Nat Coombs' NFL Wildcard Weekend Tips Including Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence Vs Josh Allen is the most intriguing QB matchup of Wildcard Weekend, the hot hand against the best QB left in the mix.
Much has been written about Allen’s opportunity with so many of his elite counterparts – Mahomes, Burrow, Jackson – removed from contention.
But despite another excellent season from the Bills leader, underpinned by an exceptional rushing attack enabled by his dual threat capabilities, Allen is short-stacked.
With a below-par receiving team that’s missing a genuine star receiver and is heavily reliant on the production of Tight Ends Dalton Kincaid & Dawson Knox, the former dealing with injuries during the season, the team's outlook is uncertain.
Nat Coombs' NFL Wildcard Weekend Tips:
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 1: Bills @ Jags: Jags On Moneyline - 10/11 With BetMGM
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 2: Bills @ Jags: Over 51 Total Points - 5/6 With BetMGM
- Nat Coombs' Panel Pick 3: Rams @ Panthers: Rams (+10) - 10/11 With BetMGM
Bills @ Jaguars
Lawrence is finally living up to his high ceiling, due to the direction of first-year Head Coach Liam Cohen, who worked wonders with Baker Mayfield last season in Tampa, and is repeating the trick, bringing out Lawrence’s best form of his NFL career.
The addition of dependable vet Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline has been significant, adding another capable threat, and has opened up opportunity for a revitalised Brian Thomas.
Travis Etienne is another comeback kid, Lawrence’s former college tag team partner is having the best season of his career, and the Jacksonville offence is humming, playing with range, versatility and swagger.
But it’s the Jags defence that has been underrated, despite its impressive numbers down the stretch – a Top 6 D in EPA per play in the final third of the season.
It’s a tough call to back against the superpowers of Allen, especially in his year of apparent destiny, and he’ll pull some X-factor manoeuvres in Duval, but the Jags have belief, homefield advantage and momentum.
With little separating the two on betting apps, it’s the game of the weekend, and as such, I’m taking two picks from it.
Nat's Selection 1: Bills @ Jags: Jags On Moneyline - 10/11 With BetMGM
Nat's Selection 2: Bills @ Jags: Over 51 Total Points - 5/6 With BetMGM
Rams @ Panthers
The second game that I’m having action on this weekend is the opening game of Wild Card Weekend, where the Rams visit the Panthers as double-digit favourites with most betting sites.
Despite their lower seeding, I still have the Rams in the Super Bowl, and I believe they will exert their dominance over a team that’s frankly making up the numbers, squeaking into the playoffs despite losing their final game to Tampa Bay.
Sure, Carolina dropped LA earlier in the season, but it was a freakish game, and for much of the season, the Rams have demonstrated some of the most comprehensive balance across both sides of the ball.
Additionally, they’ve taken clinical and necessary steps to bolster their special teams, a weak link, and in Matthew Stafford and Sean McVeigh, they have one of the two best quarterbacks in the playoffs (along with Allen).
They also have one of the most impressive head coaches, who already has a Super Bowl ring in his locker.
Carolina have some sparks – most notably Tet McMillan, who’s been a revelation in his rookie year and should get their flowers for posting a far better year than many saw, but this feels like a statement win for a team locked in for a Super Bowl run.
Nat's Selection 3: Rams @ Panthers: Rams (+10) - 10/11 With BetMGM
