NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Saturday predictions, betting preview and free picks

Free NFL picks, best bets and previews for the Super Wild Card Weekend Saturday games in the 2020 NFL season.

Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 6.05pm Saturday

Best bet

Buffalo -6.5
2pts 20-21 Betfred

Match preview

Buffalo have arrived at the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NFL and the AFC second seeds are unlikely to fall at the first playoff hurdle against seventh seeds Indianapolis.

The Bills' performance would normally have earned them a passage directly to the divisional round, while the Colts' efforts would usually have seen them miss the cut for the post-season party, but the new playoff format has still produced an interesting contest.

The 13-3 Bills have won their last six games, which includes crushing victories by 48-19, 38-9 and 56-26 in their last three outings, and quarterback Josh Allen continues to baffle all those who thought he would never be the real deal.

The imposing QB was all at sea in terms of accuracy in his early days in the league but 37 regular-season TD passes, up from 20 last year, show how much progress he has made.

The Colts missed out on the AFC South title on the final day and won 11 games this season, which should earn them a little more respect than the lowest seeds would normally get, but quarterback Philip Rivers does not have much tread left on his tyres and they have been hit by injuries on their offensive line.

They are leaning more on their running game and rookie running back Jonathan Taylor is likely to be the key if they are to cause an upset.

But the Bills have been extremely impressive lately, winning seven out of eight games at home, and should kick off the playoffs by making a statement of intent under shrewd coach Sean McDermott.

Team news

Indianapolis

Offensive tackles Will Holdenand Anthony Castonzo and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin are out. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is rated questionable.

Buffalo

Wide receivers Cole Beasley and Stefon Diggs are the Bills' only injury concerns.

Key stats

• Buffalo have covered the handicap in each of their last eight games.
• The points total has gone over in five of Indianapolis' last six away games.
• The Bills have won six games in a row.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 9.40pm Saturday

Best bet

LA Rams +3.5
1pt 20-23 Paddy Power

Match preview

The Rams faltered a little towards the end of the regular season, losing two of their last three games, but they remain a test for anyone thanks to their impressive defence and they can at least keep it close against Seattle.

The Seahawks would normally have earned a major advantage from being at home as the third seeds as their crowd is famously one of the loudest around.

With no fans permitted this season that assistance is no longer there, although Seattle still managed to win seven of their eight home games including a 20-9 victory over the Rams in Week 16 that clinched the NFC West title.

LA won the teams' first meeting this season 23-16 in California and they look worth backing with a handicap start to at least keep it close.

The Rams may choose to stick with John Wolford at quarterback even if Jared Goff is declared fit after a thumb injury. The undrafted passer had some early struggles in his first career start last week but found his feet to steer LA to an 18-7 win over Arizona.

The Seahawks rallied to beat San Francisco last week but they may need quarterback Russell Wilson to be at his sublime best to score a clear-cut victory.

Team news

LA Rams

Quarterback Jared Goff, offensive lineman David Edwards and linebacker Micah Kiser are rated questionable. John Wolford will start at QB if Goff is not fit. Running back Cam Akers is set to play.

Seattle

Cornerback Shaquill Griffin and defensive tackle Jarran Reed are rated questionable. Safety Jamal Adams and guard Mike Iupati are set to play.

Key stats

• The Rams have covered the handicap in five of their last seven games against Seattle.
• Seattle have won seven of their last eight home games.
• The points total has gone under in 11 of the Rams' last 13 games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team

Sky Sports NFL, 1.15am Saturday night

Best bet

Tampa Bay -7.5
1pt 20-21 Betfred

Match preview

Washington are the higher seeds and hosts for this playoff game despite having a losing 7-9 record this season and winning only three of their eight home games.

That's because they play in the NFL's worst division, the NFC East, and they may struggle to hold back Tom Brady's 11-5 Tampa Bay team, who are unsurprisingly heavy favourites for this game.

Washington have plenty of pieces in place to be a top team in the future, with running back Antonio Gibson, wide receiver Terry McLaurin their offensive stars, while rookie defensive end Chase Young leads an impressive defensive line.

Quarterback Alex Smith looks a certainty to win Comeback Player of the Year for his miraculous recovery to start games again after a serious leg injury but he has been bothered by a calf injury and Taylor Heinicke may need to fill in.

That's not a recipe for keeping pace with Tom Brady and his marauding Buccaneers, who have found their stride again.

Their mid-season wobble was not quite as bad as it looks as their three defeats in four games were all against decent teams in the Saints, Rams and Chiefs and their 11 wins was four more than Washington recorded.

Tampa Bay should take this contest before moving on to bigger challenges ahead.

Team news

Tampa Bay

A late decision will be made on wide receiver Mike Evans. Defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter is out. Cornerback Carlton Davis is set to play.

Washington

Linebacker Thomas Davis has been ruled out. Quarterback Alex Smith, running back Antonio Gibson and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are rated questionable but expected to play.

Key stats

• Tampa Bay have covered the handicap in four of their last five games.
• The points total has gone under on four of Tampa Bay's last five visits to Washington.
• Tampa Bay have won their last five away games.

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