The NFL Playoffs have commenced, starting with the eagerly anticipated Wild Card Weekend featuring two Saturday games.
As the weekend concludes, three teams will exit while three will advance closer to the NFL’s pinnacle.
Here’s a breakdown of Saturday’s matchups:
Seattle Seahawks versus San Francisco 49ers, 4:30 p.m. ET
The action begins in Santa Clara, California, where NFC West rivals Seahawks and 49ers meet for the third time this season, now in the playoffs.
Of particular note are the unexpected quarterbacks taking center stage. Geno Smith, filling in for Russell Wilson, exceeded expectations by earning his first Pro Bowl nod and guiding the Seahawks to the playoffs after a decade-long career.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy, dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” after being the last pick in last year’s draft, emerged as a pivotal figure for the 49ers despite quarterback injuries, leading them to six consecutive wins to close the regular season.
Despite the Seahawks’ resilience, the 49ers enter as favorites with a strong defense and a 10-game winning streak, poised for a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Chargers versus Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:15 p.m. ET
In Jacksonville, both teams aim to validate their playoff credentials in a matchup rich with storylines.
Neither team was expected to reach this stage, marking a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes. The Jaguars, especially, aim to make history as the first team to win a postseason berth after finishing with the league’s worst record the previous year.
This game features two promising young quarterbacks making their playoff debuts: Trevor Lawrence for the Jaguars and Justin Herbert for the Chargers.
Herbert, known for his arm strength and leadership, leads the Chargers’ potent passing game, while Lawrence, despite a turbulent season, shows resilience and growth.
With both teams finishing the season strong, expect a closely contested game likely decided by a pivotal play in the closing moments.
As Wild Card Weekend kicks off, football enthusiasts brace for intense action and pivotal moments that will shape the journey to the NFL’s ultimate prize.