NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn gives predictions for the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
Colts at Texans (Sat. 4:35 p.m. ESPN/ABC)
This is round 3 between these two AFC South foes. In the regular season both won by three points on the other's turf. Andrew Luck and DeShaun Watson are different styles of QBs but both are effective at what they do. Watson has been sacked 62 times this season. DeAndre Hopkins and TY Hilton can blow the top off a defense. Colts have the 11th ranked defense. Texans D is ranked 12th. Frank Reich has done an incredible job in his first year at Indy. This one is so close to call, I had to throw a dart at a dartboard. Looks like I'm giving the Texans a slight edge.
Seahawks at Cowboys (Sat. 8:15 p.m. FOX)
Both teams played some of their best football down the stretch. Seattle won six of its last seven, and Dallas won seven of its last eight. Not many expected the 'Hawks to be a serious playoff contender considering the volume of talent they lost since last season. But kudos to Pete Carroll and his coaching staff for holding it together and getting his guys to believe in themselves. Seattle has the top-ranked rushing offense (160.0 ypg). The 'Boys want to feed Ezekiel Elliott the rock to take pressure off Dak Prescott. The 'Hawks beat the Cowboys in Seattle back in week 3. Russell Wilson has won many big games in his career. Prescott has not. Dallas will be one and done.
Chargers at Ravens (Sun. 1:05 p.m. CBS)
Baltimore's top ranked defense has frustrated many opponents this season including the Chargers when they held Los Angeles to a season low 10 points in week 16 out west. Philip Rivers and company have to figure out a way to keep the Ravens on their heels. Lamar Jackson has added a jolt to the Ravens' offense. Ravens who are 2nd in the league in rushing ran for 159 against the Chargers. Game time temperature in Baltimore is supposed to be 53 degrees. But the Chargers will get a cold reception, and Baltimore will put them in a deep freeze.
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