The Silcoff Selections: NFL Wildcard Weekend Picks Straight Up & ATS

The Silcoff Selections are here for the wildcard round of the 2024 NFL Season! Below are my records for my straight up and against the spread picks for the season thus far.

Records Last Week:

Straight Up: 10-6

Against The Spread: 3-12-1

Season Records:

Straight Up: 182-90

Against The Spread: 133-132-7

Game 1: (5) Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) @ (4) Houston Texans (10-7) I Line: Chargers -3

Both offenses have had their share of ups and downs throughout the season, but one seems to be finding its rhythm while the other hasn't. Justin Herbert and the Chargers have scored 30 or more points in each of their last three regular-season games, whereas the Texans have struggled to even approach that number. Houston's offensive line has been horrendous all year, and I think this elite Chargers defense will pressure Stroud all day, ultimately leading to a Los Angeles victory.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Texans 16

Game 2: (6) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) @ (3) Baltimore Ravens (12-5) I Line: Ravens -10

I don't blame anyone, but it seems as if everyone has bailed on the Steelers. During their four-game losing streak, the offense has been putrid, and the defense has taken a step back. On the flip side, the Ravens are firing on all cylinders, scoring 30+ points in four straight games. However, in an AFC North battle, this feels like too many points to give, especially considering the Ravens' past postseason struggles and the fact that they will be without Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers. In the end, Baltimore gets the job done, but their arch-rival makes them earn it.

Prediction: Ravens 26, Steelers 18

Game 3: (7) Denver Broncos (10-7) @ Buffalo Bills (13-4) I Line: Bills -8.5

Denver could make the Bills uncomfortable throughout this game, in my opinion. Denver's defense is among the best in football, which should help them stay in the game against the Bills, who have few great players on offense aside from Josh Allen. However I think Allen will step up and the Bills will pull away late to move on to the second round.

Prediction: Bills 29, Broncos 20

Game 4: (7) Green Bay Packers (11-6) @ (2) Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) I Line: Eagles -5

Despite their recent struggles, I don't fully rule out a big upset for Green Bay. After an extended layoff, it's impossible to guess how Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will perform. He hasn't played since Week 16 after suffering a concussion during a game in Washington. But Green Bay is also battling injuries, particularly on the defensive end of the ball. In addition, receiver Christian Watson suffered an ACL tear and Jordan Love exited the team's Week 18 game due to an elbow injury. When these teams faced off in Week 1, Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in his Eagles debut. I believe he will have another outstanding day as the Birds advance to the divisional round in a close one.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Packers 24

Game 5: (6) Washington Commanders (12-5) @ (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) I Line: Buccaneers -3

Hell, you need an upset so here's mine. Second-overall selection Jayden Daniels has had an amazing debut season; he and the Commanders have surpassed all expectations and advanced to the postseason. This weekend, I anticipate that they will continue to go forward and peel off the road in a furious manner into Tampa. Although Tampa Bay was significantly healthier at the time, the Bucs did defeat Washington 37–20 in Week 1; nevertheless, they failed to impress me in a crucial matchup with the Saints in Week 18. Commanders pull it off and set a date with the Lions in round 2.

Prediction: Commanders 28, Buccaneers 27

Game 6: Minnesota Vikings (14-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (10-7) I Line: Vikings -2.5

Note: Game moved to Arizona due to Los Angeles fires

On Thursday Night Football in October, these clubs faced off, and the Rams won 30–20. The Vikings got their payback this time. The Rams have been the complete opposite of the Vikings, who had been rather steady throughout the season and hadn't lost since that Rams game until the NFC North title game in Week 18. Although they overcame a 1-4 start to win the NFC West, the offense has, to put it together consistently. Following a tough game against Detroit and a missed opportunity for a bye week, Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores prepare their squad, and Sam Darnold rebounds to get the win.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Rams 20

ATS Picks Recap:

• Chargers -3

• Steelers +10

• Bills -8.5

• Packers +5

• Commanders +3

• Vikings -2.5