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Ranking The NFL Playoff Games: Which Wild-Card Game Stands Out?

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Ranking The NFL Wild-Card Matchup
Wild-Card games that are standing out (Image Credit: Getty Images)

It’s that time of year again- playoff football is here, and with it comes all the chaos, drama, and heartbreak we live for as fans. Wild-Card Weekend has a special kind of energy, even if calling it “super” feels like a bit of a stretch. Not every matchup screams must-watch, but hey, it’s still the playoffs, and that’s all that matters.

Here’s how this year’s six wild-card games rank from least to most watchable.

6. Denver Broncos At Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+)

Salute to the Broncos for making it this far. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has stepped up impressively, giving Denver fans a glimpse of a bright future. If it weren’t for Jayden Daniels, Nix might already have Offensive Rookie of the Year locked up. Unfortunately, the Broncos face a daunting task against MVP frontrunner Josh Allen and the explosive Buffalo Bills offense.

While Buffalo’s defense can be inconsistent, head coach Sean McDermott knows how to scheme effectively in the postseason. A well-rested Allen and the Bills’ strength might overwhelm Denver. The Broncos lack the potential to keep up, making this likely the least compelling game of the weekend.

5. Los Angeles Chargers At Houston Texans (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)

The Texans are back in their seemingly perennial Saturday afternoon slot, but this year’s iteration doesn’t inspire much confidence. Missing key weapons like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, quarterback C.J. Stroud faces an uphill battle against a Chargers defense led by Jesse Minter. Minter, who successfully game-planned against Stroud twice during his Michigan tenure, will look to frustrate the young quarterback once again.

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This game might offer late drama, especially if Stroud keeps it close. However, the lack of offensive firepower on Houston’s side means fans could be in for a grind-it-out defensive battle. If you’ve got errands, finish them before Saturday evening.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers At Baltimore Ravens (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

The Ravens-Steelers rivalry rarely disappoints, but this matchup has lost some of its usual shine. Pittsburgh enters on a four-game losing streak, largely due to offensive struggles. Even with head coach Mike Tomlin’s knack for pulling off surprises, this feels like an uphill battle.

Lamar Jackson, an MVP candidate, looks poised to shine alongside newly acquired Derrick Henry, making his Baltimore postseason debut. The Steelers’ defense doesn’t resemble its historically dominant self, which could spell trouble against the Ravens’ multifaceted attack. Amazon’s first-ever playoff broadcast might be worth tuning in for but don’t expect fireworks from both sides.

Also Read: Everything About NFL’s Wild-Card Weekend: Schedule, Matchups, And TV Details

3. Green Bay Packers At Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX)

Jalen Hurts’ status looms large over this game. If Hurts clears concussion protocol, the Eagles should dominate. If he doesn’t, the responsibility falls to backups Kenny Pickett or Tanner McKee, which could dampen the excitement.

Even with Hurts sidelined, Philadelphia’s defense has the tools to limit the Packers’ rushing attack, led by Josh Jacobs. Without wideout Christian Watson and with quarterback Jordan Love nursing a hand injury, Green Bay’s offense might struggle to keep pace. Head coach Matt LaFleur could devise some creative ground-game strategies, but the Eagles’ overall depth makes them heavy favorites.

2. Minnesota Vikings At Los Angeles Rams (Monday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

This matchup has all the ingredients for an entertaining showdown. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell squares off against his former boss, Rams head coach Sean McVay, in what could become a chess match on both sides of the ball.

The Rams’ starters are coming off a short week, which could impact their performance, especially on defense. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ offense, featuring Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold, looks primed for a bounce-back performance. This game might come down to who has the ball last. ESPN, which has often been saddled with forgettable wild-card games, might finally have a winner on its hands.

1. Washington Commanders At Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)

If you love points, this is the game for you. Neither team boasts a dominant defense, despite both head coaches’ defensive backgrounds. Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has found his groove after an early-season slump and returns to Raymond James Stadium, where he made his NFL debut just months ago.

On the other side, Baker Mayfield has silenced critics with his stellar play for Tampa Bay. Add in the electric presence of Bucky Irving and the ever-reliable Mike Evans, fresh off extending his 1,000-yard streak, and this game has all the makings of a shootout. To top it off, the matchup between Evans and Marshon Lattimore- acquired by the Commanders midseason- could be one of the weekend’s defining battles.

This game has everything fans want from playoff football: high stakes, dynamic offenses, and star players on both sides. Grab your popcorn- this one should be a thriller.

Also Read: NFL Playoff Tiebreakers: How Division And Wild Card Tiebreaking Rules Work?

Written by Arnab Mondal

Arnab Mondal is an NFL writer for Total Pro Sports, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his extensive experience in sports journalism. His proficiency inRead More