NFL Playoffs Prime Matchups
When the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions in the NFL’s regular-season finale Sunday night, they won the NFC North division and the fourth seeded NFL playoff team. The Detroit Lions secured the final wild card spot as the sixth seed and the NFL playoff matchups are set.
The four games of the first round or wild-card weekend playoffs are the three seed playing the six seed and the four seed playing the five seed.
Oakland at the five seed is playing the four seeded Houston Texans on Saturday, 4:35 pm ET in Houston on ESPN.
The Raiders are making their first playoff appearance since 2002. The Raiders were having a solid winning season until their quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg. His backup is Matt McGloin who was injured with a shoulder injury. If McGloin can’t play then rookie Connor Cook would make his first career start in a playoff game. The Texans have their own quarterback issues. Brock Osweiler was benched for Tom Savage late in the season, but Savage suffered a concussion.
Houston is a small favorite at -3 but will probably move to 4 points. Points will be scarce. The Raiders face a very strong defense in Houston with their leader and productive quarterback Carr on the sidelines. If Houston wins they would play either in Kansas City or at New England Patriots.
Detroit Lions at the sixth seed wild card playing at the third seed Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, 8:15 pm ET on NBC.
Detroit won a lot of close games during the season but lost three straight games to finish the season. The Lions got their playoff spot when the Washington Redskins lost their final game. Matthew Stafford, the Lions QB, has been playing well throughout the season but has a big challenge against Seattle. The Seahawks have been inconsistent this season, but should prevail at home. Russell Wilson is productive again this season and the defense is still very tenacious and experienced for a playoff run to the Super Bowl.
Miami Dolphins at the sixth seed playing at the third seed Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, 1:05 pm ET on CBS.
The Dolphins started 1-4 and then won 9 of 10 to clinch a sixth seed wild card playoff spot. The Dolphins are without their starting quarterback, as Ryan Tannehill has been sidelined with a knee injury. Matt Moore has done a solid job replacing him. They will play the Steelers who won the AFC North division on Christmas day with a strong win over the Baltimore Ravens.The Steelers’ offensive strength of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are all healthy going into the playoffs.
New York Giants at the fifth seed wild card playing at the fourth seed Green Bay Packers on Sunday, 4:40 pm ET on FOX.
A much improved and top defense has carried the Giants into the playoffs. They also have Odell Beckham, one of the best receivers in football. The Giants go to Green Bay where they face the very hot Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Green Bay looked miserable during a four game losing streak when it started this season 4-6 with a playoff berth in jeopardy. Rodgers and the Packers regained their power and won six games in a row to prove their place in the NFL as legitimate contenders for a Super Bowl run.
First round byes are the New England Patriots (14-2) and the Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)
NFC byes are the Dallas Cowboys (13-3) and the Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
