2024 NFL Wild Card Round Preview
The wild-card playoff round for the 2024 NFL season is set to feature six exciting matchups. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know heading into the weekend.
LAC-HOU | PIT-BAL | DEN-BUF | GB-PHI | WSH-TB | MIN-LAR
Byes: DET, KC
LAC vs. HOU
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET | CBS/Paramount+ | ESPN BET: LAC -3 (42.5 O/U)
Chargers storyline to watch: Quarterback Justin Herbert has been impressive this season with only three interceptions, facing a Texans defense known for creating turnovers. Can Houston force Herbert into making mistakes?
Texans storyline to watch: Both defenses excel at creating pressure on quarterbacks, which could be a deciding factor in this game. The team that can generate consistent pressure is likely to come out on top.
Stat to know: Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has a chance to make history with a win, aiming to become the second coach ever to win a playoff game in his first season with two different teams.
Bold prediction: The Texans will struggle to score a touchdown against the Chargers’ staunch defense.
Matchup X factor: Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. will play a crucial role in disrupting the Texans’ offensive schemes.
Kahler’s pick: Chargers 28, Texans 20
Moody’s pick: Chargers 27, Texans 23
Walder’s pick: Chargers 20, Texans 9
FPI prediction: LAC, 52.8% (by an average of 0.9 points)
PIT vs. BAL
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET | Prime Video | ESPN BET: BAL -9.5 (43.5 O/U)
Steelers storyline to watch: The Steelers offense has struggled in recent games, prompting the question of how they will adapt to face the Ravens’ defense.
Ravens storyline to watch: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks to overcome his playoff struggles against a faltering Steelers defense.
Stat to know: Steelers running back Najee Harris has had a challenging season, ranking low in yards gained over expectation.
Bold prediction: Ravens tight end Mark Andrews will have a standout performance, catching six or more passes.
Matchup X factor: Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy will aim to disrupt the Steelers’ offensive rhythm.
Kahler’s pick: Ravens 30, Steelers 24
Moody’s pick: Ravens 28, Steelers, 19
Walder’s pick: Ravens 27, Steelers 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 72.2% (by an average of 9.0 points)
DEN vs. BUF
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET | CBS/Paramount+ | ESPN BET: BUF -8 (47.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to watch: The Broncos face the challenge of containing Josh Allen and the Bills’ dynamic offense.
Bills storyline to watch: The Bills’ defense will be tested against the Broncos’ offense, particularly focusing on limiting quarterback Bo Nix’s mobility.
Stat to know: The Bills have excelled in ball security this season, turning over the ball only eight times.
Bold prediction: Josh Allen will showcase his dual-threat abilities, converting first downs and scoring with his legs.
Matchup X factor: Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton will play a key role in stretching the Bills’ defense.
Kahler’s pick: Bills 28, Broncos 21
Moody’s pick: Broncos 27, Bills 24
Walder’s pick: Bills 28, Broncos 17
FPI prediction: BUF, 68.1% (by an average of 7.1 points)
GB vs. PHI
Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: PHI -4.5 (45.5 O/U)
Packers storyline to watch: The Packers’ defense faces a tough challenge in containing Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
Eagles storyline to watch: Quarterback Jalen Hurts returns from injury, aiming to lead the Eagles’ passing attack against a stout Packers defense.
Stat to know: The Packers have been prolific in scoring, recording 30-plus points in several of their recent games.
Bold prediction: Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter will make a game-changing play, intercepting a pass against the Packers.
Matchup X factor: Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will play a vital role in limiting Barkley and disrupting the Eagles’ passing game.
Kahler’s pick: Eagles 34, Packers 28
Moody’s pick: Eagles 31, Packers 21
Walder’s pick: Eagles 24, Packers 21
FPI prediction: PHI, 51.2% (by an average of 0.4 points)
WSH vs. TB
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: TB -3 (50.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to watch: Washington’s defense will be tested against a formidable Buccaneers offense, especially in containing rookie running back Bucky Irving.
Buccaneers storyline to watch: The Buccaneers aim to contain quarterback Jayden Daniels and limit his scrambling abilities.
Stat to know: This matchup marks only the fourth instance in NFL history of two teams meeting in the wild-card round after averaging 28-plus points per game in the regular season.
Bold prediction: QB Jayden Daniels will have a standout performance rushing for over 70 yards.
Matchup X factor: Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan will be a key player in stretching Washington’s defense and contributing to the team’s offensive success.
Kahler’s pick: Commanders 33, Buccaneers 30
Moody’s pick: Commanders 34, Buccaneers 29
Walder’s pick: Commanders 31, Buccaneers 26
FPI prediction: TB, 58.3% (by an average of 3.3 points)
MIN vs. LAR
Monday, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ | ESPN BET: MIN -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
Location change: The NFL has moved this game to Arizona for public safety due to wildfires in Southern California.
Vikings storyline to watch: The Vikings aim to contain Rams receiver Puka Nacua and improve from past defensive lapses.
Rams storyline to watch: Quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to capitalize on his success against the Vikings earlier in the season.
Stat to know: Vikings’ Sam Darnold aims to make history as one of the few quarterbacks to win postseason games with multiple teams in a single season.
Bold prediction: Rams coach Sean McVay will make a critical field goal decision that costs them the game.
Matchup X factor: Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske will aim to disrupt the Vikings’ offense and create pressure up front.
Kahler’s pick: Rams 28, Vikings 26
Moody’s pick: Rams 30, Vikings 26
Walder’s pick: Vikings 24, Rams 23
FPI prediction: MIN, 53.9% (by an average of 1.2 points)