The NFL playoffs are set to kick off with an exciting wild card round featuring six games across three days that will determine the final four teams in the AFC and NFC. The action begins on Saturday with two highly anticipated matchups that promise to deliver thrilling football.
First up, the No. 5-seed Cleveland Browns will hit the road to face the AFC South champion and No. 4-seed Houston Texans. This game is a rematch of their Week 16 showdown, where the Browns emerged victorious with a 36-22 win in Houston. However, the Texans were without Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite C.J. Stroud at quarterback during that game, making this rematch even more intriguing.
Following the Browns-Texans clash, the No. 3-seed Kansas City Chiefs will take on the No. 6 Miami Dolphins in another exciting rematch. The Chiefs previously defeated the Dolphins 21-14 in their Week 9 matchup, and Saturday’s game is expected to be one of the coldest NFL games ever.
How to Watch Saturday’s Games
The Browns vs. Texans game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC and will also be available for streaming on Peacock. Subsequently, the Chiefs vs. Dolphins game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff and will be exclusively broadcast on Peacock.
Cleveland Browns (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7)
The Browns secured the top wild card spot in the AFC playoffs and rested some of their starters in Week 18. With four consecutive wins leading up to the playoffs, the Browns are entering the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the AFC. Notably, quarterback Joe Flacco has delivered surprisingly strong performances, contributing to the team’s success.
On the other hand, the Texans clinched a playoff spot with a thrilling 23-19 victory over division rival Indianapolis in Week 18. This win, coupled with Jacksonville’s loss to the Tennessee Titans, secured the AFC South title for Houston, marking their first division title since 2019. With Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite C.J. Stroud expected to return to the lineup, the Texans are poised to make a strong statement in their first home playoff game in four years.
Miami Dolphins (11-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
Miami’s loss to Buffalo in the season finale resulted in the team securing a wild card spot in the playoffs. However, the Dolphins’ defense has shown vulnerabilities in their recent games, conceding nearly 500 yards per game. They will face a formidable challenge against the high-powered offense of the Chiefs, who previously defeated them in Week 9.
As the NFL playoffs commence, football fans can look forward to an action-packed weekend with compelling matchups and intense competition as the quest for the Super Bowl continues.
