Two more intriguing matchups complete Wild Card Weekend. In the first game, the LA Chargers take on the surprising Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are favored by 2 1/2 points. Rookie QB Lamar Jackson offers new offensive dimensions to the Ravens’ scoring abilities. But, will it be enough to defeat the wily old veteran QB, Philip Rivers? Reigning Super Bowl Champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, take on the menacing Chicago Bears. Can Nick Foles do it again? Vegas doesn’t think so: the Bears are favored by 6 points. I’m picking the Ravens and the Bears. Who do you think will win these games?
I’m with you—both the Ravens and the Bears have been surprise teams this season and I think they’re both going to push through to the next round.
Deb, the Ravens haven’t been in the Playoffs in 4 years, the Bears haven’t made the Playoffs since 2010. But both teams look impressive!
I was disappointed – but not really surprised – that the Cowboys beat the Seahawks last night. I would like to see the Chargers win, but if I was going to bet, it would be on the Ravens. Bears are a more solid pick over the Eagles.
If it goes that way, it will be the Bears at the Rams and the Cowboys at the Saints next week. Also, Indianapolis at Kansas City and Chargers/Ravens at New England.
Jeff, Rick Robinson and Cap’n Bob have to be bummed that the Seahawks struggled so much against the Cowboys. The Saints need to be careful since the Cowboys are suddenly a dangerous looking team.
Unlike the last few weeks, when I anticipated the games very nervously, I am remarkably calm about today. I guess I expect the Ravens to lose.
A) I think when the two teams have met recently, the team that lost the first one has the advantage in the second, because the winner should have a similar game plan, and the loser can make adjustments to it. The Ravens only know that the Chargers will be doing something different.
B) Rookie quarterbacks rarely win playoff games. They mostly gain experience for next time. Joe Flacco won for the Ravens as a rookie — he was only the fourth ever at the time. I expect Lamar Jackson to gain experience.
I’ll be happy to be wrong.
Jeff, Philip Rivers will test the Ravens defense. I’m hoping Lamar Jackson can wear out the Chargers defense by running around (and not getting hurt). But this is going to be a tough game.
I guess Jeff was right after all. The Chargers had answers for everything Jackson and the Ravens tried today. I was impressed.
Chargers and Bears would be my pick. I’ll be watching the first game when I come back inside after starting cleanup of a tree that blew over in our 40+ mph winds last night. It was really howling!
Rick, I thought that howling sound was you watching the Seahawks in Dallas!
Sure, George, rub it in. Hopefully, they will be better next year.
Rick, I was expecting a “BAH!” as a result of that Seahawk loss. I’m sure Seattle will be better next year.
Well, they made it exciting at the end. Chargers at New England and Colts at Kansas City next weekend.