Day: January 14, 2023

The NFC Wild Card second game for the 2023 NFL postseason is Minnesota Vikings VS New York Giants which will happen on Sunday. This game is a meeting between two evenly matched-teams.

After their five-campaign absence and attaining the NFC’s second wild card, the New York has returned to the postseason. Minnesota on the other hand finished as champion of the NFC North and fought until the last weeks to attain the best record in the National Conference.

These teams played during the regular round, resulting in a 24-27 victory for Minnesota.

Here at MatchPlug, we bring you the best NFL Predictions this week for the Vikings vs Giants.

Predictions and Betting Preview for Minnesota Vikings VS New York Giants NFC Wild Card Game

• Venue: US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• When: Sunday, January 15, 2023
• Time: 13:30 GMT
• Teams to play: Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants
• NFL Picks: Moneyline 1.62

Odds are seen on BetMGM and 1XBet

Betting On The Minnesota Vikings

• Regular Season Record: 13-4 (NFC North Champion – 3rd seed NFC)
• BetMGM Spread: -3
• BetMGM Moneyline: 1.62
• BetMGM Over/Under: Under 48

• 1XBet Spread: -1.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 1.64
• 1XBet Over/Under: Under 48.5

Minnesota Vikings started the campaign as the major favourites to sack the Greenbay Packers in the NFC North, and they really did do it. Securing 8 wins in the first 9 games, including the first week’s game versus Greenbay, the Vikings made their way to the top of the group.

For the postseason, expectations for this team are divided because while they have a strong aerial offense, their defense finished the regular season as one of the worst in the championship. They were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs.

Minnesota finally allowed 427 points to its opponents, which is the 3rd highest total in the league, and 6,608 total yards were the 2nd highest total yards allowed by any of the NFL defenses.

The Vikings were performing poorly in both passes and rushes, finishing in the top 5 worst defenses against the pass, and in the top 10 worst teams in stopping opposing runs. They were also the second team with the most penalties (111), tied with the Giants.

On Minnesota’s offensive side, things changed rapidly. The Vikings reached the postseason because of the aerial display developed by Kirk Cousings, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen. The team was 3rd in attempted passes (672), 4th in aerial touchdowns (30), and 6th in total yards through passes (4.484). They also ranked 8th in points scored and in red zone efficiency too.

Betting On The New York Giants

• Regular Season Record: 9-7-1 (2nd wild card – 6th NFC seed)
• BetMGM Spread: +3
• BetMGM Moneyline: 2.35
• BetMGM Over/Under: Over 48

• 1XBet Spread: +1.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 2.275
• 1XBet Over/Under: Over 48.5

The New York Giants making it to the postseason is considered one of the pleasant surprises of the NFL regular round. This is so because New York finished last year with only four wins with Brian Daboll a head coach who had lots of talent but was experiencing his first time in this position.

In spite of this, the Giants didn’t falter in a complicated NFC East, that at some point had all four teams in the playoffs. Even with a lack of impressive numbers, these players found a way to win their games. 8 of their 9 wins were accomplished by 8 points or lower.

New York’s offensive side improved by one main factor which was Daniel Jones’ development. Jones had his best season yet since joining the NFL in 2019. He led the team to have the second-lowest amount of turnovers with just 16.

But, the heart and soul of this team’s offense is the ground game led by Saquon Barkley, who helped Giants finish 4th in total rushing yards (2,519) and touchdowns (21). They also finished 5th in average yards per carry (4.8).

A look at New York’s defense and their team records shows why most of their games were tightly contested. By conceding 371 points, the Giants ranked 17th in the league. Yet, they were positioned 5th as the best team defending on third downs and inside the red zone with 35.1% and 49.2% efficiencies, respectively.

To get some good results, the Giants’ secondary must have a good game, because they were one of the circuit’s worst teams in terms of stopping ground attacks. They also conceded the second-highest average of yards per carry in the NFL and the sixth-highest total rushing yards. In defending the pass, they ranked 14th in total yards per carry, and the 21 TDs conceded were the ninth-best total in the league.

MatchPlug Prediction

The Minnesota Vikings have a disastrous defense, but the good thing is that the New York Giants’ defense is not very powerful, and they can be inconsistent sometimes.

This fact is vital when you note that Minnesota scores lots of points. The team scored fewer than 23 points only 3 times this campaign, and in their first game against the Giants, they gained over 350 total yards.

Another advantage the Vikings have is that they are basically unbeatable at home. This year, they only lost one game out of the nine games they played, and it was to the Dallas Cowboys.

New York, scored a 3-4 record playing as visitors, including two losses in their past two away games.

Final Prediction: Vikings to win (NY 26 – MIN 29)

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NFL Week 18 Predictions: Buffalo Bills VS Miami Dolphins

The National Football League’s AFC Wild Card week of the 2023 NFL postseason features matchups between two teams in the same division, and of those matches is Buffalo Bills VS Miami Dolphins which is happening on Sunday.

Miami in a close matchup, defeated the New York Jets, while the New England Patriots lost to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins advanced as the third wild card to the American Conference. While Buffalo brought together its title as AFC East Champion with seven consecutive wins.

To get you started off and show you what to expect, these are some NFL Predictions this week for the Bills and Dolphins, brought to you by MatchPlug.

Read: Chicago Bears Become No.1 Overall Pick In 2023 NFL Draft.

Predictions and Betting Preview for Buffalo Bills VS Miami Dolphins AFC Wild Card Game

• Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York.
• When: Sunday, January 15, 2023
• Time: 10:00 GMT
• Teams to play: Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins
• NFL Picks: Spread -13.5

Odds provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Buffalo Bills

• Season Record: 13-3 (AFC East Champion – 2nd seed AFC)
• BetMGM Spread: -13.5
• BetMGM Moneyline: 1.10
• BetMGM Over/Under: Under 43.5

• 1XBet Spread: -13.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 1.11
• 1XBet Over/Under: Under 43.5

Buffalo entered the postseason as AFC East champions for the third consecutive campaign and this time they did so as one of the top 3 favourites to win the Super Bowl.

No matter, that they had a rough start, the Bills concluded the regular season with a 13-3 record on the strength of 8 consecutive wins and the weight of not playing against the Bengals because of Damar Hamlin’s accident. Hamlin’s accident prevented them from securing the first place in the American Conference that they had held up until the accident.

The Bills’ offense’s main weapon is Josh Allen’s aerial game. This was the same play that led them to second position in points scored (455), first downs gained (367) and touchdown passes completed (35). On the ground, they have 5.2 yards per rush, which is the second-best number in the entire circuit, which makes them more dangerous than Miami.

Buffalo’s defense is equally as strong as their offense. As a matter of fact, their 286 points conceded are the second-fewest in the NFL, and they were second in the league for opponent touchdowns allowed in the red zone with just 44.9% of opportunities.

One area, however, that the Bills might need improvement on before their game with the Dolphins is their pass defense. Here, they managed to finish as the top 15 in the league in total yards and touchdowns allowed. They were also one of the top 7 teams against their ground attack and fourth in recovered fumbles with 27.

Betting On The Miami Dolphins

Season record: 9-8 (3rd wild card – 7th AFC seed)

• BetMGM Spread: +13.5
• BetMGM Moneyline: 7.25
• BetMGM Over/Under: Over 43.5

• 1XBet Spread: +13.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 6.6
• 1XBet Over/Under: Over 43.5

The Dolphins fought their way to the postseason after doing so well in the first half of the season and later performing poorly in the second half with five consecutive losses.

Due to multiple injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater, Miami’s powerful offense, couldn’t get on track for many defining moments. One such moment was in three of the last 6 games of the season when they couldn’t score past 17 points. But, thanks to their impressive early records, the Dolphins finished the year 4th in total yards (3,992) and TD passes (27) in the league.

For Sunday’s game, it is important that Miami’s attack route is effective. It is vital to note that they were the 8th team with the fewest yards gained on the ground and scored only 12 rushing touchdowns. The main issue is that they might depend solely on running backs, as it isn’t clear if Tagovailoa will be cleared to play against Buffalo or if Bridgewater’s right-hand finger soreness will be fully healed.

On the defense side, things are looking up, since the Dolphins’ ground defense is great; however, they are one of the worst in the NFL regarding passes. This is bad news for a secondary that forfeited the 6th most passing yards (3,992) and the 7th most touchdown passes (27) and now must be tested against one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Regarding the ground game, Miami’s 103.1 yards allowed per game and 4.1 allowed per carry were the NFL’s 4th best figures. Similarly, they allowed only 15 touchdowns, while the opponent scored 98 first downs, this is the 6th lowest number in the whole circuit.

MatchPlug Prediction

Although the Dolphins shared honours with the Bills this season, losing only three points in the match they lost, it is likely that this Sunday might be the first time they’ll face Buffalo without Tua Tagovailoa.

That quarterback is the major factor why Miami ranked as one of the circuit’s best passing offenses, and without him leading the squad, the match looks uneven.

In the last game, Buffalo finished with 446 total yards and 32 points against a weak Dolphins secondary, as Miami only stayed in the game because of Tua’s passion. Without him, the Bills’ defense should have a peaceful game.

On this note, it can also be added that Miami left a 3-6 record on the road, while Buffalo finished with a 6-1 record at home. The Dolphins have a 3-7-1 record playing against the spread in their last 11 meetings in Buffalo.

NFL Picks for free for Bills VS Dolphins can be found on BetMGM or 1XBet.

Final Prediction: Buffalo Bills spread (MIA 17 – BUF 30).

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NFL Week 18 Predictions: Jacksonville Jaguars Vs Los Angeles Chargers

Jacksonville Jaguars VS Los Angeles Chargers is a game that features two of the 2023 NFL postseason pleasant surprises, who will be facing off in the first Wild Card game of the American Conference.

After a challenging first half, the Chargers won five of their last 7 games to earn the AFC Wild Card, while the Jaguars made an epic comeback by winning 7 of their last 9 games to lead the AFC South.

MatchPlug brings you the best preview and NFL Predictions this week for this matchup between the Jaguars and Chargers.

NFL News: Chicago Bears Become No.1 Overall Pick In 2023 NFL Draft

Predictions and Betting Preview for Jacksonville Jaguars VS Los Angeles AFC Wild Card Game

• Venue: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
• When: Saturday, January 14, 2023
• Time: 17:15 GMT
• Teams to play: Jacksonville Jaguars VS Los Angeles Chargers
• NFL Picks: Over 1.70

Odds by BetMGM and 1XBet.

Betting On The Jacksonville Jaguars

Season Record: 9-8 (AFC South Champion – 4th seed AFC)

• BetMGM Spread: +2.5
• BetMGM Moneyline: 2.20
• BetMGM Over/Under: Under 47.5

• 1XBet Spread: +2.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 2.1
• 1XBet Over/Under: Under 47.5

The Jacksonville Jaguars qualified for first place in the AFC South after securing 5 straight victories. Doug Pederson gracing the Jaguars’ bench might have signified a before and after in the team’s history and this feat may the first of Pederson’s legacies.

Jacksonville hoped to escape being last place in their division after entering their “bye week” with a 3-7 record after losing to Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. But, the team reversed their negative trend thanks to quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne for guiding a balanced offense.

This team ended the campaign with an average of 5.7 yards gainerd per play, 7th best in the league, and its offensive line had the 5th fewest quarterback sacks with only 28. Furthermore, they ranked among the top 15 offenses regarding total rushing and passing yards, including rushing and passing touchdowns.

In terms of defense, the Jaguars also balanced and in the past three weeks, their opponents only scored 22 points against team. They are strong on the field and have a knack for inflicting losses on opponents; despite often struggling with passes, which is not good if they are playing Justin Herbert.

For this season’s campaign, they emerged as 4th in turnovers with 22 and second in fumbles recovered with 13; one was last Saturday against the Titans in the fourth period, when they went all the way to the end zone to win the match.

Betting On The Los Angeles Chargers

• Season record: 10 -7 (1st wild card – 5th AFC seed)
• BetMGM Spread: -2.5
• BetMGM Moneyline: 1.70
• BetMGM Over/Under: Over 47.5

• 1XBet Spread: -2.5
• 1XBet Moneyline: 1.75
• 1XBet Over/Under: Over 47.5

During the season’s second half, the Los Angeles Chargers put their inconsistencies aside and became the first wild card in the American Conference, and one of the hottest teams towards the end of regular round.

Supported by quarterback Justin Herbert’s aerial display, Los Angeles finished the season with just a game under 200 total passing yards and were third in the league with 4,584 on the campaign.

These statistics, plus the 26 touchdown passes by Herbert, were the remedy the Chargers needed to rise above the problems that affected their ground game through out the year. Those problems placed them as second to last in average yards per rush (3.8) and total rushing yards (1,524).

For defense, Los Angeles still has some issues to deal with, but an improvement in this area led them to their outcome this season. Before their 28-31 loss to the Denver Broncos, this team did not allow any opponent to score over 17 points during their four-game winning streak. This was impressive especially since they were 11th in points allowed with 384.

Chargers being second-fewest penalities team in the circuit with only 80, also boosted this team’s performance. As did them being top 10 in the red zone by allowing touchdowns on only 52.1% of visits.

But, when defending on the ground, Los Angeles in one of the worst in the league, as they allowed the most yards per rush than other teams with 5.4. Also, their 2,478 rushing yards allowed was the 5th highers figure in the circuit.

MatchPlug Prediction

Jacksonville Jaguars VS Los Angeles Chargers will be a play off on each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which makes this game the closest one of Wild Card week.

Although Los Angeles is a bit superior to Jacksonville in passes and will be facing an extremely incosistent secondary; the Jaguars’ ground game which supercedes that of the Chargers is still expected to have a smooth game against a lackadasical opposing ground defense.

The Chargers lost the fewest fumbles of the campaign with only 19, the Jaguars matched the New England Patriots this year as the team that had the most points scored after a turnover with 111 points.

That being said, home advantage will play a vital role in today’s matchup. While in 8 out of the past 10 games these teams have played, the Los Angeles team came out on top, this year the Jaguars beat the Chargers 38-10 on the road.

This evening the Jaguars will be hosting the Chargers at home where they have a 5-2 record; their opponent had a 5-4 record on the road.

Final Prediction: Jaguars to win (LA 20 – JAX 24).

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