George Harris
Jan 14, 2024 - 10:05

NFL Playoff Bracket 2024: Updated Picture, Schedule After Saturday Wild Card

Texans and Chiefs win in wild card weekend to advance to AFC Divisional Round. Here's what happened and what's next.

The NFL wild card weekend has been an exciting and action-packed event, with two teams securing their spots in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday night. The Houston Texans started the day off with a dominant 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium, while the Kansas City Chiefs followed up with a 26-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins at a subzero Arrowhead Stadium.

The Texans' victory over the Browns marked their first time reaching the divisional round since the 2019 season. Star quarterback C.J. Stroud showcased his talent, completing 16 of 21 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his position as a likely Offensive Rookie of the Year. Rookie wide receiver Nico Collins was Stroud's top target, finishing with six catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. The Texans' defense also played a crucial role, with Steven Nelson and Christian Harris both intercepting Browns quarterback Joe Flacco for pick-sixes.

The Chiefs' win over the Dolphins continued their streak of playoff success, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the way with 262 passing yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Rashee Rice had a standout game, catching eight passes for 130 yards and one score. The Chiefs are now aiming to secure their spot in the AFC Championship Game for the sixth consecutive season.

Looking ahead to the remaining postseason schedule, both the Texans and Chiefs will await their opponents in the AFC Divisional round, with the outcome of the game between the No. 2 Buffalo Bills and No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers determining the matchups. The Baltimore Ravens have secured a first-round bye and will face the lowest remaining seed in the AFC after the Wild Card Round.

In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers have secured the No. 1 seed and will face the lowest remaining seed in their conference, potentially the No. 7 Green Bay Packers. The Packers will face the No. 2 seed Dallas Cowboys, and the No. 3 Detroit Lions will host the No. 6 Los Angeles Rams. The No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles, with quarterback Baker Mayfield's injuries casting uncertainty over the outcome of the matchup.

The NFL wild card weekend has set the stage for an exhilarating postseason, with teams vying for a chance to advance to the next round and ultimately compete for a spot in the AFC and NFC Championship Games. As the playoff picture unfolds, football fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and standout performances from the league's top teams and players.