NFL preview

NFL 15-16/01/22: New England Patriots face Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bucs and Philadelphia Eagles collide

After a thrilling end to the regular NFL season, we turn our attention to the playoffs. The format has changed as Wild Weekend kicks things off, with all roads leading to the Super Bowl on February 13. We will preview three matches, including the Buffalo Bills v New England Patriots, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Philadelphia Eagles, and supply the latest match odds.

Buffalo Bills handed a boost ahead of New England Patriots clash

The Bills were handed a bit of good news ahead of their clash with New England Patriots. Rookie defensive tackle Christian Barmore didn’t suffer extensive knee damage as initially feared in the 27-10 defeat to the Miami Jets last Sunday, and so he is in contention to face the Pats.

However, defensive back Shaun Wade has been added to the COVID list, so his involvement in the playoffs will be limited. The Bills finished top of the AFC East division with an 11-6 record, and they will have high hopes of going deep in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills’ clash with the New England Patriots could be bone-shattering

We’re probably not being overly dramatic when we say there could be a cold snap when the Bills take on the Patriots. It could go down as one of the coldest games in franchise history. It is thought temperatures could plummet to around 4 degrees at kick-off, and it would be the third time in the Bills’ history they have played in single-digit figures.

Bill Belichick has little left to prove

In his 20 years in charge of the Patriots, Bill Belichick it seems has little left to prove. Heading into the Wild Card Weekend round of games, his side finished the season with a 10-7 record, and having won six Super Bowl titles, you wouldn’t put it past him to go all the way again. The Bills have been warned!

Tampa Bay Bucs hoping the cavalry can sweep them to Super Bowl glory again

Last year, Tom Brady played a starring role as the Tampa Bay Bucs stormed to a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The decorated quarterback clinched his seventh Super Bowl crown in the process, and he may need to perform some heroics if his side are going to defend their title.

Three Tampa Bay Bucs stars return to practice ahead of Philadelphia Eagles clash

After being riddled by injuries, the Bucs seem to be working their way back to full health. Three stars – running back Giovanni Bernard, linebacker Lavonte David and running back Leonard Fournette – all returned to practice. Bernard and David have been out for a month, and the Bucs will hope they can play some part in the playoffs.

In particular, David has been a big loss for the Bucs. He started 12 games during the regular season for the Bucs, and he recorded 97 tackles, as well as four quarterback hits. If the Bucs can stay fit during the playoffs, there’s no reason why they can’t have a fabulous run once again.

Meanwhile, the Eagles will also be hoping to have a near full-strength side for the trip to face the Bucs. They recently got several players who had been placed on the COVID list, including defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Kansas City Chiefs need to move on after a disappointing end to the regular season

After a season that had so much to celebrate, the Kansas City Chiefs ended the regular season with a 34-31 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs topped the AFC West division with a 12-5 record, but NFL is all about bit momentum, and hopefully, fans will be hoping the defeat to the Bengals was a mere blip.

In stark contrast, the Pittsburgh Steelers ran out 26-14 winners over the Bengal Browns in Week 18 of the regular NFL season. However, the Steelers will be relieved after Najee Harris (elbow) and Diontae Johnson (ribs) both had injury scares in the final game of the season – but they should both be passed fit to face the Chiefs.

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