Under the semi-new format, seven teams in each conference make the NFL playoffs, with the No. 1 seed in each conference receiving a bye week and avoiding Wild Card weekend. Who is set to play, and what should you know about the matchups?
American Football Conference (AFC)
Tennessee Titans (1)
In one of the most impressive events of the 2021 NFL season, the Tennessee Titans secured the top spot in the conference without their franchise player, running back Derrick Henry, on the field due to a foot injury. With Henry expected to return for the playoffs, the Titans are one of the most intimidating teams in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs (2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7)
The reigning AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, will be facing a familiar opponent in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The matchup will be their second of the season, with none more important than this one. The Chiefs dominated, winning 36-10. The Steelers could have a great gameplan, but this game could be another blowout in favor of the Chiefs.
Buffalo Bills (3) vs. New England Patriots (6)
The Bills and Patriots will be facing off once again. The Patriots took their first matchup 14-10, and the second was a 33-21 win by the Bills. The AFC East rivals will have a strong matchup between a great offense and a great defense.
Cincinatti Bengals (4) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5)
The AFC North champion Cincinatti Bengals Despite having an amazing run game, the Bengals’ passing game is on fire, with Joe Burrow totaling over 900 yards and eight touchdowns in weeks 16 and 17. The Raiders clinched a playoff berth on Sunday Night Football with a last second field goal. When the two teams met in the regular season, the Bengals won with ease 32-13.
National Football Conference (NFC)
No. 1: Green Bay Packers
MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers has positioned his team at the top spot in the NFC. This Packers team is led by a strong offense, but an even stronger defense. The Packers are scoring 26.3 points and allowing 20.9 points per game this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (7)
The injury-riddled Tampa Bay Buccaneers are led by Tom Brady, so they will always have a chance of winning. Many didn’t expect the Eagles to be at this point, but the surprising team will look to take down one of the juggernauts in the NFL. Eagles second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts is no stranger to the biggest stage, as he won a national championship with Alabama in 2017. In their matchup
Dallas Cowboys (3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (6)
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing an explosive offense and turnover forcing defense into the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Quarterback Dak Prescott throwing 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games. The third member of the NFC West division to make the playoffs, the San Francisco 49ers have a strong run game, so an upset could possibly be on the card. This is the only matchup in the Wild Card round that features two teams that are meeting up for the first time this season.
Los Angeles Rams (4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (5)
The new-look Rams led by Matthew Stafford and their dominant defense have had a great season this far. The two teams met twice this season, splitting the season series in two close games. The Cardinals hope to return All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Pro Bowl running back James Conner. This game looks to be a tough, divisional shootout.
