2024 NFL Wild Card Preview: Top Storylines, Key Matchups, and X-Factors for Every Game

As the NFL Super Wild Card Weekend kicks off tomorrow, fans and analysts are eager to see how the matchups unfold. 

With thrilling narratives and critical head-to-heads, here’s a look at the weekend’s most anticipated games, key players to watch, and bold predictions. 

It’ll be a great weekend, always unexpected and full of upsets that shock all fans. However, the best team doesn’t always win in the NFL, especially in the playoffs, when it may not be at its best and could lose to a team that is worse than itself.

Key Matchups

Justin Herbert vs. Texans Secondary: 

Justin Herbert has thrown the fewest interceptions in the league this season (3), joining Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady as the only two who have thrown three, while the Texans boast the second-most interceptions (19). 

This chess match will determine whether Houston’s opportunistic defense can disrupt Herbert’s efficiency. The Texans are missing two of their best wide receivers, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, but they still have running back Joe Mixon, who can give the offense some hope of pulling off this win. 

Texans’ Offensive Line vs. Derwin James Jr.: 

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has been a force with 5.5 sacks and 15 pressures. Houston’s ability to account for his versatile blitzing style could determine the success of their run and short-passing game. 

Prediction

The Charger's defense ranked first in scoring and should stifle a Texans offense weakened by injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Expect Herbert to manage the game effectively, leading to a 28-20 Chargers victory.

X-Factor

Derwin James Jr.: His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game makes him a nightmare for opposing coordinators. 

Game Time: Jan.11, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS) 

Key Matchups

Najee Harris vs. Ravens Front Seven

The Steelers don’t have a very good offense and are one of the worst offensive teams left in the playoffs. Pittsburgh has been bereft of a quarterback for years since prime Ben Roethlisberger brought two Super Bowls for that city. 

The key will be whether Russell Wilson can deliver some magic against a very talented Baltimore Ravens team led by the two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who the Steelers will have a tough time containing. 

Lamar Jackson vs. Steelers Defense: 

Jackson has turned the ball over nine times in six career playoff games. With the Steelers’ defense faltering recently, Jackson has a prime opportunity to turn his playoff narrative around. 

Jackson has always come up short in the playoffs compared to the regular season. Regarding passing touchdowns, completions, and sacks, Jackson is dead last in almost every category in the playoffs. 

Despite having talented teammates and a loaded roster on both sides of the floor, Jackson is the only MVP who has never reached the Super Bowl. He’s been named MVP twice and could win it this year. 

It’s a tough road ahead of him, especially with all the talented quarterbacks remaining in the playoffs, but Lamar is talented enough to not only reach the Super Bowl but win it all.

Prediction

The Ravens will capitalize on a struggling Steelers offense and secure a 27-17 victory. Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities should shine against a Pittsburgh defense ranked near the bottom in passing yards allowed over the last four weeks. 

X-Factor

Kyle Van Noy: With 12.5 sacks this season, the Ravens outside linebacker can disrupt the Steelers’ passing game with creative stunts and twists.

Game Time: Jan.11, 8:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Key Matchups 

Josh Allen vs. Broncos Defense: 

Allen’s mobility (12 rushing TDs) poses a significant challenge for a Denver defense that allows the third-least rushing yards per game (96.4). 

But the good news is that the Broncos have an elite defense against the secondary with 15 interceptions, ranking as a top 10 defense in the NFL. But Josh Allen has been playing at an MVP level, and the Bills look very scary when it should be an easy game against a young Broncos team.

Courtland Sutton vs. Bills Secondary: 

Sutton’s ability to exploit zones with deep in-breaking routes could be a game-changer against Buffalo’s zone-heavy schemes. 

Bo Nix has been a great story in his first season as the Denver Broncos starting quarterback. He finished with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 when they won the Super Bowl. 

Denver has been a great story, as has Nix, but in this particular game against a very tough and hungry Bills team, the Broncos won’t have enough to win this game but have a very bright future. 

Prediction

The Bills’ high-powered offense will prove too much for the Broncos. Allen’s dual-threat capabilities and the Bills’ turnover discipline (8 all season) will lead to a 31-14 victory.

X-Factor

Courtland Sutton: His ability to generate explosive plays downfield will be crucial for a Broncos upset bid.

Game Time: Jan.12, 1 p.m. ET (CBS) 

Key Matchups

Jalen Hurts vs. Packers’ Defense: 

Returning from concussion protocol, Hurts faces a Green Bay defense that ranks fifth overall. The Eagles’ ability to start fast will be key against a team that allows just 19.9 points per game.

Saquon Barkley vs. Packers’ Front Seven: 

In recent meetings, Barkley has torched the Packers, averaging over 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in his last three games against Green Bay.

Jordan Love’s injury question mark: 

Love suffered a wrist injury in the season's final game against the Chicago Bears but intends to play Sunday afternoon. The big question mark is how Jordan Love’s arm will look and whether he can make the deep throws he usually does. 

Another big question mark for the Packers is the injury to receiver Christian Watson. Green Bay looked like a Super Bowl contender at the beginning of the season, but injuries hampered the team. 

It’s looking doubtful that the Packers will pull off an upset, especially against one of the top defenses in the Eagles, who are motivated to make a run after last year's disappointing end.

Prediction

Despite Green Bay’s strong finish to the season, the Eagles’ balance on both sides gives them the edge in a tight 27-24 victory. 

X-Factor

Jalen Carter: The Eagles’ defensive tackle has a knack for disrupting the passing game, with six batted passes this season.

Game Time: Jan. 12, 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX) 

Jayden Daniels vs. Bucs’ Defense: 

The commander's rookie quarterback has excelled against blitz-heavy defenses, averaging 10.7 yards per scramble against extra rushers. Tampa Bay must contain his mobility. 

Bucky Irving vs. Commanders’ Run Defense: 

Washington ranks 30th against the run, and Irving’s explosive second half of the season (183.3 rushing yards per game since Week 11) presents a significant challenge. 

Prediction

The Buccaneers will continue their strong rushing performance, with Daniels’ mobility complementing Irving’s ground game. Tampa Bay wins 24-20.

X-Factor

Jalen McMillan: The Buccaneers’ emerging wide receiver adds a vertical element that can exploit Washington’s secondary.

Game Time: Jan. 12, 8:00 p.m. ET (NBC)

Key Matchups

Sam Darnold vs. Rams’ Defense: 

Darnold is starting his first postseason, and the Rams’ defensive schemes could expose his inexperience. After Darnold's terrible performance against the Lions to battle for the No.1 seed in the NFC, many people started looking at Minnesota and Darnold differently. 

There’s no question that Darnold and the Vikings' offense and defense have been excellent this year. However, Darnold has never been in this situation and can easily be exposed for his lack of experience against a hot Los Angeles Rams squad.

Matthew Stafford vs. Vikings Secondary: 

Stafford’s postseason prowess (most passing yards per game in playoff history) makes him a significant threat against Minnesota’s inconsistent secondary. 

A healthy Rams squad with Stafford playing his best football in the last few weeks can make a deep run in the playoffs, especially as their offense has been getting healthy.

Prediction

The Rams’ playoff experience and Stafford’s ability to perform under pressure will lead to a 27-24 victory over the Vikings.

X-Factor

Braden Fiske: The rookie defensive tackle’s ability to generate interior pressure will be crucial for disrupting Darnold’s rhythm. 

Game Time: Due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the game has been moved from Sunday to Monday night in Glendale, Arizona. Jan.13, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)

Wild-Card Weekend promises to deliver high-stakes drama and standout performances. With elite quarterbacks, game-changing defenders, and bold coaching decisions, the outcomes of these matchups will shape the road to the Super Bowl. Keep an eye on the X-factors, as they could be the difference between advancing and going home.