NFL Wild Card Preview

The first eighteen weeks of the NFL season have all been building to this moment. The top teams in the league are set to face off in intense, do-or-die matchups to determine which squad will take home the Lombardi trophy. It all starts in the wild card round. This week is full of historic matchups and exciting players. Here is my full NFL wild card preview:

Chargers @ Texans

This could be the most evenly matched game in the NFL wild card round this year. These two teams entered the year with wildly different expectations. The Texans were thought of as Super Bowl contenders, while the Chargers were supposed to be in the first year of a rebuild. Both sides have landed far from expectations. This game will feature two of the best processing quarterbacks in the league in C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert, so the final result may be determined by which passer is able to handle pressure.

Steelers @ Ravens

It’s worth tuning in whenever the Steelers and Ravens face off. Add in the stakes of a playoff battle, and it’s must-see football. The Steelers are heavy underdogs in this game after losing each of their last four games. Still, their elite defense will hope to contain the dynamic rushing combo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. These teams split their regular season matchups, with Baltimore winning the more recent of the two games.

Broncos @ Bills

Neither the Broncos nor the Bills were expected to compete for a championship this season. Both have outperformed expectations with explosive offenses. The Broncos lean on elite pass protection and quick throws to move the ball down the field. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has performed as well as any rookie passer in the league. Josh Allen has put together an MVP-worthy campaign for the Bills. Buffalo has leaned on a dominant rushing attack to carry them to the second seed in the AFC.

Packers @ Eagles

For one of these two teams, the 2024 season will end with the same opponent it began with. The Packers and Eagles faced off in Brazil back in week one, with Philadelphia earning a five-point win. These are two of the league’s top ten offenses, so expect a high-scoring affair. The Eagles will likely lean on Offensive Player of the Year candidate Saquon Barkley and his ability to create explosive runs. However, Green Bay is one of just seven teams to allow under 100 rushing yards per game this season.

Commanders @ Buccaneers

The Washington Commanders have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season. Jayden Daniels has burst onto the professional scene as a likely Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is able to create explosive plays with his elite scrambling ability. Daniels scrambled 75 times this season, which is 25 more times than any other quarterback. The Buccaneers have been led by an increasingly efficient running game and consistent receiving options. If both teams play to their potential, this game could become a shootout.

Vikings @ Rams

For both of these teams, the season should already be considered a success. Before the season, Los Angeles was not expected to win the NFC West, and Minnesota was expected to finish near the bottom of the league. Despite these teams’ overperformance, this game still has extremely high stakes. Kevin O’Connell worked under Sean McVay on the Rams’ staff for two years before becoming the Vikings head coach. These are two of the most prolific offensive play callers in the league. Fans will be treated with a chess match on Monday.