Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans, Saturday January 7, @ 4:35

This is a battle of the wounded, as both teams are without their starter. Tom Savage of the Texans left the last game with a concussion which could lead to Brock Osweiler starting and Matt McGloin suffered a shoulder injury that led to Connor Cook’s first NFL game at QB. This will be about which team can play better defense, and I believe that Houston is the team that can get that done against a Derek Carr-less Raiders in a close match-up.

Prediction: Texans 20, Raiders 13

Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Saturday January 7th, @8:35

While the Seahawks defense hasn’t been as good as they have in recent years, they are still a force to be reckoned with. While Matthew Stafford has led clutch drives, I don’t think he’ll get it done this week in Seattle. Russell Wilson will make just enough plays to get it done, and Seahawks advance on.

Prediction: Seahawks 23, Lions 17

Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday January 8th @1:05 PM

The Dolphins beat the Steelers 30-15 the last time these two teams played. Jay Ajayi, Dolphins RB, gashed the Steelers defense for over 200 yards. In that game, the Steelers were missing Middle Linebacker Ryan Shazier, and Outside Linebacker Bud Dupree. Both of them will be back for this game. Ben Roethlisberger was playing on an injured knee. This game should be a lot better for the Steelers, who are going healthy into the playoffs for the first time in many years after resting their starters against the Browns. Steelers come out strong going into the next round.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Dolphins 17

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers, Sunday January 8th, @4:40pm

The last time these two teams met in October the Packers won 23-16, but since then, the Giants have been hot, and the Packers have too. Aaron Rodgers is in the MVP conversation for his dominant QB play, but Eli Manning has won his last two meetings in the playoffs at Lambeau Field. Expect him to only have won 2 of his last 3 after this week. I don’t see the Giants defense stopping Aaron Rodgers completely, but same goes for the Packers defense with Veteran Eli Manning and OBJ. Packers win in a close match-up.
Prediction: Packers 27, Giants 24