NFL Wildcard: Preview And Online Gambling Odds
Published January 5, 2020 by Sol FH
Saints vs. Vikings at 18:05 GMT, and Eagles vs. Seahawks at 21:40 GMT in the final two games of the NFL Wildcard.
Before we get to the last two games of the NFL Wildcard, let's talk about what we witnessed last night as we saw the New England Patriots exit the 2020 NFL playoffs the earliest that the squad has done so in the last decade. The Patriots lost 20-13 to the Tennesee Titans after a lackluster performance by Tom Brady saw him end the game without any TD pass and one interception. With the victory, the Titans will face the league-leading Ravens next week.
On the other side the league, the Houston Texans beat the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller, 22-19. Led by Deshaun Watson, who went 20-25 with 247 passing yards and a TD, the Texans will square off against the Chiefs next Sunday in the Divisional game.
NFC North vs. South
But let's get back to tonight's main events. The first of the last two Wildcard matchups take place in New Orleans as the Saints host the Vikings in what should be an incredible matchup. The visitors have some great news as they will have Dalvin Cook back at 100%, along with his teammate Adam Thielen. With Cook, the Vikings were 10-4 and without him, they were 0-2.
Kirk Cousins has had terrible luck in prime time games, one of the only QBs in the league to have never won a Monday Night game. Cousins is at a losing 6-13 all-time in prime time matchups, in his tenure with the Redskins and the Vikings respectively. The best thing for the Vikings would be to go into the 4th quarter with a lead as Cousins has never once won a game as a Viking when trailing in the final quarter at 0-10-1.
Having Cook back in the lineup will be crucial for Cousins to relieve pressure. Cook had 250 rushing touches for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns before his injury. He is a key part of this offense and the Vikings praise his return.
The Saints will be tough to beat, with several weapons at Drew Brees' disposal. Michael Thomas, Jared Cook, Alvin Kamara, and Tre'Quan Smith have helped Brees break records this season and have given the team a 13-3 record.
Prediction
The Saints are huge favorites to win tonight as online sportsbook 888 Sport has them up at 1.26 for the outright win, while Cousins and the Vikings are well-back at 4.00. Don't sleep on the Viking's though, as they are back, healthy, and looking for a big upset.
NFC East vs. West
The last game of the Wildcard is between the Eagles and the Seahawks, two teams that are set on making the next round. The Seahawks will be on-the-road tonight as Philadelphia was able to capture the divisional crown this year.
The Eagles are an underdog winning team, after being behind in the odds for their last five playoff games, going 4-1. No other team has more than one win as an underdog.
The Seahawks do have a lot going for them though. Russell Wilson has never lost to Philly. He has thrown for seven TDs and only one interception. He is also excellent on the ground with 115 yards, and, he has even caught a pass for a TD. The Seahawks are playing well, despite last weeks' loss.
Prediction
At 10Bet Sportsbook, the odds are incredibly close with the Seahawks just edging the Eagles at 1.90 to 1.95 respectively. Expect Seattle to take the fight to Philadelphia and make the next round.
