The NFL postseason is set to kick off on Saturday, showcasing two thrilling games featuring Super Bowl MVPs and rising stars. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs will host Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in a prime-time showdown. Earlier in the day, Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns will take on rookie sensation C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. These games will have a significant impact on the AFC playoff picture.
Browns vs. Texans: Youth vs. Experience
In this playoff matchup, youth and experience will collide. Stroud, the Texans' quarterback, will make his NFL playoff debut in front of his home fans in Houston following a stellar rookie season. On the other hand, Flacco's impressive performance as the Browns' starter has elevated him to consideration for NFL Coach of the Year. Despite facing challenges such as injuries to key players, the Browns finished the season with 11 wins and secured a playoff spot for just the third time since 2000. Flacco's playoff experience, with seven road postseason wins in his career, could provide a significant advantage for Cleveland.
Dolphins vs. Chiefs: A Cold Battle
The temperature at Arrowhead Stadium is expected to be around 12 degrees during kickoff, adding an extra challenge for both the Dolphins and the Chiefs. This matchup will reunite Tyreek Hill with his former team, as the Dolphins look to avenge their earlier loss to the Chiefs this season. However, the Dolphins are dealing with multiple injuries, while the Chiefs' offense has underperformed this season, averaging the lowest points since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback. Despite these challenges, both teams are determined to make a strong playoff statement.
Predictions for Saturday's Games
As anticipation builds for these exciting matchups, the USA TODAY Sports staff has weighed in with their predictions. The majority favor the Browns and the Chiefs as the victorious teams on Saturday.
- Jarrett Bell: Browns, Chiefs
- Chris Bumbaca: Texans, Chiefs
- Nate Davis: Browns, Chiefs
- Safid Deen: Texans, Chiefs
- Tyler Dragon: Texans, Chiefs
- Victoria Hernandez: Texans, Chiefs
- Jordan Mendoza: Browns, Chiefs
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Browns, Chiefs
- Lorenzo Reyes: Browns, Chiefs
Caption: The NFL Playoff action begins with exciting matchups on January 13.
