Shane’s NFL Wild Card Roundup – Sunday

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS (-7)

Over/Under: 50.5

Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love, how are ya now? I bet he’s feeling really good after a dominant season that looked bleak early on with injuries and inefficient offensive play. Now we are in postseason play with a hot Aaron Jones running, and a defense that seems to have come together stronger as the regular season concluded. You have to assume Coach Lafleur is going to want to beat his predecessor and continue this hot streak with a young, Cinderella-esque team.

Dallas Cowboys

This is a revenge game for head coach Mike McCarthy, and it also could possibly be his last game as a Cowboy if he fails to win, since Jerry Jones has clearly hinted at that. Mike has the team firing on all cylinders, though, even without a potent run game. Ceedee Lamb and Dak Prescott are tag-teaming every secondary they face. Micah Parsons could win Defensive Player of the Year all the while being double teamed and podcasting every night. The whole line is eating and the secondary seems capable of holding if the line keeps pressure.

Outcome

The Cowboys at home are one of the best teams in the NFL. The Cowboys have also been known to lose big games, while the Packers have won some big games. The Packers have also lost some bad games, though. One thing about these two teams that we can all agree on, is the defense will give up points to good offenses. Gimme the over 50.5.

LOS ANGELES RAMS AT DETROIT LIONS (-3)

Over/Under: 51.5

Los Angeles Rams

Talk about a revenge campaign, as Matthew Stafford comes full circle to Detroit after winning a Super Bowl two years ago when he was traded from the Lions for Jared Goff. I’m sure both sides can say they have benefitted from the trade, but both teams are demanding a win today, and having that knowledge is an extra bonus. With that being said, Matt has Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua full throttle and should light this suspect defense up. Don’t forget Kyren Williams who has been one of the best running backs in the league this year, barring some injuries. Aaron Donald and his merry band of defenders look to contain a high-powered offense and might surprise some people with how they play.

Detroit Lions

This is the ultimate trial by fire for this team if you ask me. You must slay Stafford and the elite Rams to continue your postseason play, and destroy the postseason legacy of previous Lions teams. Dan Campbell seems like the guy to do that – both emotionally and spiritually. End of the day it comes down to ole Jared’s play at QB and if he can outpace Stafford and the boys. He has the weapons around him even with his offensive line falling apart. The defense lacks serious playmaking, but tends to the old motto of “bend, don’t break”. The pass rush will need to play their best game or the air attack will flatten their field.

Outcome

The over is screaming at your face and the Rams looking solid going to Detroit seems so sexy. You can be talked into either side, as both teams are buzzing. Give me the Lions -3. I got to rock with the home team that’s buzzing and looking stronger than ever. McVay already confirmed he will be back next year – I don’t know how that plays into this but it does. I love Puka props, but I just think the Lions outpace the Rams.