With all 17 weeks of the regular season behind us, the stage is set for the 2021 NFL playoffs. The newly implemented playoffs format saw 14 teams make the cut as opposed to the usual 12, with only one team being granted a first round bye in each conference. This Wild Card weekend brings three games on each day of the weekend. Let’s take a look at the Sunday matchups in what is poised to be one of the most exciting playoffs in recent memory.
Baltimore Ravens v Tennessee Titans (1:05 PM Sun 1/10)
The most exciting matchup of the weekend features a rematch of the 2019 AFC Divisional round, where an overconfident Ravens team was obliterated by the Tennessee Titans behind the masterful running of running back Derrick Henry. MVP Lamar Jackson was stifled by the Titans defense and Ryan Tannehil proved that he was the right quarterback for Tennessee. This time around, the Titans have the home-field advantage and Henry looks as dominant as ever. He joined the exclusive 2,000 yard club this season, becoming the eighth running back to rush for over that mark in league history.
The Ravens boast an impressive sixth-ranked secondary, led by cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. While they rank top-10 in stopping the run as well, Henry has had the Ravens’ number over the last year, including an impressive 133 yard performance in Week 11 of 2020. Having Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams back in the mix will aid Baltimore against Henry.
Stopping the run game will be key for each team. The Ravens and Titans have the first and second ranked run games in the league. The Ravens’ offense is built entirely around their run game, spearheaded by Jackson and rookie RB JK Dobbins, while ranking last in passing-offense.
All eyes will be on Lamar Jackson this game. With no playoff wins to his name thus far, Jackson must prove that he can get it done when the Ravens need him the most. Tennessee’s middling defense and non-existent pass rush gives him the perfect opportunity to dispel his playoff demons. They focus for Baltimore, however, is to contain Henry. If Baltimore lets the Titans establish the run early on and jump out to an early lead like in 2019, then the Ravens could be looking at a quick exit once again.
Chicago Bears v New Orleans Saints (4:40 PM Sun 1/10)
In what could be Drew Brees’ last season in the NFL, he has done his part and managed to lift the team to the second seed in this year’s playoffs. Even without the help of All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas, New Orleans has kept steady this year, and held its ground against each of its losses to the first seeds in 2020 (Packers and Chiefs). The offense runs through star running back Alvin Kamara, who ran for 155 yards and six touchdowns in his last game. He will be entering the game with fresh legs, as he sat out the final week of the season due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, New Orleans boasts the most complete defense in the NFL, ranking top five in both rushing and passing.
The Chicago Bears enter the playoffs with an underwhelming 8-8 record. Despite their mediocrity, they managed to take the Saints to overtime in their regular season matchup, with the Saints winning with a walk-off field goal. The Bears defense will have to put serious pressure on Brees and manage to return to their elite pass defense from earlier in the season. Since Week 10, they have allowed quarterbacks to complete nearly 70 percent of their passes and pass for a passer rating of 110. Chicago’s offense has shown signs of life as of late as well, as the coaches are finally coaching behind QB Mitchell Trubisky’s strengths.
Barring a humiliating defeat to the top-seeded Packers, the Bears offense has managed 25 or more points in their last six weeks. The Bears have weapons on offense, as RB David Montgomery finished top five in rushing yards this season and WR Allen Robinson has been one of the best targets in the league. Chicago will have to play the game of their season to have any shot at beating a formidable Saints squad.
Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers (8:15 PM Sun 1/10)
Despite playing in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns have found a way through to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Since being drafted first overall in 2018, many were beginning to write him off as the latest addition to the long list of failed Cleveland QBs. Despite the critics, he has played a key role in changing the Browns’ losing ways.
Despite a solid 11-5 record, the team has had its inconsistencies throughout the season. While they have managed a season high of 49 points in a game, there have been six games in which the team has scored 20 points or less, including four where they failed to score more than ten. Nevertheless, the two-headed monster of RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will be tough for any team to slow down.
Since going undefeated through the first 11 weeks of the season, Pittsburgh holds a record of just 1-4 in their last five matchups, with two of those losses coming to teams with losing records (Cincinnati and Washington). Pittsburgh’s recipe for success will be to contain the tandem of Chubb and Hunt, as well as utilizing TJ Watt to his fullest potential. The Steelers need to force as much pressure as possible to disrupt Mayfield, who is one of the best QBs when there is limited pressure.
Not much can be inferred from Cleveland’s win over Pittsburgh just a week prior, as the Steelers rested their key starters. Despite this, Cleveland still managed to let up 300 passing yards to Steelers backup Mason Rudolph. While Pittsburgh has one of the most unimaginative offenses out of all playoff teams, the Browns secondary has been just as bad. The Browns make up for it with a solid defensive front, led by defensive ends Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. Expect a competitive affair this time around and don’t be surprised if the Browns pull off one for the ages.
MoCoStudent Predictions
Steelers 27, Browns 23
Titans 33, Ravens 23
Saints 27, Bears 24
Article By Lucas Corea of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Caroline Dinh of Richard Montgomery High School