NFL 2017-18 Playoff Preview

Contenders

Of course, we have the teams that had secured their place in the Playoffs (New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburg Steelers, Minnesota Vikings), but the real excitement came with the Buffalo Bills sneaking into a wildcard spot. On New Year’s Eve, the Bills beat the Miami Dolphins, but it was actually up to the Cincinnati Bengals to determine whether they would see the next phase of the season.

Buffalo players huddled in their locker room and watched as Bengals QB Andy Dalton, on 4th and 12 with 53 seconds on the clock, threw an incredible 49 yard touchdown for the win over the Baltimore Ravens.

 

From Miami, to Buffalo, to New York City…

That playoff moment! #GoBills pic.twitter.com/67p8tn0XEe

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 1, 2018

This last minute miracle catapulted the Bills into the playoffs, ending a 17 year post-season drought in dramatic fashion. Buffalo isn’t the only stranger to make the playoffs this year: the Rams haven’t been here since 2004, the Titans came back after 9 years, and the Jags made it after 10 long years post season free. In fact, 8 of the 12 teams didn’t make the cut last year. Only the Chiefs, Patriots, Falcons, and Steelers are returning.

Wildcard Weekend

The excitement begins this Saturday, January 6th, with the Titans vs the Chiefs, followed by the Falcons and the Rams. Then Sunday gives us the longshot Bills against Jacksonville and finally, Panthers at New Orleans.

This year’s Super Bowl will be held in Minnesota, at the US Bank Stadium. The Vikings have the rare opportunity to be the first team in history to play in the Super Bowl with home field advantage.