As the NFL gears up for the playoff round next week, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, particularly with the wild card games on the horizon. What sets this year apart is the historic number of teams still harboring hopes for a postseason run—a testament to the tumultuous nature of the season. From an unusual surge in quarterback injuries to rollercoaster win/loss records, the unpredictability of this NFL season adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming games.
Amidst the chaos, the current week’s games promise to be nothing short of fascinating, with four divisions still up for grabs and a total of 20 teams vying for coveted playoff spots. The marquee matchup to watch unfolds on Sunday night as the Bills take on the Dolphins, with the winner seizing control of the AFC East—a pivotal moment that could shape the postseason landscape.
The weekend is stacked with compelling matchups, offering football enthusiasts a solid lineup of games to enjoy. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who’s playing where and when:
Saturday, Jan 6:
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN
- Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN
Sunday, Jan 7:
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
- Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
- Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
- New York Jets vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
- Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
- Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
- Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
- Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
- Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
- Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
For those keen on catching the games without a cable subscription, numerous options are available. An HD antenna proves to be a reliable solution for local broadcasts, ensuring a clear and uninterrupted viewing experience. Additionally, a range of streaming services offers live online coverage:
Peacock: NBC’s streaming service allows access to several games, including a seven-day free trial and subsequent monthly charges.
Disney+: The Disney bundle, comprising Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, is available for a monthly fee.
Hulu with Live TV: Priced at $77 per month, this service no longer offers a free trial.
YouTubeTV: Monthly charges start at $73 following a two-week trial.
Sling TV: The lower-tiered “Orange” plan starts at $40 per month, with a 50% off promotion for the first month.
DirecTV Stream: Formerly known as DirecTV Now, prices start at $75 per month.
Fubo TV: This sports-focused service offers a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up.
While Amazon won’t be streaming NFL games until next year, viewers can explore additional options to tailor their viewing experience. The NFL App, NFL+, and NFL Sunday Ticket are avenues to stream games locally or out of the market, with various subscription plans offering flexibility and convenience.
In the dynamic landscape of NFL playoffs, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement through diverse platforms, ensuring a customized and accessible viewing experience. As the intensity of the games builds, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend of football that reflects the unprecedented twists and turns of the season.
