Throughout the 2024 season, NFL Network analysts will provide one bold prediction heading into each week's slate of games (see the full NFL Wild Card Weekend schedule).
There weren't many Bo-Lievers to begin the season. I, however, was on board with Bo Nix from the jump, and I'm staying here this week, despite rookie starting quarterbacks going 5-17 in road playoff games since 1950, including a mark of 0-5 since 2015. Facing the Bills in Buffalo is a tall task, but the Broncos shock the world with a HUGE upset win over the AFC's No. 2 seed.
Both quarterbacks in the Commanders-Buccaneers clash have been fantasy gold all season. Jayden Daniels’ rushing ability has bolstered his passing acumen, while Baker Mayfield has been sneakily mobile. Look for the two QBs to continue to showcase their skills with six total TDs between them in what could be the most entertaining offensive matchup of the weekend.
Joe Mixon had seven games with 100-plus rush yards and at least one TD this season, the second-most in the NFL. Over the final month of the regular season, that type of production escaped Mixon; in Weeks 15-18, he averaged just 10 carries and 32.3 rush yards per game with zero touchdowns. But against the Chargers on Saturday, he rediscovers that early-season form, rushing for three touchdowns in a narrow win for Houston.
Two years ago, Brock Purdy broke Andrew Luck's record for combined passing and rushing yards in a rookie playoff debut, posting 348 against the Seahawks. The NFL is quickly changing, and rookie quarterbacks are somehow better every year. So this Wild Card Weekend, two rookies will hit the 350 mark to break Purdy's record: Jayden Daniels against the Buccaneers and Bo Nix against the Bills. Both will fall short of victory while facing equally impressive quarterbacks, but they'll take some history down with them.
The Eagles enter the postseason with the NFL's No. 2 rush offense, led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, who combined for 27 rushing touchdowns in the regular season. They continue that success in the first round of the playoffs against a very good Packers run defense. During the regular season, Green Bay allowed just 13 TDs on the ground -- but on Sunday, Philly's dynamic duo rushes for five scores.
There's been a lot of talk about this year's rookie class, most notably Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, and for good reason. As Offensive Player of the Year front-runners, each has made an immediate impact on his team this season, with Daniels pushing Washington to 12 wins and Nix helping Denver to 10. Their biggest feats are ahead, however, as both Daniels and Nix spearhead upset road victories on Wild Card Weekend.
Without Zay Flowers on the field Saturday, Lamar Jackson will need others to step up. Enter Rashod Bateman, who has five touchdown receptions on deep targets (passes of 20-plus air yards), tied for second in the NFL. He torches the Steelers secondary and connects with Jackson for two deep scores.
I think the Broncos will give the Bills everything they can handle in the wild-card game, assuming they can take care of the ball, maybe gain an early lead and control time of possession. Buffalo’s defense relies too heavily on turnovers, and for a rookie, Bo Nix has been mostly cautious with ball security. Josh Allen and Co. will make just enough plays to win, but it will lead to questions about whether Buffalo truly is capable of a Super Bowl run this season.
