CNN
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The NFL Playoffs have lastly arrived. The highly-anticipated Wild Card Weekend kicks off with two video games on Saturday.
By the top of the weekend, three groups will probably be eradicated and three groups will probably be one step nearer to the NFL’s greatest stage.
Right here’s what to anticipate on Saturday:
The weekend begins in Santa Clara, California with the NFC West rivals Seahawks and 49ers. Will probably be the third assembly between the 2 groups this season, although simply the second time they’ve ever met within the postseason.
Most apparently, the matchup options two unbelievable quarterbacks that 18 weeks in the past nobody might have predicted could be on this place.
Because the successor to Russell Wilson, Seahawks’ quarterback Geno Smith stepped into the function with low expectations. He not solely met these expectations, however surpassed them by posting profession numbers in almost each class.
At 32 years outdated, he earned his first Professional Bowl bid and his first journey to the postseason in his 10-year profession. He powered the Seahawks to a successful season and secured the seventh and remaining NFC playoff spot.
Whatever the final result on Saturday, Smith is poised as a frontrunner for comeback participant of the 12 months.
On the opposing aspect is 2022’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” who opposite to the nickname, won’t be quickly forgotten.
Brock Purdy reluctantly earned the title because the final decide in final 12 months’s draft. What 49ers executives didn’t know on the time was that the decide would ultimately save their season.
The workforce began the 12 months with three quarterbacks. After Trey Lance and Jimmy Garropolo suffered unlikely season-ending accidents, the keys have been handed to the rookie Purdy. The 23-year-old took the chance in his stride, main the 49ers to an ideal six wins in six video games to wrap up the season.
If he’s capable of proceed previous the primary spherical, the rise of Mr. Irrelevant will little question be some of the extraordinary tales of the whole season.
All circumstances thought-about, the stage is ready for a 49ers victory.
Kyle Shanahan’s squad is wholesome regardless of a season stuffed with accidents, has among the finest defensive items within the league, and is driving a 10-game successful streak. They’ve the expertise, the expertise, and the momentum wanted to make a deep playoff run.
Whereas it’s fairly outstanding that the underdog Seahawks have made it this far, it’s doubtless that their season ends right here.
Each groups have rather a lot to show when the Jaguars host the Chargers on Saturday night time.
Neither workforce was anticipated to make the playoffs this season. Neither workforce has seen the playoffs prior to now 5 years. Neither franchise has ever gained a Tremendous Bowl.
If the Jags make it out of the primary spherical, they’d grow to be the primary workforce in NFL historical past to win a postseason only a season after ending with the league’s worst or tied-for-the-worst file.
This recreation is arguably probably the most evenly matched of the whole weekend.
Each groups hit their stride on the finish of the common season, with the Jaguars ending on a five-game win streak and the Chargers successful 4 of their remaining 5. Each groups possess a number of the league’s most promising younger quarterbacks making their postseason debut, Trevor Lawrence, 23, and Justin Herbert, 24, respectively.
Herbert completed the common season ranked second in completions and cross yards, and with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Lawrence, regardless of an up-and-down season, set profession highs in cross yards and landing passes. He completed with 25 touchdowns and over the past 10 weeks of the season, led the AFC with a 104.6 passer ranking.
In the end, this recreation will doubtless be a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. The Jaguars have the higher floor recreation, however the Chargers have the higher passing recreation.
Neither protection is provided to cease their opponents’ greatest strengths. The end result of this recreation will doubtless be determined by a single rating or late-game mistake.
Right here’s easy methods to catch these groups and others throughout the league in motion, from wherever you’re.
Australia: NFL Recreation Move, ESPN, 7Plus
Brazil: NFL Recreation Move, ESPN
Canada: CTV, TSN, RDS, NFL Recreation Move on DAZN
Germany: NFL Recreation Move, ProSieben MAXX, DAZN
Mexico: NFL Recreation Move, TUDN, ESPN, Fox Sports activities, Sky Sports activities
UK: NFL Recreation Move, Sky Sports activities, ITV, Channel 5
US: NFL Recreation Move, CBS Sports activities, Fox Sports activities, ESPN, Amazon Prime
