The NFL playoffs begin this weekend with the Wild Card Round. This was truly an unusual year in the NFL and things didn’t go according to plan for some teams. Playoff regulars like the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks didn’t make the 12 team playoff field, replaced by teams like the Los Angeles Rams (first playoff appearance since 2004), Buffalo Bills (first appearance since 1999), Tennessee Titans (first appearance since 2008), and Jacksonville Jaguars (first appearance since 2007). Let’s dive in and look at some of the matches.

AFC Wild Card: Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Saturday at 3:30 pm Central Time on ABC

This is probably the least exciting matchup of the weekend. The most intriguing aspect of it won’t be on the field, but in the announcers booth as Jon Gruden is scheduled to call the game for ABC/ESPN while reports of him becoming the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders spread like wildfire. It will be interesting to see how Gruden/ESPN approach the entire situation.

As far as the game itself, I expect the Chiefs to take advantage of the home field advantage they will have Saturday afternoon. The Chiefs started the year as the best team in the league, starting off 5-0 including winning at New English on opening night. They stumbled during the middle of the season, but have seemed to regain their footing by finishing the regular season with four straight wins. Quarterback Alex Smith leads the league in total QBR with a rating of 104.7, and the Chiefs offense also features super rookie Kareem Hunt, the NFL’s rushing leader. The Titans have some young and talented playmakers on their offense, and should be a force in the league for years to come. For now however, I expect the more experienced Chiefs to take care of business on Saturday.

My prediction: Chiefs win 21-10

NFC Wild Card: Atlanta Falcons vs. Los Angeles Rams – Saturday at 7:15 pm Central Time on NBC

Two high powered offenses will face off in this matchup. Reigning NFL MVP Matt Ryan leads the Falcons back into the playoffs looking to redeem themselves after their collapse in the Super Bowl last season against the New England Patriots. The Rams are led by second year quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley, a candidate for this year’s MVP Award. I give the edge in this matchup to LA. The Falcons have played inconsistent throughout the season, and the Rams defense is for real.

My prediction: Rams win 28-20

AFC Wild Card: Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday at Noon Central Time on CBS

You read that right. The Bills and Jaguars are playing a game against each other. In the playoffs. In 2018. Nobody saw that coming at the beginning of the year.

After barely squeaking into the playoffs at literally the last possible second, quarterback Tyrod Taylor and the Bills will have to solve the Jaguars tough defense, which has given opponents fits all season. The Jags also have quarterback Blake Bortles and rookie running back Leonard Fournette to cause damage on the offensive side of the ball.

My prediction: Jaguars win 21-7

NFC Wild Card: Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints – Sunday at 3:30 pm Central Time on FOX

This should be the best game of the weekend. Two 11-5 division rivals who have played each other twice this season. New Orleans won both of the earlier matchups and will have home field advantage on Sunday. Drew Brees is second in the league in QBR with a rating of 103.9, and running back Mark Ingram is fifth in the league in rushing yards on the season. I think the tough New Orleans defense will frustrate Carolina quarterback Cam Newton all afternoon.

My prediction: Saints win 28-7