Here are 10 bold predictions for this weekend’s action.
Beastmode will finally leave his mark
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has used Marshawn Lynch minimally since he came out of retirement. Lambeau Field in the cold may make this week’s game the one in which we see him fully back.
Rodgers will follow suit
Drew Brees and the Saints are out. Tom Brady and the Patriots are out. The Packers’ future Hall of Famer will also be forced to watch the rest of the playoffs from their couches.
Return of the reigning MVP
Patrick Mahomes had a rather up-and-down year. The Chiefs’ game against the Texans to be a shootout and Mahomes will be the leader he was last season as he leads his team to the victory.
While the current one…
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and most of the starters haven’t seen in-game action in three weeks. After sitting out of the meaningless Week 17 game against the Steelers and having the bye week last week, Jackson will come out a little flat and out of sync. He also may be playing from behind all game long. I’ll even go as far as to say he will make a rare, late-game mistake, leading to the visiting Titans leaving Baltimore with the win.
But the runner-up…
Russell Wilson, with the help of Marshawn Lynch and another big game from D.K. Metcalf, will once again lead his Seahawks into the NFL Championship.
More late-game heroics
The Minnesota Vikings’ game against the 49ers game is another one that may wind up being a shootout. Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo will go score for score, but in the end, Garoppolo will lead his team to the winning score with the help of his tight end, George Kittle.
A non-factor
Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will have little impact against the 49ers’ defense, with the exception of a few check-down catches. They want Kirk Cousins to put the ball in the air so their secondary can get a huge takeaway.
The Henry express will roll through Baltimore
Similar to last week, Titans running back Derrick Henry will have a big day again, somewhere in the tune of 150-plus rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Patriots knew he was coming and couldn’t stop him. I see the Ravens’ defense having the same kind of luck. The NFL rushing leader will again be the top back this week.
Tanne-thrill will impress Saturday night
Fans outside of Tennessee have only seen Ryan Tannehill’s highlights on the various networks. Last week, he didn’t have to do much with the success Derrick Henry had. But this week, football fans will see what Titans fans saw the last 10 games of the season. He may even have the best performance by a quarterback this week.
Not so bold
At least one game’s outcome will be determined by a blatant missed call. The team that suffers from that call will have a sour taste in their mouths until the start of next season.
