The NFL Wild Card Games are an exciting part of the postseason that determines which teams will advance further in the playoffs. The Wild Card games consist of four matchups between teams that did not win their division but had a strong enough record to make it to the playoffs. Let’s take a closer look at who these teams are and what we can expect from them.
Who are the Teams?
There are eight teams that compete in the Wild Card round, four from the AFC and four from the NFC. These teams are:
- Buffalo Bills (AFC)
- Houston Texans (AFC)
- Tennessee Titans (AFC)
- New England Patriots (AFC)
- New Orleans Saints (NFC)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFC)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFC)
- Minnesota Vikings (NFC)
AFC Teams
The Buffalo Bills finished second in the AFC East with a record of 10-6. They have a strong defense led by cornerback Tre’Davious White and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
The Houston Texans won the AFC South with a record of 10-6. They have one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is always a threat.
The Tennessee Titans also finished with a record of 9-7 and clinched a playoff spot as one of two Wild Card teams in their conference. Running back Derrick Henry has been dominant this season, rushing for over 1,500 yards.
Finally, we have the New England Patriots who won their division for the 11th straight year with a record of 12-4. Quarterback Tom Brady is still one of the best in the league, but their offense has struggled at times this season.
NFC Teams
The New Orleans Saints finished with a record of 13-3, second-best in the conference. Quarterback Drew Brees is still performing at a high level and running back Alvin Kamara is a dual threat on offense.
The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC East with a record of 9-7. Quarterback Carson Wentz has been playing well despite injuries to multiple key players on offense.
The Seattle Seahawks finished second in the NFC West with an 11-5 record. Quarterback Russell Wilson is having an MVP-caliber season and their defense has improved as the season has progressed.
Finally, we have the Minnesota Vikings who finished with a record of 10-6. Running back Dalvin Cook has been one of the best in the league this season and their defense is one of the best in the NFL.
What to Expect
The Wild Card round is always unpredictable, but we can expect some exciting matchups between these teams. The Buffalo Bills take on the Houston Texans while the Tennessee Titans face off against the New England Patriots in the AFC.
In the NFC, we have a matchup between division rivals as the New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings. The Philadelphia Eagles travel to Seattle to take on Russell Wilson and company.
Final Thoughts
The NFL Wild Card Games are always exciting and this year should be no different. With some of the league’s top quarterbacks and defenses set to face off, fans are sure to be treated to some great football. Be sure to tune in and see who will advance further into the playoffs!