Wild Card Weekend is where the NFL postseason truly begins. Six games. No margin for error. While higher seeds enjoy home-field advantage, history reminds us that January football has a way of humbling favorites and elevating underdogs.
Here are my Week 1 NFL Playoff predictions, complete with real teams and projected final scores.
AFC Wild Card Predictions
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans
Prediction: Browns win, 24–17
Cleveland’s defense is built for playoff football—physical, disciplined, and relentless. Houston’s future is bright, but playoff experience matters. Expect the Browns to control the pace and capitalize on key mistakes.
Winner: Browns
Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: Chiefs win, 27–23
This matchup brings speed versus experience. Miami will strike early, but Kansas City’s postseason composure and late-game execution give them the edge in a tight finish.
Winner: Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
Prediction: Bills win, 31–20
Pittsburgh keeps it physical, but Buffalo’s offensive firepower eventually takes over. A strong third quarter breaks the game open for the Bills.
Winner: Bills
NFC Wild Card Predictions
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: Cowboys win, 34–21
Dallas thrives at home and starts fast. While Green Bay battles early, the Cowboys’ balanced offense and defensive pressure prove too much by halftime.
Winner: Cowboys
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions
Prediction: Lions win, 27–24
This is the closest game of the weekend. Detroit’s home crowd plays a major role as the Lions grind out a late fourth-quarter drive to seal it.
Winner: Lions
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: Eagles win, 28–17
Philadelphia’s depth and playoff experience show up in the trenches. Tampa Bay competes early, but the Eagles pull away in the second half.
Winner: Eagles
Wild Card Weekend Takeaways
Expect at least one close finish
Turnovers will decide multiple games
Veteran quarterbacks remain a January advantage
Teams that survive Week 1 often gain unstoppable momentum
Final Prediction Summary
Advancing to the Divisional Round:
AFC: Browns, Chiefs, Bills
NFC: Cowboys, Lions, Eagles
Wild Card Weekend sets the tone for the entire postseason—and by the time the dust settles, the road to the Super Bowl becomes much clearer.
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