Intro
The NFL playoffs are just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. As the regular season comes to a close, fans are eagerly anticipating the Wild Card matchups that will kick off the postseason. In this article, we'll break down the six must-know matchups that will determine which teams will move on to the next round.
Understanding the NFL Wild Card Format
Before we dive into the matchups, let's quickly review the NFL Wild Card format. The playoffs feature six teams from each conference: the four division winners, plus two wild-card teams. The wild-card teams are the next best records in each conference, regardless of division. The playoffs are single-elimination, with the winners advancing to the next round.
Must-Know Matchups
Here are the six Wild Card matchups that will get the NFL playoffs underway:
AFC Matchups
1. (5) Indianapolis Colts at (4) Houston Texans
The Colts and Texans will meet for the second time this season, with the Texans looking to avenge their Week 14 loss. The Colts have been on a roll, winning four of their last five games, while the Texans have struggled down the stretch.
2. (6) Tennessee Titans at (3) New England Patriots
The Titans will travel to Foxborough to take on the Patriots, who are looking to make a deep playoff run. The Titans have been inconsistent this season, but have shown flashes of brilliance. Can they pull off the upset?
NFC Matchups
1. (5) Seattle Seahawks at (4) Philadelphia Eagles
The Seahawks and Eagles will meet in a battle of two of the NFC's top teams. The Seahawks have been dominant on the road, while the Eagles have struggled at home.
2. (6) Minnesota Vikings at (3) New Orleans Saints
The Vikings will travel to New Orleans to take on the high-powered Saints offense. The Vikings have been stout on defense, but will face their toughest test of the season.
Other Matchups
1. (5) Buffalo Bills at (4) Kansas City Chiefs
The Bills will travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, who are looking to make a deep playoff run. The Bills have been strong on defense, but will face a tough test against the Chiefs' high-powered offense.
2. (6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (3) Green Bay Packers
The Buccaneers will travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers, who are looking to make a playoff push. The Buccaneers have been inconsistent this season, but have shown flashes of brilliance.
Key Players to Watch
- Andrew Luck (QB, Colts)
- Deshaun Watson (QB, Texans)
- Tom Brady (QB, Patriots)
- Russell Wilson (QB, Seahawks)
- Carson Wentz (QB, Eagles)
- Drew Brees (QB, Saints)
- Kirk Cousins (QB, Vikings)
- Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs)
- Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers)
What's at Stake?
The winners of these matchups will advance to the next round of the playoffs, where they'll face the top two seeds in each conference. The losers will head home, their seasons coming to an end.
How to Watch
All six Wild Card matchups will be broadcast nationally, with the specific broadcast details to be determined. Fans can also stream the games online through various platforms.
NFL Wild Card Schedule Image Gallery
Get Ready for the NFL Playoffs!
The NFL Wild Card matchups are just around the corner, and the excitement is building. Which teams will advance to the next round, and which will head home? Tune in to find out! Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.