Predicting every game of the 2020 NFL Playoffs
AFC Wild Card: Tennessee Titans (6) at New England Patriots (3)
Let’s be honest — unless you’re a Patriots fan, you were very happy to see Bill Belichick and Tom Brady suffer a Week 17 loss to steal away their first-round bye. It would give me even more joy to see them stumble again in the Wild Card round against the Tennessee Titans.
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Unfortunately, I just don’t see that happening.
As great as the Titans have been down the stretch, they’re going to have a difficult time getting themselves going against the Patriots. New England boasts the top defense in the NFL, arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time, and a future Hall of Fame coach who is always at his best during the playoffs.
With that said, the Titans won’t make it easy for Belichick and Co. Ryan Tannehill is dangerous under center, and Tennessee also brings Derrick Henry, the 2019 rushing title winner, to the battle. The Titans defense has also shown significant improvements down the stretch, which won’t make it easy for the suddenly declining Brady.
When it’s all said and done, though, I see the Patriots pulling out a clutch win to survive the Wild Card round. Belichick has his defense ready, and Brady does just enough to give the Patriots the edge. New England stays alive but doesn’t exactly strike fear in its future opponents.
Prediction: Patriots win 21-16