NFL Wild-Card Round: Intriguing Storylines to Watch
Wild Weather
The upcoming NFL wild-card round is set to be a battle against extreme weather conditions. The Dolphins, who lost to the Bills in Week 18, will now have to face frigid temperatures in Kansas City. Saturday’s game is expected to break record-low temperatures, with near-zero temperatures and wind chills well below zero. This could potentially be one of the coldest games in NFL history, rivaling the infamous 1967 Ice Bowl between the Packers and Cowboys.
On the other hand, if the Dolphins had won in Week 18, they would have been playing in sunny Miami with temperatures in the 70s. The Bills, who secured a win in Week 18, will now host the Steelers in their trademark snowy weather at Highmark Stadium. Heavy snowfall is expected during the game, with wind chills potentially falling below zero.
Old Faces, New Places
Several teams will be facing familiar opponents in the wild-card round. The Lions will clash against the Rams, with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford returning to Detroit to face his former team. Stafford, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams after being traded by the Lions, will play in his first playoff game since 2017 and the Lions’ first home playoff game since 1993. On the other side, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who was part of the blockbuster trade between the Rams and Lions in 2021, will face his former team as well.
In another matchup, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will go against his former team, the Packers, whom he led to a Super Bowl title. There is uncertainty surrounding McCarthy’s job security, and with high-quality coaching candidates available, his performance in the playoffs will be closely watched.
Eagles in Turmoil
The Philadelphia Eagles had a promising start to the season but finished on a downward spiral, losing five of their last six games. Their Week 18 loss to the Giants was a low point, with the team starting with their full starters but finishing with backups. Quarterback Jalen Hurts injured his right hand in the game but has returned to practice. Wide receiver A.J. Brown also suffered a knee injury and has yet to practice. The Eagles’ defense collapsed towards the end of the season, leading to a change in play-calling duties. However, receiver DeVonta Smith is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury.
Injury Questions
Aside from the Eagles, there are several injury uncertainties heading into the wild-card round. Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is questionable to play due to a hyperextended knee and bone bruise suffered in Week 18. Steelers’ star edge rusher T.J. Watt will miss the game against the Bills due to an MCL sprain in his knee. The Dolphins have key players like running back Raheem Mostert, receiver Jaylen Waddle, and safety Jevon Holland listed as questionable for their game against the Chiefs. Their availability will greatly impact the team’s performance.
Dysfunctional Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled in the second half of the season, losing five of their last ten games. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has shown signs of frustration, often seen angrily yelling at referees and teammates. However, it would be unwise to underestimate Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, who have a proven track record of success.
