As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for the Wild Card game. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

JP Finlay: Redskins, 34-20

This seems ridiculous to write, but I think the Skins roll. Rodgers has been sacked 14 times his last two games. Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan have five sacks just between the two of them in the last two. It’s bad math for Green Bay between their slumping O-line and the Skins surging D-line.

Oh yeah, the Redskins offense is cooking. They will score. Wild Card round is usually about the hot hand; few are hotter than Kirk Cousins.

Are there reasons to worry? Of course. Aaron Freaking Rodgers ranks No. 1. And certainly some part of Gruden/McVay/Cousins could get tight. I just don’t see it happening though.

When you’re at a hot blackjack table, don’t get up.

Matt Terl: Packers, 24-21

I can’t believe, after everything, that this team has a home playoff game in which they were somehow (however briefly) favored. Like Kevin Stroop noted here earlier this week, that’s a hell of an accomplishment all by itself. I still feel like Rodgers and the Packers will wind up winning the game, but good on Gruden and Cousins and the Skins for even making this a conversation at all.

Todd Davis: Redskins, 27-23

I’m completely with Finlay on this game. While it would be the most Washington thing to buck the very strong “hot teams win WC games” trend, Green Bay just can’t score consistently right now and the Skins shaky secondary really isn’t something the current group of Packers receivers looks capable of exploiting. Biggest concern is Turnover Cousins returning as playoff sphincters clinch, but he’s playing with house money and it would take an awful lot of disaster to knock this group’s confidence right now.

Andy Peden: Packers, 28-27

I said before the season I was no longer emotionally invested in the Skins. That probably wasn’t the right description. I think it was more like I’m not going to let the losses ruin my day, but I still care. So now that the unbelievable has happened (division champs) and I actually believe this team can win a playoff game, I will have my soul crushed Sunday.

Jack Kogod: Redskins, 27-21

BANDWAGON is out in full force. I’m still not on it though. My brother asked when I’d quit with the “don’t care about the Redskins” act, and I honestly don’t have an answer. I’m not sure what it would take to get me invested in this franchise again. The new GM is definitely a good start, but I still feel like it’s a long way off. That said, I would love for this team to make my friends and family happy again, even if it means Dan Snyder being happy.

Chris Mottram: Packers, 34-31

The Panthers get the bye week they deserve (although you could argue Week 17 against the Bucs was one too lol) after proving to be the best team in football this season. I’m hoping they get to the play the Redskins in the Divisional Round cause that team SUCKS, but Carolina shouldn’t be afraid of whoever comes to town.

Jamie Mottram: Redskins, 30-20

Given how little was expected, I’m happy with this season no matter what. Just like 2005 and 2007. And 2012, too, if not for the franchise-crippling injury at the end there.

The Redskins hired a real GM, found their quarterback (we think) and won the NFC East. All good things. All great things. But that doesn’t mean I’m just fine with a loss on Sunday.

You don’t root for nine wins, or the division, or to be hanging from the bottom rung of the NFL’s upper class.

They have about a 50-percent chance of winning Sunday. Then maybe a 40-percent chance on the road against Carolina or Arizona next week. And then maybe another 40-percent chance should they make it to the conference title. After that, let’s take it back up to 50, because who knows. There’s about a four-percent chance Washington goes all the way, is what I’m saying. That’s four points better than Dallas, Philly and New York.

Beat Green Bay, make it to the elite eight. Then go win the whole fuckin’ thing.

Composite prediction: Redskins, 28-24

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 15. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

Andy Peden: Redskins, 27-24

Skins win only cause it will build the hype for the Saturday night national TV game against the Eagles. (Preview: We lose.)

Todd Davis: Bills, 23-21

Something is very stinky about this line (Bills -1). Scares me to death. The funny thing will be losing this one but still being in the exact same position vis-a-vis the division going into next week as the Bandwagon really thins out.

JP Finlay: Redskins, 24-20

Quick look at that line and it’s pretty interesting. Almost 75 percent of the action is on Buffalo, and instead of dropping the line to get more even distribution on Washington, Vegas is instead upping the vig to take the Bills (-105 to -115). This means a Bills bet costs more, which means Vegas makes more money if Skins win.

Matt Terl: Bills, 24-17

Maybe I should be more optimistic, but all I see is doom and gloom and fumbles and interceptions. I can’t help it.

Chris Mottram: Redskins, 31-20

I have some friends who are big Skins fans, so for their sake I really hope the Panthers can win this one against the Giants. It’ll be tough, though — Carolina is banged up, and it’s on the road. Still, New York is not a very good team and Cam & Co. have plenty left to prove to all these haters out here on the Internet. 14-0.

Jack Kogod: Bills, 23-17

This has become a chore on par with emptying the dishwasher.

Jamie Mottram: Redskins, 20-17

The Redskins can’t be trusted, but this season is taking on the feel of the 2005, ’07 and ’12 seasons, when Washington snuck into the playoffs after entering December with six losses. Since 1999, it’s our only hope.

Composite prediction: Redskins, 22something-21something

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 14. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

Todd Davis: Redskins, 22-21

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I honestly think this team has gotten to the point where it’s underrated and definitely better than its record. They give us one more week at least.

Matt Terl: Bears, 28-16

They lose a close one this week and then pack it in to coast to the end of another miserable season.

JP Finlay: Redskins, 24-22

After last week it’s hard to imagine they win again this season. But this team rarely does what’s expected (like last week), and might actually respond. I think the offense looks different this week, and the Bears D wont know the Skins scheme as well as Dallas did. Alshon Jeffery will probably have a monster game, though. They haven’t won on the road, but they also haven’t lost two in a row since Week 6.

Andy Peden: Bears, 23-19

Season ends in failure. Finish up at 6-10 while the Eagles win the division at 8-8.

Chris Mottram: Bears, 24-16

This is it. This is the one. The Falcons are in a free fall, but are still in the Wild Card hunt with a ton to play for. It’s a rivalry game, the Panthers have already locked up the division, and Atlanta is capable of being a great team, as we saw earlier in the season. Carolina loses, but who cares, keep pounding.

Jack Kogod: Bears, 27-20

Daaaaa Bears! You know, like the old skit? Yeah, love me some Bears football.

Jamie Mottram: Bears, 24-16

Whatever. Let’s go back to a happier time in Skins-Bears lore.

Composite prediction: Bears, 24-19

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 11. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

Note: Predictions have been edited for brevity. Otherwise there would’ve been way too much shit about Star Trek and craft beer in here.

JP Finlay: Panthers, 24-20

I’m having a tough time with a read on this game. Part of me thinks the Skins will compete, but I fear that’s a residual effect of seeing the blowout win over the Saints. The Saints defense would be the worst in the ACC. And while Carolina is good, like somebody else said, they’re not gonna run the table, a loss is inevitable. Plus, the Skins almost made things interesting in New England. (If Gruden had kicked the FG instead of going for it on 4th & 11 they would’ve covered. But I’m not still mad. Promise.) I’m not sure this game will ever be as competitive as the final score will indicate, but I like Skins to cover.

Chris Mottram: Skins, 24-17

This one always tears families in our hometown of Charlotte apart — Grandpa remains loyal to the Redskins, the only team the area had pre-Panthers, but us younger fans who have been with the Panthers since birth bleed Black and Blue. I have a bad feeling about this one. The Redskins will hand Carolina its first loss. But it’s OK; at least Grandpa will be happy. He deserves to be happy. .

Matt Terl: Panthers, 27-15

I can’t shake the feeling that we’re due for the return of Bad Kirk.

Todd Davis: Panthers, 23-17

This is actually not a terrible matchup for the Skins. Washington can’t cover anyone, but even though Cam’s playing great, the Panthers have literally no receivers outside of Olsen (who will surely have a billion catches). Of course, Cousins getting baited into an INT by Davis/Kuechly when the game’s on the line is the most obvious thing of the season. Love Wicked Weed, but if you want to watch a game at a brewery in Asheville, Asheville Brewing is the better choice — that’s where I’ll be for this one.

Jack Kogod: Panthers, 27-17

Panthers > Redskins, BUT 3 Stars > Wicked Weed. WHO WANTS TO FIGHT?

Andy Peden: Panthers, 23-17

If the Skins win, then it’s a week of playoff talk which is unusual for late November. Obviously, Carolina isn’t running the table, but I don’t think the Skins are the team to beat them. BTW, who drinks beer anymore?

Jamie Mottram: Panthers, 20-17

It’s been a hell of a week.

Composite prediction: Panthers, 23-18

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 10. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

JP Finlay: Skins (no score given)

I think Skins win and will probably wager on it. Wish I had some logic or reasoning, but don’t really. Guess it’s a hunch. Saints defense is bad and I think Skins will force TOs. Plus I love home dogs.

Andy Peden: Skins, 31-27

This is the season. Can’t go 3-6 with Cam looming. Also have to light it up against the worst defense of the past decade. Take the over.

Chris Mottram: Saints, 34-27

Heading to Tennessee to take on the lowly two-win Titans, a team everyone assumes Cam and Company will pound into oblivion, with an always-intense game against Washington looming on the other side. I don’t know, guys, feels kinda like a trap game. Still think they pull it out, but it’ll be closer than it should.

Matt Terl: Redskins, 27-24

Mainly I just want to get to watch Chris wrestle with his divided allegiances next week.

EASIER TWEET: Fuuuuuuuck thiiiiiiiiis pic.twitter.com/sKXnixYdzJ

— Chris Mottram (@ChrisMottram) November 13, 2015

Todd Davis: Saints, 27-13

Seriously, God Bless America, but not the Redskins.

Jack Kogod: Redskins, 31-30

I had a sub from Wegmans yesterday that was drowned in mayo. Just like, wayyyy too much mayo. And I like mayo!

Jamie Mottram: Saints, 34-27

Tom Brady and the Pats could’ve scored however many points they needed against this Redskins defense. Pretty much the same goes for Drew Brees and the Saints.

Composite prediction: Saints, 29-26

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 9. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

Matt Terl: Patriots, 42-21

All 21 points for D.C. come in the fourth quarter.

JP Finlay: Patriots, 30-18

Good gambling says take the points (80 percent of plays on Pats). Football sense says don’t take the team that will have Perry Riley covering Gronk. The thing to remember is New England semi-regularly wins a close one against bad teams when they just kinda seem disinterested. That theory, however, doesn’t hold when Belichick/Brady are in F-th-world mode (see 52-7, 2007), like they are right now. Still, take the points.

Andy Peden: Patriots, 38-17

The Pats are entering 2007 mode, where you parlayed them with everything because they are going to cover. My guess is Blount and Lewis combine for 250 total yards and 3 TDs.

Todd Davis: Patriots, 31-21

Skins control the clock enough to make it look respectable. I really wish Kerrigan wasn’t rushing back for this one. Seems like they’d be better off giving an additional bye week to anyone that’s in any way banged up and just save them for the juicy schedule to come.

Jack Kogod: Patriots, 52-0

Let’s talk about Bradley Beal.

Chris Mottram: Patriots, 38-17

This could finally be the week the Panthers lose. Taking on the Packers, who were embarrassed on national television by noodle-armed Peyton last week. It is at home, though, and BofA is gonna be ROCKING. I’m nervous about it, but I think they keep pounding to 7-0.

Jamie Mottram: Skins, 24-23

I just have a weird feeling about this one.

Composite prediction: Patriots, 36-17

As ever, these are our crackerjack staff’s predictions for Week 7. Make yours down in the comments. Whoever comes closest gets to make a guest post on this here weblog.

Matt Terl: Bucs, 23-21

Could go either way: The Redskins could lose big, humiliated by a rookie QB, or they could keep it respectable and lose a heartbreaker. Really, the world is their oyster. I’m betting on the latter.

Chris Mottram: Bucs, 24-16

The Panthers play Sunday Night Football here in Charlotte, so I’m going tailgating for the first time in a couple years. Really excited about it. Probably gonna smoke some encased meats to bring, but not totally sure yet — I have some other ideas swirling around. Should be about 10 of us, including a couple Eagles fans, but they’re alright guys actually.

JP Finlay: Skins, 23-21

I fear Doug Martin in this one, but think the return of Jordan Reed can help a lot. Doomsday is avoided, but take the points.

Andy Peden: Bucs, 31-18

So we get a rookie QB who hasn’t looked that good in a game that is a Code Red, which if we lose are effectively 2-6 due to the Pats game after the bye, which would officially mean the season is off the tracks. All that adds up to Winston going for 350 and 3 TDs.

Jamie Mottram: Skins, 24-23

A nailbiter, but not a heartbreaker.

Jack Kogod: 17-17 tie

FUCK YEAH TIE

Todd Davis: 13-13 tie

I like it. GameDay baby! Duuuuukkkkes!!!

Composite prediction: Bucs, 22-19