American Conference
Cleveland Browns (#5) vs Houston Texans (#4): Saturday 22:30 CET
The 2023-24 NFL playoffs open with a clash between two quarterbacks who changed the league in different ways. Joe Flacco, at 38, helped the Browns reshape their attack after a season of shifting quarterbacks. He joined the team midstream and produced five wins in six games, guiding Cleveland to the postseason after Deshaun Watson’s injury. The Browns boast one of the league’s top defenses, especially in pass defense, with Myles Garrett regarded as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate by many observers.
Houston, once written off, rediscovered momentum through solid front-office work. QB CJ Stroud delivered one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, throwing for over 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns. The growth of players like Nico Collins, Will Anderson Jr, and Tank Dell, plus the steady leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans, has Houston dreaming of more playoff nights. Dell and Collins may miss time due to injury, but the Texans remain a team to watch as the season advances.
Miami Dolphins (#6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (#3): early morning 2pm CET Saturday to Sunday
Is Arrowhead ready for a seismic shock? The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, defend their status as a championship favorite. This year has tested their offense, with a slower points-per-game pace and a receiver corps that never fully found its rhythm. Travis Kelce, though still elite, isn’t carrying the same big-play load he’s known for. Their defense remains stout, but questions linger about whether it can anchor a run through the postseason.
Miami counters with one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill form a combo that slices defenses deep, while the run game, anchored by Raheem Mostert and Devin Achane, adds balance. Mike McDaniel has built a versatile attack that can strike from multiple formations. Yet injury concerns in the secondary and at linebacker temper expectations. The Dolphins still present a high-powered challenge that could tilt the game toward a shootout or a controlled pace depending on the march of the clock.
Buffalo Bills (#2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (#7): Sunday, 19:00 CET
The Bills face a stark contrast in approach. A season marked by upheaval at the offensive coordinator position and a midseason coaching reshuffle did not derail them from postseason contention. Buffalo has won their last five games and has shown resilience despite some offensive rust. Josh Allen remains a prolific scorer and a frequent reputational risk for defenses. The ground game has found a new rhythm with James Cook, and the defense continues to be a force, even after losing key player Matt Milano to injury earlier in the year.
On the other side, Pittsburgh arrived in the playoffs with uncertainty about its ability to move the ball consistently. The offense has struggled for points, while the defense has kept things close. Kenny Pickett has faced criticism, yet the unit around him, led by a disciplined front seven, keeps games within reach. A cold, demanding environment at HighMark Stadium could magnify the Steelers’ chances, especially with star edge rusher TJ Watt and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick driving plays from the defensive side.
National Conference
Green Bay Packers (#7) vs Dallas Cowboys (#2): Sunday 22:30 CET
The Packers visit Dallas in a match that stirs old memories and fresh drama. Mike McCarthy returns to Dallas, where he previously guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance. The Cowboys finished top in total points and sit among the league’s most productive offenses. They own an extensive home win streak and boast a core of trusted players at premium positions. Dak Prescott has answered critics with his best season in years, balancing strong production with impressive efficiency, while teammates around him have stepped up when needed.
The Packers made a historic playoff push, becoming the youngest team to reach the postseason in recent memory. Jordan Love looks poised to lead Green Bay forward, showing confidence and growth in every outing. The defense has struggled at times, but the offense features playmakers like Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs who can stretch the field and create mismatches. Reaching the Wild Card round marks a meaningful moment for Green Bay’s young group, even as expectations for a deeper run remain high.
Detroit Lions (#3) vs Los Angeles Rams (#6): From early Sunday morning until 2:00 AM (CET) on Monday
Detroit and Los Angeles meet in a classic clash of rebirth and potential. Jared Goff, once the face of the Rams, leads a Detroit offense that has risen rapidly this season. Matthew Stafford, the veteran signal-caller, steers the Rams with veteran savvy and late-season form that has reminded many of his peak days. The Lions rank highly in both scoring and yardage, with running backs and receivers delivering consistent production and an offensive line that provides protection and run mechanics.
The Rams, under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, show the same creative spark that defined their earlier successes. Stafford’s chemistry with receivers and the presence of standout playmakers like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams keep Los Angeles dangerous. Detroit’s defense has had its moments, but the Rams will test their resolve in a high-stakes matchup that could hinge on which team can sustain long drives and convert clutch plays at key moments.
Philadelphia Eagles (#5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#4): Early morning 02:00 CET from Monday to Tuesday
The Eagles arrive with a legacy of recent big-game experience but with questions about their form late in the season. A strong start gave way to a tougher stretch, testing a defense that still ranks among the league’s best. Offensively, Philadelphia has shown resilience, with receivers creating reliable targets and a capable run game complementing quarterback play. The team navigates incoming pressures and a coaching dynamic change that affected overall rhythm, yet remains capable of delivering explosive plays when needed.
In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are motivated by a surge in late-season form. The quarterback play has offered consistency, and the defense has risen to challenges, creating a demanding atmosphere for visitors. The matchup showcases a blend of aggressive playmaking and disciplined defense, with veteran leadership guiding both squads through a tense postseason pursuit. The clash promises hard hits, strategic chess moves, and moments that could swing the balance in a pivotal playoff night.