2023 NFL Playoffs: Predictions for NFL Wild Card weekend
By Grant Tuttle
Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (NBC) Saturday, 7:15 pm
This is a game that may or may not directly impact the Chiefs. It will all come down to the lowest remaining seed after the league’s Wild Card weekend. If everything goes according to what is expected, the Chiefs will be playing the winner of this game in the divisional round. With that in mind, it is also entirely possible that they play another team that upsets a higher seed.
This game is truly a toss-up. One moment the Chargers look like they are one of the best teams in the NFL. In the next, they are losing to the Broncos and Raiders. The Jaguars have an undeniably explosive offense. While there is very little experience on that team, they could easily become this year’s “Cinderella Story” if they can get by the Chargers.
In a Week 3 meeting, the Chargers got pummeled by the up-and-coming Jaguars 38-10. After that game, Jacksonville went on a five-game losing streak that included losses to the Raiders, Texans, Colts, and Broncos. Of course, the Jags turned it around and the rest is history, but it does beg the question, “Who is going to win this one?”
The Bottom Line
This one might be the most exciting matchup of the weekend. Not only does it feature two teams that have very little playoff experience, but it also features a fun quarterback battle and unpredictable defenses. What I expect is this: Jacksonville and Los Angeles go into overtime and the Jaguars win a wild one. Herbert and Trevor Lawrence will trade touchdowns for much of this one, but what it will come down to is a handful of plays. With the combination of Doug Pederson and Travis Etienne torching a bad run defense, Jacksonville will ultimately win. It’s almost like they are uniquely built to take on the Chargers. L.A. will make it close to the end, though.
Prediction: Jaguars 37, Chargers 34