NFL Playoffs: Picks, predictions for Titans vs. Chiefs | AFC Wild Card Game (1/6/18)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chiefs and Tennessee Titans meet in a wild-card playoff game in Kansas City on Saturday, Jan . 6, 2018.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Chiefs and Tennessee Titans meet in a wild-card playoff game in Kansas City on Saturday, Jan . 6, 2018. (Bill Kostroun/AP Photo)

The 2018 NFL playoffs are officially underway!

The Wild-Card round features a marquee game on Saturday, January 6, 2018 (1/6/18) when the Tennessee Titans take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kickoff is slated for 4:15 p.m. EST on ESPN.

The Titans are led by head coach Mike Mularkey, quarterback Marcus Mariota, and running back Derrick Henry. Tennessee comes into the game with a 9-7 record and the AFC's No. 5 seed.

The Chiefs are led by head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Kansas City qualified for the postseason by winning the AFC West and earning the No. 4 seed in the AFC.

Here's how our experts see the game playing out.

Eliot Shorr-Parks: This could be the biggest blowout of the postseason, as the Titans are playing some of their worst football of the season, and the Chiefs have rebounded from their mid-season slump. Chiefs 24, Titans 10.

James Kratch: An easy first game for Alex Smith and company. The Chiefs ramp up for their trip to Foxborough while the Titans finish with a whimper and maybe get coach Mike Mularkey fired. Chiefs 38, Titans 17.

Playoff predictions

Darryl Slater: How will Marcus Mariota fare in his first playoff game? Tall order to win in Kansas City. It'll prove too tall, but he and the Titans have a bright future. Chiefs 20, Titans 13.

Joe Giglio: Remember how good the Chiefs looked to start the season? That form is about to return for at least one week. Kansas City has better playmakers, a more savvy quarterback and a big edge in the coaching department. Chiefs 33, Titans 20.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.