USA TODAY Sports Network’s NFL wild-card playoff previews, predictions

The USA TODAY Sports Network previews each of this weekend’s matchups: Bills-Texans, Titans-Patriots, Vikings-Saints and Seahawks-Eagles.

The NFL postseason is finally here, and this weekend’s four wild-card matchups are intriguing — even if your favorite team is sitting out the playoffs this season.

The Buffalo Bills aim for their first playoff win since the 1995 season when they visit the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon. Houston will benefit from the return of pass-rusher J.J. Watt, who has been out since Week 8 with a torn pectoral muscle.

On Saturday evening, the Tennessee Titans play at the New England Patriots as Titans coach Mike Vrabel matches wits with his former coach, New England’s Bill Belichick. Tennessee is likely to pressure Pats quarterback Tom Brady, while New England is dealing with injuries to wide receiver Julian Edelman and others.

The Minnesota Vikings play at the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon, as Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins prepares to make just his second playoff start. Finally, the Seattle Seahawks travel to play the injury-riddled Philadelphia Eagles on late Sunday afternoon in what might be the weekend’s most competitive game.

Without further ado, here are your NFL playoff game previews for Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5:

 

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson Houston Texans
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

TV: 4:35 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN/ABC

Records: Bills 10-6, Texans 10-6

Line: Texans by 2½

Satellite radio: Bills feed on Sirius 82 (streaming 803), Texans feed on Sirius 83 (streaming 812)

Bills’ keys: Disruptive defensive tackles Ed Oliver, a rookie, and Jordan Phillips have to shut down the run and pressure the quarterback. Houston will be without its speedy No. 2 wide receiver, Will Fuller, which means Buffalo can roll coverage to help CB Tre’Davious White lock down WR DeAndre Hopkins. On offense, Bills QB Josh Allen has to use his dual-threat abilities to beat the defense with his legs and find WRs John Brown and Cole Beasley through the air.

Texans’ keys: Protect QB Deshaun Watson, who was sacked 44 times in the regular season. LT Laremy Tunsil sat out Week 17 and will have to be ready to take the best from the Bills’ pass rush. What also helps keep Watson upright is the production of RB Carlos Hyde, who had his first 1,000-yard season. DE J.J. Watt is expected to return from a torn pectoral injury and needs to bolster the anemic pass rush.

Who wins? Buffalo’s opportunistic defense can shut down the run and suppress the passing game. Bills 19, Texans 13

Mark Lane

Ten@NE / Min@NO / Sea@Phi