The Road to Super Bowl LIX Begins
After 272 regular season games, the NFL playoffs are set with 14 teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy. While the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions enjoy a bye week after clinching the top spots in their conferences, 12 other teams will battle it out in the wild-card round.
Here’s a complete guide to the weekend matchups, how to watch, and what to expect as the road to Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans continues.
Wild-Card Round Schedule
Saturday, January 11
- AFC: No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers vs. No. 4 Houston Texans – 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- AFC: No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. No. 3 Baltimore Ravens – 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12
- AFC: No. 7 Denver Broncos vs. No. 2 Buffalo Bills – 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- NFC: No. 7 Green Bay Packers vs. No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles – 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
- NFC: No. 6 Washington Commanders vs. No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Monday, January 13
- NFC: No. 5 Minnesota Vikings vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Rams – 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+)
Game Previews
AFC: Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, head to NRG Stadium to face the Texans in the opening game of the 2024 playoffs. Herbert has thrived under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Houston’s quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled in his sophomore campaign but managed to lead the Texans to an AFC South title. Both defenses will likely steal the show, with Houston boasting 19 interceptions this season and the Chargers featuring stars like Derwin James, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack.
AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET)
Rivalry ignites as the Ravens host the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore, led by MVP favorite Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, rides a four-game win streak into the postseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has stumbled, losing four straight to close out the regular season.
The Steelers’ defense faces a tough task against Baltimore’s league-leading rushing attack. Injuries to key receivers—Zay Flowers for the Ravens and George Pickens for the Steelers—may influence the outcome of this AFC North clash.
AFC: Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos head to a cold Highmark Stadium to face the powerhouse Bills. Denver snuck into the playoffs with a win over a resting Chiefs team, while Buffalo finished as one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league.
Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defenses, and the Bills’ postseason aspirations are sky-high. Can Denver’s rookie-led squad pull off a monumental upset?
NFC: Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET)
Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley has had a historic season, rushing for over 2,000 yards. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs has added a new dimension to the Packers’ offense.
With Packers receiver Christian Watson out due to injury, their young roster must step up. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol, and his availability will be a crucial factor.
NFC: Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET)
Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels leads the Commanders into Tampa Bay for his playoff debut. Daniels has rejuvenated Washington’s offense, while Tampa’s veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield has found new life with the Bucs.
Veteran receiver Mike Evans made NFL history with his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. Will the Bucs’ experience prevail, or can Washington’s youthful energy shine through?
NFC: Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams (Monday, 8 p.m. ET)
The Vikings visit the Rams in a rematch of a controversial October game. Minnesota, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, seeks redemption after losing to LA earlier this season and a Week 18 stumble against Detroit.
The Rams, buoyed by the health of receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, have won six of their last eight games. Due to ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
What’s Next?
The winners of this weekend’s games will advance to the divisional round, where they’ll face the top-seeded Chiefs and Lions. The journey to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans continues—who will rise to the occasion?
