2021 NFL Playoffs: 10 Bold predictions for the Wild Card Round
Bold predictions for Super Wild Card Weekend to kick off the 2021 NFL Playoffs.
For the first time in history, the postseason will kick off with a Super Wild Card Weekend. The 2021 NFL Playoffs are the first time that six games will be played in the Wild Card Round after the addition of an extra Wild Card berth in each conference starting this year. Thus, we have a jam-packed slate with a triple-header on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s Wild Card Round action will include the Colts at the Bills, the Rams at the Seahawks, and the Buccaneers at Washington. The 2021 NFL Playoffs will continue on Sunday as the Ravens visit the Titans, the Bears are at the Saints, and the Browns cap things off by going on the road to play the Steelers.
With such a loaded slate, we’re bound to see some craziness. After all, that’s what makes the postseason great. So let’s make 10 bold predictions for the start of the 2021 NFL Playoffs in the Super Wild Card Weekend.
NFL Playoffs Wild Card prediction No. 10: Josh Allen struggles with 3 turnovers
Josh Allen’s strides made in his third season as the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback were undeniably impressive. The young signal-caller went from being a talented project player to being someone on the cusp of being an MVP candidate. But making that jump does not mean that the third-year player is ready to do the same when it comes to the NFL Playoffs.
We’ve seen it a million times before but postseason football is simply a different ballgame. While this isn’t Allen’s first foray into the playoffs, it is the first time that he’s come in as the driving force of the offense. And against a very talented Colts defense, that will lead to some issues on Saturday afternoon. Allen will make his presence felt but will stumble multiple times with a trio of turnovers.
NFL Playoffs Wild Card prediction No. 9: John Wolford scores two rush TDs
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff seems ready to take the field if necessary but, under two weeks after he had thumb surgery, it does seem unlikely that he’s going to play every snap for the team in their playoff matchup with the Seahawks. That means we’ll likely see former AAF standout John Wolford take meaningful snaps for the Rams once again. And with a week of experience under his belt, he’ll make some noise.
The issues for Seattle on the defensive side of the ball have persisted throughout the year and Wolford presents an interesting challenge. He was decent moving the ball through the air (22-of-38 for 231 yards) but truly flashed as a runner with 56 rushing yards on six carries. That will continue to be the case against the Seahawks in the Wild Card Round as he crosses the goal line twice using his legs.