew

Residence Profitable Share in 2022

Cincinnati Bengals

83.3% (5-1)

Jacksonville Jaguars

71.4% (5-2)

New York Giants

62.5% (4-2)

Tremendous Bowl Implications

The Wild Card Weekend is a vital stage within the NFL playoffs, because it determines which groups advance to the Divisional Spherical and have a shot at reaching the Tremendous Bowl. Each recreation has important Tremendous Bowl implications, and here is a take a look at some key elements to think about:

Momentum and Confidence

Groups that carry out nicely within the Wild Card Weekend usually carry that momentum into the later rounds. A convincing victory can enhance a staff’s confidence and make them a formidable opponent for subsequent matchups.

Residence-Subject Benefit

Groups that host Wild Card video games sometimes have a big benefit. Acquainted environment, crowd help, and lowered journey fatigue can provide them an edge.

Matchups and Accidents

The precise matchups and damage statuses of key gamers can drastically affect the result of Wild Card video games. Groups which have favorable matchups or comparatively wholesome rosters have a greater probability of advancing.

Expertise and Execution

Groups with expertise in huge video games and a confirmed capability to execute below stress are likely to carry out nicely within the playoffs. They know deal with the depth and make the required changes.

Turnovers and Penalties

Minimizing turnovers and penalties is essential within the playoffs. Groups that may keep away from expensive errors and keep self-discipline on the sphere usually emerge victorious.

Particular Groups

Particular groups can have a big affect on Wild Card video games. Sturdy discipline place, efficient punting and kick protection, and well timed returns can swing the momentum in favor of a staff.

Quarterback Play

The quarterback is usually the decisive consider NFL video games, and that is very true within the playoffs. Groups with standout quarterbacks who could make huge performs and keep away from turnovers have a greater probability of advancing.

Wild Card Weekend Standouts

The Wild Card Weekend has usually produced surprising heroes and standout performances. Groups that may depend on gamers to step up and make key performs in pivotal moments can enhance their possibilities of advancing.

Prime-9 Groups to Watch

Listed here are the highest 9 groups to control throughout Wild Card Weekend, in alphabetical order:

Crew	Report	Division
Baltimore Ravens	10-7	AFC North
Buffalo Payments	11-6	AFC East
Cincinnati Bengals	10-7	AFC North
Dallas Cowboys	12-5	NFC East
Jacksonville Jaguars	9-8	AFC South
Los Angeles Chargers	10-7	AFC West
Miami Dolphins	9-8	AFC East
New York Giants	9-8	NFC East
Seattle Seahawks	9-8	NFC West

Fantasy Soccer Implications

Week 18 Influence

The Wild Card Weekend can considerably affect fantasy soccer lineups, as key gamers could also be dominated out as a consequence of damage or COVID-19 protocols. Managers ought to monitor damage experiences and alter their lineups accordingly.

Quarterbacks

Prime quarterback choices this weekend embody Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Nonetheless, Aaron Rodgers’ standing is unsure as a consequence of a rib damage.

Operating Backs

Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon are anticipated to be workhorse operating backs, whereas Nick Chubb is questionable as a consequence of a calf damage.

Vast Receivers and Tight Ends

Vast receivers to focus on embody Ja’Marr Chase, Davante Adams (if energetic), and Tyreek Hill. Tight finish choices embody Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and Darren Waller.

Gamers to Contemplate for DFS

Fantasy managers taking part in Each day Fantasy Sports activities (DFS) ought to contemplate the next gamers for Week 18:

Place	Participant
QB	Patrick Mahomes
RB	Derrick Henry
WR	Ja’Marr Chase
TE	Travis Kelce

Greatest Bets for Wild Card Weekend

The Wild Card Weekend of the NFL playoffs is right here, and there are some nice matchups on faucet. Listed here are my finest bets for the weekend:

Jacksonville Jaguars (+6.5) at Los Angeles Chargers

The Jaguars are a classy decide to upset the Chargers, and I feel they’ve a superb probability to do it. Jacksonville has loads of expertise on either side of the ball, and so they’re coming off an enormous win over the Tennessee Titans within the common season finale. The Chargers are a superb staff, however they’re not so good as the Jaguars. I feel Jacksonville wins outright, however even when they do not, they need to be capable to cowl the unfold.

New York Giants (+8) at Minnesota Vikings

The Giants are one other underdog I like this weekend. They seem to be a robust staff to play in opposition to, and so they have loads of playmakers on offense. The Vikings are a superb staff, however they don’t seem to be invincible. I feel the Giants can hold this recreation shut, and I would not be stunned in the event that they gained outright.

Seattle Seahawks (+10.5) at San Francisco 49ers

The Seahawks are a protracted shot to win this recreation, however I feel they’ve an opportunity to cowl the unfold. Seattle has loads of expertise on offense, and so they’re taking part in with loads of confidence after profitable their final three video games. The 49ers are a superb staff, however they’re not so good as they have been final 12 months. I feel the Seahawks can hold this recreation shut, and I would not be stunned in the event that they gained outright.