The most important part of an NFL season is about to begin as 14 teams try to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
Proceeding in the competition is easier said than done because there are no weak squads left.
While the better teams get home-field advantage, it’s not a guarantee that they will win.
The postseason’s knockout format ensures road teams will unleash their best to keep advancing.
Some upsets are so shocking that the losing team may revamp their roster or coaching staff.
However, here are two games during Super Wild Card Weekend wherein the visitors have a strong chance of winning.
2. Arizona Cardinals Defeat Los Angeles Rams
While only one game separates both teams by the regular season’s end, the Arizona Cardinals will be the underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams clinched the NFC West title when Arizona lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18.
However, they are not safe against a team with a variety of firepower on offense.
Yes, Los Angeles has one of the better defenses in the NFL, thanks to Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd.
But the Cardinals have versatile running back James Conner, who led the league in rushing touchdowns.
A.J. Green and Christian Kirk can also stretch the field, while Zach Ertz remains a solid target for short-yardage situations, especially third down.
Raheem Morris’ defensive unit might blow their coverage on certain plays because there are too many people to guard.
Everyone rn. pic.twitter.com/2RjakiC5dy
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 13, 2022
It doesn’t help the Rams that Kyler Murray can be creative with his plays, especially when their plan is not working.
He may overwhelm defenses with his speed, especially when he gets in the open field.
Meanwhile, all is not good at the Rams camp after losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
Their offense stalled in the second half, which can be a huge concern if it happens against the Cardinals.
Likewise, Matthew Stafford hasn’t won a playoff game throughout his NFL career.
That postseason futility can haunt the Rams, especially if playoff pressure gets the best of him.
When that happens, their moves to acquire marquee players will be for nothing.
1. San Francisco 49ers Defeat Dallas Cowboys
The 49ers can match well against the Dallas Cowboys because of their preference for the run game.
Dallas’s defense struggles to stop the run while San Francisco’s defense can get to Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys’ offensive line must account for Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead at all times to execute plays better.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo is getting the job done, as evident in their last game against the Rams.
Diamonds Dancing 💎 pic.twitter.com/xfEWN5JRk5
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 13, 2022
After a shaky start, he found his rhythm and finished with 316 yards and a critical touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings that sent the game to overtime.
While Dallas’ 12-5 record is impressive, six of those wins were against NFC East teams.
Only five of their wins were against teams with a winning record.
Likewise, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy tends to mismanage the game clock.
Considering all those factors, the 49ers have a solid chance for an upset.
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