C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up. Photo: Cooper Neill
The 2023-24 NFL season has been electrifying, full of unexpected turns and twists as it approaches its conclusion. With the Wild Card Round this weekend, this is the ideal time of year to take stock of each of the remaining NFL teams' journeys. Here's a look at how the first weekend of the business end of the season is shaping up (home team second):
Cleveland Browns v Houston Texans (Sunday, 10:30am NZT)
Even if they could be a season away from a deep playoff run, the Texans squad has such a youthful sense of confidence and will that everything seems conceivable. Under DeMeco Ryans, the vastly developing defence often outperforms initial projected numbers from the beginning of the season, locking opposition offences down and racking up interceptions and fumbles. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback sensation CJ Stroud has had an immediate influence on the Houston franchise. The narrative of the Browns' season revolves around Joe Flacco, who has become the central figure in Kevin Stefanski's passing strategy after returning from career oblivion. The question remains whether it can withstand the challenges posed by playoff defences. Yet, Jim Schwartz's resilient defensive unit might just capitalise on opportunistic plays to counterbalance the quarterback's penchant for risk-taking - expect an absolute shootout to start off the playoffs this Sunday morning.
Miami Dolphins v Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 2:00pm)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins walks out for warmups. Photo: Perry Knotts
Andy Reid's Kansas City offence, which is renowned for its inventiveness and faultless execution, has exhibited an unusual shortfall in both qualities in 2023. Patrick Mahomes is clearly frustrated but given their strong defence - they are among the NFL's top five sack leaders - you could never write the NFL poster boys off. On the other hand, few teams among the post-season candidates have a more blatant all-or-nothing attitude than Miami and we've seen this throughout the entire season. Mike McDaniel's squad, which includes the extraordinary relationship between Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, can light up the scoreboard when they execute at their very best. But the worry is that the squad is beset by injuries at an awkward moment, and - without a fully functional supporting cast - can the Dolphin's upset the defending champions and take that next step forward? Definitely one of the games of the season to watch on Sunday afternoon.
Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills (Monday, 7:00am)
Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills warms up. Photo: Perry Knotts
The Bills, who struggled to win crucial games early in the season, now have a potent attacking line-up in Josh Allen, James Cook, and Stefon Diggs. Sean McDermott's enhanced defence, which includes Rasul Douglas, gives them a lethal advantage. They have emerged as the formidable contender that others prefer to avoid in the playoffs. But once again, Mike Tomlin has demonstrated his coaching prowess and experience, adeptly steering the Steelers through upheaval and quarterback injuries to keep them in the running - just. The Steelers are the only club with a negative point differential going into the playoffs. Additionally, the defence's primary playmaker, TJ Watt, is currently nursing an injury. Nevertheless, their trademark scrappy style is expected to persist, but up against the red-hot Bills it's definitely a long shot.
Green Bay Packers v Dallas Cowboys (Monday, 10:30am)
Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a touchdown. Photo: Richard Rodriguez
The Dallas Cowboys are back in control of the fiercely competitive NFC East, and this season has shown that as soon as Dak Prescott and co get going, few offences can match their physical style of play. Prescott has established his supremacy and risen to MVP discussion thanks to his command in the pocket. Even with these successes, Prescott and Mike McCarthy's coaching staff still must conquer the difficulties of getting it done in front of an audience of thousands multiple times on the big stage - something they haven't done in years. It was not thought that the Packers, playing with a downsized and green defence, would be relevant throughout their rebuilding process, yet after a dynamic late run in the season here we are. Still, there are worries about the Packer defence as a possible weakness. On the other hand, a surprisingly robust bunch of dynamic young wide receivers have been joined by quarterback Jordan Love as a shock revelation. The Packers possess the ability to throw off the Super Bowl forecasts and act as spoilers in the postseason, and there's no better way to test themselves than a red-hot Dallas outfit. Another must-watch game.
LA Rams v Detroit Lions (Monday, 2:00pm)
Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions is tackled by Andrew Booth Jr. #23 of the Minnesota Vikings. Photo: Mike Mulholland
There is a noticeable difference in the way the Lions compete at home and away, which could be a concern for them during the playoffs, most notably in the way the offence gives in to turnover spurts when up against strong defensive fronts. Few teams, though, have the same calmness and confidence while playing at their best. Their strong front line is unwavering, which lays the groundwork for a reliable running game and a masterful run/pass option assault. In saying that though, the Rams have a 7-1 record as a result of a red-hot late winning run, with their only defeat coming against potential Super Bowl candidates the Ravens in a tough overtime battle. Apart from the powerful future hall of famer Aaron Donald, their defence is still definitely a work in progress. But the Rams can win high-scoring shootouts because they have veteran Matthew Stafford at the helm with Puka Nacua and a variety of in-form attacking weapons. This game will be an absolute cracker with touchdowns galore.
Philadelphia Eagles v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tuesday 2:00pm)
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles. Photo: Cooper Neill
'Deflated' would be an understatement to describe Eagles fans, after starting the season 10-1 and making it to the Super Bowl a year ago, their 18-month long spark appears gone after a dismal 1-5 streak to end the season. Even though they have several Pro Bowl, even future hall of fame players on the squad, their 2022 campaign's exuberance has diminished. There is still hope that Jalen Hurts and the squad might still find their magic on the road after defeating Tampa Bay at the start of the year. As for the Bucs, thankfully the defence has tightened up, in the last month and Baker Mayfield has performed better than expected in his interim quarterback role, but even while the Eagles have struggled this will be a tight battle.
