NFL Wildcard Games Preview and Predictions
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### Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans
**Quarterbacks:**
- Cleveland: Joe Flacco has proven solid under Coach Stefanski.
- Houston: C.J. Stroud exceeded expectations, displaying composure and skill.
**Offense:**
- Cleveland relies on Cooper and Njoku.
- Houston boasts Singletary and Collins for offensive prowess.
**Defense:**
- Browns' top-ranked defense led by Myles Garrett.
- Texans show improved defense, emphasizing Greenard and Anderson.
**Special Teams:**
- Browns' reliable but with PK change.
- Texans with Fairbairn's accuracy and Pierce's returns.
**Predicted Winner:** Houston 2 ½, Cleveland 1 ½
- Stroud's potential and home advantage favor the Texans.
### Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
**Quarterbacks:**
- Miami relies on Tagovailoa's accuracy.
- Kansas City expects Mahomes' postseason prowess.
**Offense:**
- Miami's challenge in cold weather.
- Chiefs aim for a balanced attack with Kelce and Rice.
**Defense:**
- Injuries hit Miami hard.
- Chiefs' solid defense, led by Jones and Karlaftis.
**Special Teams:**
- Dolphins hope for Sanders' cold-weather performance.
- Chiefs show strength in kicking and return game.
**Predicted Winner:** Kansas City 3 ½, Miami ½
- Chiefs' advantages, including weather and defensive strength, may overpower the Dolphins.
### Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
**Quarterbacks:**
- Steelers see improvement with Rudolph.
- Bills rely on Allen’s dynamism despite occasional recklessness.
**Offense:**
- Steelers need support from Harris and Pickens.
- Bills showcase Cook and Diggs' playmaking ability.
**Defense:**
- Injuries could hinder Steelers’ defense, particularly Watt's absence.
- Bills show improvements and key players like Bernard and Poyer.
**Special Teams:**
- Steelers have a dependable Boswell and decent returns.
- Bills' special teams, although boosted in recent victories, show inconsistencies.
**Predicted Winner:** Buffalo 2 ½, Pittsburgh 1 ½
- Bills enter the playoffs in their prime and may capitalize on the Steelers' limitations.
Each game presents unique challenges and strengths for the teams, but the predicted winners leverage home advantage, quarterback performances, and overall team capabilities to secure victories.
Thanks - Jason