Wild Card Weekend 2020: Cases for the underdogs
The 2020 NFL season has arrived at Wild Card Weekend, and there’s a half-dozen tilts in the new format. Here’s a reason to bet the underdogs.
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
The Colts aren’t the typical last team into the playoffs. At 11-5, they have quality wins over the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans this season, two teams who scored more points than any other this year. Additionally, Jonathan Taylor finished third in rushing yards this season as a rookie, spurned on by the last seven contests in which he gained 741 yards on the ground. Look for the Colts to cover and potentially win.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)
This is all about the Los Angeles defense. Nobody gave up fewer yards per play, and none have been tougher against the pass. In two games against the Rams this year, the Seahawks struggled to get chunk plays in the air, as All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey blanketed receiver D.K. Metcalf. Oh, and then there’s Aaron Donald. Los Angeles can cover regardless of who its quarterback is, but if Jared Goff plays, the Rams have a shot to advance.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8) at Washington Football Team
Another game about defense for the underdog. Washington has invested five recent first-round picks into its front seven including Ryan Kerrigan, Chase Young, Da’Ron Payne, Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen. The investment has paid off, as the Football Team has 47.5 sacks, led by nine from Sweat. If Washington can create turnovers and short fields, it could cover against Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans
What case really needs to be made? This is the juiciest spot for an upset this weekend. Tennessee has a terrific offense led by Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown and Corey Davis. The defense is terrible against the pass, but Baltimore is the least-aggressive passing team in the postseason. Also, the Titans knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs last year and then beat them again in November.
Read: NFL Head Coach Carousel – Houston Texans Will Have Hard Time
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-10)
Mitch Trubisky plays well. If he doesn’t, the Saints will pull away and perhaps blow out Chicago. Trubisky doesn’t need to be prolific, but he must control the ball with third-down conversions and avoid interceptions. If he accomplishes those tasks, Chicago will cover the big number.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6)
No coach, no problem? Look, the Steelers have the best pass rush in football. Baker Mayfield needs his terrific offensive line and the combo of Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb to pound the ball successfully. Pittsburgh’s offense is poor and might not take full advantage of Cleveland’s hideous defense, another reason to think six points is too large of a line.
