The NFL playoffs arrived to end what was one of the most bizarre seasons in professional football in recent times. Covid’s ever-present threat hung over the NFL all season, infecting players and postponing games along the way. Now the league is ready to start an expanded playoff field in the Wild Card round, with eight games scheduled to take place between Saturday and Sunday.
Everything still seems to be moving through Kansas City, with the Super Bowl champions in defense as usual. Patrick Mahomes is still the best defender in the NFL, the Chiefs have buckets of talent on both sides of the ball and Andy Reid remains one of the league’s great strategists. However, there is a challenge coming from Buffalo that cannot be ignored.
The fact that Bills is so good isn’t exactly a surprise, but Josh Allen taking a step forward to become one of the league’s biggest threats is. Switching to Stefon Diggs was the missing piece for Buffalo, and now the team looks like it could surprise beyond just getting to the AFC Championship – they could really win it all.
The NFC, on the other hand, seems completely open. Sure, Packers and Saints are still in the mix (especially with Drew Brees back), but there have been many moments this season when both teams have seemed less dominant than usual. This is the type of NFC story in general. Many teams that are really good and have excellent results – but none seem convincing enough to last an entire season.
Green Bay should certainly be a factor at the end of the postseason, but a lot of attention will be paid to Tamp Bay. The Buccaneers are going up and down, even with their new look, but this is the time when Tom Brady will gain its value. A steady and experienced hand in the playoffs should be able to take this team further than they would otherwise.
This is all in preparation for the Super Bowl LV, scheduled to take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on February 7. Here is the complete schedule for the playoffs:
Round Wild Card
Bye: Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers
Saturday, January 9th.
Indianapolis Colts x Buffalo Bills (1:05 pm ET)
Los Angeles Rams x Seattle Seahawks (4:40 pm ET)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Football Team (20:15 ET)
Sunday, January 10th.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans (1:05 pm ET)
Chicago Bears x New Orleans Saints (4:40 pm ET)
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers (8:15 pm ET)
Divisional Round
Saturday, January 16th.
NFC Divisional Round (TBD)
AFC Divisional Round (TBD)
Sunday, January 17th.
NFC Divisional Round (TBD)
AFC Divisional Round (TBD)
Championship round.
Saturday, January 23rd.
NFC Championship Game (TBD)
Sunday, January 24th.
AFC Championship Game (TBD)
Super Bowl
Sunday, February 7.
Super Bowl LV