NFL Playoffs: First Round Predictions 2024

Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers (Saturday 4:30 p.m.)

The Panthers beat the Rams by three points in the 13^e week of activity. Matthew Stafford played his worst game of the season. That day, the quarterback threw two interceptions, as many as in the previous 11 weeks. This match allowed us to identify the astonishing fragility of the Rams and the surprising efficiency of the Panthers. In the playoffs, however, it’s a different story. Stafford and Sean McVay have a Super Bowl ring somewhere in their palatial homes. At 37 years old, Stafford plays like the best center in the NFL. His 4,707 air yards and 46 touchdown passes in 2025 represent highs. The Panthers’ defense stood out in this previously mentioned meeting, but the Rams no longer have to fear it. Thanks to the most productive quarterback and the receiver with the most catches in the league in Puca Nakua, the Rams should emerge victorious from this duel without too much difficulty. By being first in the circuit in points scored (30.5) and touchdowns per game (3.8), Stafford and his teammates will have the advantage against a team that won its division with a losing record.

Prediction: Rams 29, Panthers 15

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (Saturday 8 p.m.)

This clash will be a clash between two philosophies. Green Bay plays old school football. The one where it was said that you had to run to score and that passing the ball only served to impress. A robust, but discreet team. Humble, far from talkative. A team that wins by limiting errors. Jordan Love leads the NFL among starting quarterbacks with six interceptions. And Josh Jacobs is third among the most productive running backs with 13 rushing touchdowns. In Chicago, an exuberant city with its skyscrapers, beautiful restaurants and art scene, it’s quite the opposite. Head coach Ben Johnson transformed this team with trick plays and an ostentation the Bears hadn’t displayed in a long time. The statistics prove it. Statistics, like a facade, which impress while hiding certain flaws. The Bears come in third in rushing yards. But there are 31^es (penultimate) for percentage of completed passes. Chicago ranks first in interceptions, but falls short of 22^e rank in the five most critical categories on defense (points, air yards, rushing yards, total yards and third downs). In the playoffs, it is better to have an efficient team than a spectacular one.

Prediction: Packers 26, Bears 21

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday 4:30 p.m.)

What do Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts have in common? Both quarterbacks make over $50 million. Yes, but still? Their ability to win games is underestimated because they are categorized as “system quarterbacks.” As if not all NFL quarterbacks, in their own way, are system players. You have to have watched the recent 49ers game against the Bears and the Eagles game against the Buffalo Bills to understand how Purdy and Hurts can handle hotly contested games. The Niners had to negotiate with the absence of impact players from the first to the last game. That didn’t weaken them, however. Doubt persists, however, about being able to overthrow a team as well-rounded as the Eagles. Without being spectacular, and certainly less sharp than last season, Nick Sirianni’s team can win against any opponent. She has reached the Super Bowl twice in the last three years. The Eagles still have the most efficient offense in the pay zone (70.45%). Their defense still excels against the pass. While it is in this phase of the game that San Francisco is most successful.

Prediction: Eagles 22, 49ers 21

Tomorrow: our predictions for the three first round matches in the American Association