2021 NFL Playoffs picks, score predictions for Wild Card Round

Chicago Bears (7) at New Orleans Saints (2)

Sunday, January 10, 4:40PM ET

While not quite to the same extent as Washington, I also don’t feel like the Chicago Bears really belong in the playoffs. They snuck in due in large part to the Arizona Cardinals’ blunder against the Rams. Maybe the NFL had it right with six playoff teams per conference…

As you can obviously imagine, I’m rolling with the New Orleans Saints in this one. They’ve proven themselves to be one of the most consistent teams of the 2020 season, due in large part to a rock-solid defense, outstanding offensive line and the combination of Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara in the backfield.

Meanwhile, you’ve got what for Chicago? Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback, and a gaggle of hot-or-cold options at running back? The Bears defense is exceptional, but even it has had its fair share of ugly games this season. And more often than not, it’s not dominant enough to make up for the offense’s shortcomings.

The Saints don’t have a perfect game, but Brees scores often enough to keep the Bears from ever getting too close on the scoreboard. A late score in the final seconds makes it look close than it is, but it’s clear that Chicago wasn’t ready to make a legitimate postseason run.

Prediction: Saints win 34-23