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We’re one step nearer to Tremendous Bowl LX. The NFL playoffs kicked off with a bang throughout a frantic Wild Card Weekend that featured a number of photograph finishes. Regardless of the place you appeared, playoff video games have been coming right down to the wire throughout the opening slate. In all, there have been 4 comeback wins within the remaining three minutes of the fourth quarter — the most ever in a single postseason.
Now, there are simply eight groups left standing, hoping to punch their ticket to Santa Clara for Tremendous Bowl LX. As we embark on the divisional spherical this weekend, the No. 1 seeds in each conferences, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, emerge from their first-round bye weeks and enter the fray, including much more firepower to the playoff bracket.
As we gear up for extra motion, let’s take our first have a look at the divisional spherical matchups, together with the chances and a fast preview of every contest.
AFC
- Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
We do not have to look far again to seek out the final time these groups met within the postseason, squaring off simply final 12 months within the wild card spherical. Buffalo throttled the Broncos at Highmark Stadium, 31-7. Denver scored on the opening drive, then was shut out the remainder of the best way.
This matchup, nonetheless, must be totally different. For starters, will probably be performed at Mile Excessive after Denver secured the No. 1 seed. The Broncos additionally boast one of many NFL’s high defenses, permitting simply 18.3 factors per sport through the common season. They will want that elite stage of play once more to maintain Josh Allen — who scored three touchdowns final week — in examine.
The Payments quarterback is coming off his first profession street playoff win after beating the Jaguars in Jacksonville and is wanting so as to add to his postseason résumé, coming into this matchup as a street favourite.
NFL wild card overreactions: Josh Allen is the largest X issue of playoffs; A.J. Brown performed in Philly?
Tyler Sullivan
- Sunday, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN (Stream: Fubo — strive at no cost)
This would be the first assembly between these two groups for the reason that 2016 divisional spherical, which New England received on its technique to a Tremendous Bowl title. They final met in Week 6 of final season, when Houston rolled to a 41-21 victory, however each groups look very totally different now.
Each quarterbacks are additionally trying to bounce again from uneven wild-card performances. Drake Maye threw two interceptions in a win over the Chargers, whereas C.J. Stroud is coming off a three-turnover outing in opposition to Pittsburgh. Houston nonetheless boasts one of many NFL’s high defenses and confirmed it once more Monday night time in opposition to the Steelers.
New England is not often grouped among the many league’s elite models, however it appeared the half after sacking Justin Herbert six occasions on Sunday night time, setting the stage for what might be a defensive showdown.
NFC
- Saturday, 8 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo — strive at no cost)
We’ve ourselves a rubber match between two NFC West rivals. The Seahawks and 49ers break up the regular-season collection, with San Francisco successful in Week 1 earlier than Seattle returned the favor with a 13–3 victory in Week 18 to clinch the No. 1 seed and the division title. Oddly sufficient, each video games have been received by the street staff, however the 49ers must overcome some important damage points to maintain that pattern alive right here.
San Francisco has been hit onerous by accidents all season and is coming off a playoff win over Philadelphia during which star tight finish George Kittle suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. That leaves Brock Purdy with out one among his main weapons as he faces an elite Seattle protection. The Seahawks ranked No. 1 in scoring protection this season, permitting simply 17.2 factors per sport, and likewise led the league on third down and in yards per rush allowed.
That defensive dominance, together with Sam Darnold‘s sturdy play at quarterback, helped Seattle win 11 of its remaining 12 video games to shut the common season. That is the fourth time the Seahawks have earned the No. 1 seed, and every of the earlier three resulted in a visit to the Tremendous Bowl.
- Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Each groups pulled off late wins on Wild Card Weekend. Los Angeles averted a street upset in opposition to the Carolina Panthers after Matthew Stafford led a seven-play, 71-yard, game-winning landing drive within the remaining two minutes of regulation.
Chicago, in the meantime, staged a miraculous second-half comeback in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers, erasing an 18-point deficit. Caleb Williams and the offense erupted late, outscoring Inexperienced Bay 25–6 within the fourth quarter.
The final time these groups met got here through the 2024 common season, when Chicago earned a 24–18 win. In that sport, D’Andre Swift piled up 165 yards from scrimmage, whereas Stafford threw no touchdowns and dedicated two turnovers.
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