⚙️ The setup
With the NFL’s expanded playoff format introduced in 2021, almost half of the league’s 32 teams are in contention for a Super Bowl run. The postseason kicks off with a “super” wild card weekend featuring six games from today through Monday.
Winners will progress to the divisional round next weekend, followed by the conference championships on January 28th. Finally, it all leads to the grand finale, the Usher concert Super Bowl on February 11th.
The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers have clinched the No. 1 seeds in the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) respectively, granting them byes to the upcoming divisional round.
However, plenty of football will be played over the next three days, with 12 teams competing in the Super Wild Card Weekend.
🔴 AFC Wild Card
No. 5 Cleveland Browns vs. No. 4 Houston Texans — Today at 4:30 p.m. ET
It’s an exciting matchup between seasoned Browns QB Joe Flacco and rising Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud. The last time these teams met on Christmas Eve, Cleveland dominated Houston. Even with Stroud back in action, the Texans will face a tough challenge against the Browns defense, which allowed the fewest passing yards in the league this season.
No. 6 Miami Dolphins vs. No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET
Another clash between these two teams, with Kansas City coming out on top in their previous meeting in Week 9. Keep an eye on both standout QBs, Patrick Mahomes for KC and Tua Tagovailoa for Miami, as they look to lead their teams to victory in what could be one of the coldest games in NFL history.
No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. No. 2 Buffalo Bills — Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET
Watch as these resilient teams battle it out after overcoming challenges to secure playoff spots. With Pittsburgh missing TJ Watt due to injury, Buffalo’s Josh Allen will have an opportunity to shine.
🔵 NFC Wild Card
No. 7 Green Bay Packers vs. No. 2 Dallas Cowboys — Tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. ET
Dallas will look to maintain their unbeaten record at home as they face Green Bay. The Cowboys offense led by Dak Prescott has been impressive, while the Packers will rely on QB Jordan Love to deliver.
No. 6 LA Rams vs. No. 3 Detroit Lions — Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
In a historic matchup, both starting QBs will be facing their former teams as the Rams take on the Lions. Watch Matthew Stafford lead the Rams against a Lions defense that has struggled against passing attacks.
No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Monday at 8 p.m. ET
Both teams have faced challenges heading into this game, with the Eagles looking to find their form against the struggling Buccaneers.
💪 More players to watch
Puka Nacua, LA Rams, Wide receiver (WR): Rookie Nacua has had a stellar debut season, breaking records in receptions and receiving yards.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, QB: Goff has been impressive since joining the Lions, posting the second-highest passing yards in the league this season.
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, RB: Leading the league in rushing yards, CMC is a key player to watch in the coming weeks.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, tight end (TE): A playoff veteran, Kelce is expected to play a crucial role in the postseason.
