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Analytics predicts NFL playoff winners for Wild Card Weekend

Analytics predicts NFL playoff winners for Wild Card Weekend

While a large portion of the NFL world comes to grips with John Harbaugh, Mike McDaniel, and a slew of other head coaches no longer being employed, 14 teams prepare for the NFL playoffs. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks await their fates as the top seeds in their respective conferences, while the other 12 teams prepare to do battle on Wild Card weekend.

The AFC, in particular, seems wide open this season with Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow missing the postseason while relative newcomers like the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the (“Paper Tiger”) Broncos look to take the next steps in their development.

On the other side of the bracket, the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles may not hold the top seed, but should be considered the favorite until someone knocks them off. The NFC West carried an impressive mark this season, with three teams winning 12 or more games, which leaves the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams on the road to start the playoffs.

Needless to say, there are a lot of exciting Super Bowl matchups for fans and a lot of thrilling games to come on the run-up to the big game.

Now it is time to spin everything forward from the regular season. While we are a month or so away from finding out who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy this year, each round of the playoffs promises to be exciting. Attempting to predict the results of these games, when the best are playing the best, is difficult. Bettors on FanDuel, and FanDuel itself, are looking for every morsel of information to help make their predictions.

DVOA is a metric that breaks down the quality of play compared to the league average while adjusting for the strength of the opponents being played. DVOA is one of a couple of catch-all analytics measures that help us understand the beautiful game of football better.

For the regular season, two of the top five DVOA teams didn’t even make the playoffs (Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts), but the two top seeds were among the top seven DVOA rankings, with the Seahawks first and the Broncos seventh.

With Wild Card weekend right around the corner, let us take a look at what it predicts for the upcoming weekend of the NFL playoffs:

Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers

  • Overall DVOA: Los Angeles 2nd vs Carolina 25th
  • Offensive DVOA: Los Angeles 10th vs Carolina 25th
  • Defensive DVOA: Los Angeles 1st vs Carolina 22nd

Edge: Rams – The data and the current betting line (Rams -10.5) say that the playoffs should start with a blowout win for the visitors.

Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears

  • Overall DVOA: Green Bay 11th vs Chicago 16th
  • Offensive DVOA: Green Bay 6th vs Chicago 16th
  • Defensive DVOA: Green Bay 19th vs Chicago 16th

Edge: Packers – One of the things that analytics data is unable to sort out is when division opponents meet in the playoffs, a third matchup of the year. Green Bay may have the edge overall and on offense, but the Bears have Caleb Williams at quarterback, Ben Johnson designing plays, and a slightly better defense.

Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Overall DVOA: Buffalo 8th vs Jacksonville 6th
  • Offensive DVOA: Buffalo 4th vs Jacksonville 14th
  • Defensive DVOA: Buffalo 20th vs Jacksonville 6th

Edge: Jaguars – One team is carried by their offense, the other by their defense, in one of the most exciting matchups of Wild Card weekend. QB Josh Allen does not have a familiar postseason foe to deal with, but QB Trevor Lawrence has taken a huge step forward this season.

San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles

  • Overall DVOA: San Francisco 10th vs Philadelphia 13th
  • Offensive DVOA: San Francisco 2nd vs Philadelphia 17th
  • Defensive DVOA: San Francisco 27th vs Philadelphia 7th

Edge: Niners – FTN’s DVOA has no way of adjusting for major injuries, like the one lingering for Trent Williams, but San Fran versus Philly is another matchup of strength vs weakness on both sides of the ball, which could lead to a wild back-and-forth game.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Los Angeles Chargers vs New England Patriots

  • Overall DVOA: Los Angeles 17th vs New England 9th
  • Offensive DVOA: Los Angeles 21st vs New England 3rd
  • Defensive DVOA: Los Angeles 10th vs New England 23rd

Edge: Patriots – Newcomers, New England has a pretty strong overall advantage according to the data, but is only a 3.5 home favorite against the Chargers. An interesting coaching matchup between former players, can QB Drake Maye solidify his resume after a great second season, or will QB Justin Herbert get the playoff monkey off his back?

Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Overall DVOA: Houston 4th vs Pittsburgh 12th
  • Offensive DVOA: Houston 19th vs Pittsburgh 16th
  • Defensive DVOA: Houston 2nd vs Pittsburgh 11th

Edge: Texans – Fans who have not watched Houston much this year might be surprised at just how high they are ranked overall in FTN’s DVOA, but that is a testament to their relentless defense. Mike Tomlin and QB Aaron Rodgers have the experience advantage and are playing at home, but their regular season produced middling results, again, for a Steelers franchise that has a long history of much higher forms of success.

DVOA provides another piece of information as you make betting decisions, discuss the playoffs with your coworkers, or while making daily fantasy decisions. We are excited to see the games played on the field and see whether or not FTN’s DVOA was able to once again perfectly predict the Wild Card round.

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Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks  Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images   The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.  The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday.  “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.”  San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season.  Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games.  “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said.  As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience.  “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.”  The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.   The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid.  “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.”  After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward.  Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive.  “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.”  Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner.  “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #BlackhawksApr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday.

“It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.”

San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season.

Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games.

“I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience.

“No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.”


The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid.

“I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.”

After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward.

Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive.

“I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.”

Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner.

“And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks">Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks  Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images   The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.  The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday.  “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.”  San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season.  Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games.  “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said.  As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience.  “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.”  The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.   The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid.  “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.”  After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward.  Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive.  “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.”  Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner.  “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks

The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.

In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.

In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.

India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.

Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals">Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine reach semifinals  The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.
Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.
Published on Apr 05, 2026  #Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals

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