For football fans, the NFL playoffs are among the most thrilling periods of the year. As the regular season concludes, the best teams in the league battle for a chance to compete in the Super Bowl. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the complete NFL Playoff Schedule 2024, including dates, times, teams, and matchups. This guide will provide everything you need to know about the upcoming playoffs, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the action.
Introduction to the NFL Playoffs 2024
The NFL playoffs are a single-elimination tournament that determines the champion of the National Football League. The 2024 playoffs will feature 14 teams—seven from the AFC and seven from the NFC. These teams will compete in a series of games, culminating in the Super Bowl, which is scheduled for February 11, 2024.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding the NFL Playoff Schedule 2024 is essential to keep up with the excitement. Below, we’ll break down the schedule, teams, matchups, and key details to help you stay informed.
Key Dates for the NFL Playoff Schedule 2024
The NFL playoffs are divided into several rounds, each with its own set of games. Here’s a quick overview of the key dates for the NFL Playoff Schedule 2024:
- Wild Card Round: January 13–15, 2024
- Divisional Round: January 20–21, 2024
- Conference Championships: January 28, 2024
- Super Bowl LVIII: February 11, 2024
Each round features intense matchups as teams fight to advance. Let’s dive deeper into the schedule and what to expect in each round.
NFL Playoff Schedule 2024: Wild Card Round
The Wild Card Round kicks off the playoffs, with six games scheduled over three days. This round features each conference’s four division winners and three wild card teams.
AFC Wild Card Games
- Game 1: [Team A] vs. [Team B] – January 13, 2024, 4:30 PM ET
- Game 2: [Team C] vs. [Team D] – January 14, 2024, 1:00 PM ET
- Game 3: [Team E] vs. [Team F] – January 15, 2024, 8:15 PM ET
NFC Wild Card Games
- Game 1: [Team G] vs. [Team H] – January 13, 2024, 8:00 PM ET
- Game 2: [Team I] vs. [Team J] – January 14, 2024, 4:30 PM ET
- Game 3: [Team K] vs. [Team L] – January 15, 2024, 1:00 PM ET
NFL Playoff Schedule 2024: Divisional Round
The Divisional Round narrows the field to eight teams, with four games scheduled over two days. The Wild Card Round winners face the top-seeded teams in each conference.
AFC Divisional Games
- Game 1: [Team M] vs. [Team N] – January 20, 2024, 4:30 PM ET
- Game 2: [Team O] vs. [Team P] – January 21, 2024, 3:00 PM ET
NFC Divisional Games
- Game 1: [Team Q] vs. [Team R] – January 20, 2024, 8:00 PM ET
- Game 2: [Team S] vs. [Team T] – January 21, 2024, 6:30 PM ET
NFL Playoff Schedule 2024: Conference Championships
The Conference Championships determine which teams will advance to the Super Bowl. These games are scheduled for January 28, 2024.
AFC Championship Game
- Date: January 28, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: TBD
NFC Championship Game
- Date: January 28, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Location: TBD
Super Bowl LVIII: The Grand Finale
The NFL Playoff Schedule 2024 concludes with Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Super Bowl LVIII Details
- Date: February 11, 2024
- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- Broadcast: CBS
Teams to Watch in the 2024 NFL Playoffs
While the final teams for the 2024 playoffs will be determined at the end of the regular season, several franchises are already strong contenders.
AFC Contenders
- Kansas City Chiefs: Led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are always a threat in the playoffs.
- Buffalo Bills: With Josh Allen at the helm, the Bills are a formidable AFC contender.
- Baltimore Ravens: A strong defense and dynamic offense make the Ravens a team to watch.
NFC Contenders
- Philadelphia Eagles: The reigning NFC champions are poised for another deep run.
- San Francisco 49ers: A balanced roster makes the 49ers a favorite in the NFC.
- Dallas Cowboys: With a high-powered offense, the Cowboys are always a playoff threat.
How to Watch the NFL Playoffs 2024
The NFL Playoff Schedule 2024 will be broadcast on major networks, including CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN. You can stream games live on NFL+, Paramount+, and Peacock.
TV Broadcasts
- Wild Card Round: CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN
- Divisional Round: CBS, NBC, FOX
- Conference Championships: CBS, FOX
- Super Bowl LVIII: CBS
Streaming Options
- NFL+: Exclusive mobile streaming for all playoff games.
- Paramount+: Stream CBS games, including the Super Bowl.
- Peacock: Stream NBC games.
- ESPN+: Stream select playoff games.
Key Storylines for the 2024 NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs are always full of drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. As the 2024 postseason approaches, here are the top 4 storylines to watch:
1. Can Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Repeat as Champions?
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs aim for back-to-back Super Bowl titles after winning Super Bowl LVII in 2023. Mahomes is already one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and another championship would further cement his legacy. However, the road to the Super Bowl is challenging, with strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals standing in their way. Can the Chiefs overcome these challenges and repeat as champions?
2. Will the Eagles Return to the Super Bowl?
The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning NFC champions, are looking to make another deep playoff run. With stars like Jalen Hurts and a dominant defense, the Eagles are one of the most complete teams in the league. However, the NFC has tough competitors like the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Can the Eagles navigate this tough competition and return to the Super Bowl?
3. Can Josh Allen and the Bills Finally Win It All?
The Buffalo Bills have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few years, but they’ve yet to reach the Super Bowl. The Bills are hungry for their first championship, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen. The 2024 playoffs could be their best chance to break through, but they must overcome strong AFC teams like the Chiefs and Bengals. Will this be the year the Bills finally win it all?
4. Will a Rookie Quarterback Shine in the Playoffs?
The 2024 playoffs could feature rookie quarterbacks making their postseason debut. Players like C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) and Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) have shown promise during the regular season. These young QBs could become breakout stars if their teams make the playoffs. Rookie quarterbacks often struggle in the playoffs, but their fresh energy and fearless play could make for some exciting moments.
FAQs About the NFL Playoff Schedule 2024
1. When do the NFL playoffs start in 2024?
The NFL playoffs for the 2024 season will begin on January 13, 2024, with the Wild Card Round. This round features six games spread over three days, with matchups between division winners and wild card teams. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, meaning each game is do-or-die, and the stakes are incredibly high. The Wild Card Round is followed by the Divisional Round, Conference Championships, and ultimately, the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024.
2. How many teams make the NFL playoffs?
A total of 14 teams qualify for the NFL playoffs—seven from the AFC (American Football Conference) and seven from the NFC (National Football Conference). The teams include:
- Four division winners from each conference (seeded 1 through 4 based on regular-season records).
- Three wild card teams from each conference (the non-division winners with the best records, seeded 5 through 7).
- This expanded format, introduced in 2020, ensures more teams can compete for the championship, adding excitement and unpredictability to the postseason.
3. Where is Super Bowl LVIII being held?
Super Bowl LVIII will occur at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11, 2024. Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, is a state-of-the-art venue with a retractable roof and a seating capacity of over 65,000. Las Vegas is a premier destination for major sporting events, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere will make Super Bowl LVIII an unforgettable experience for fans. The game will kick off at 6:30 PM ET and broadcast on CBS.
4. Can I stream NFL playoff games online?
Yes, you can stream all NFL playoff games online through various platforms. Here are the top options:
- NFL+: The league’s official streaming service, offering mobile access to all playoff games.
- Paramount+: Streams CBS games, including the Super Bowl.
- Peacock: Streams NBC games.
- ESPN+: Streams select playoff games.
- These platforms provide flexibility for fans who prefer to watch games on their smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs. Additionally, cable subscribers can use network apps (like CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN) to stream games live.
5. Who are the favorites to win the 2024 NFL playoffs?
While the final playoff teams will be determined at the end of the regular season, several teams are already considered strong contenders:
- Kansas City Chiefs: Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are perennial favorites and the defending Super Bowl champions.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The reigning NFC champions have a stacked roster and are poised for another deep playoff run.
- Buffalo Bills: With Josh Allen at quarterback, the Bills are a formidable AFC contender hungry for their first Super Bowl title.
- San Francisco 49ers: A balanced team with a strong defense and explosive offense, the 49ers are always a threat in the NFC.
- Baltimore Ravens: Known for their dynamic offense and stout defense, the Ravens are a team to watch in the AFC.
These teams have consistently performed well and are expected to make deep playoff runs, but the NFL playoffs are known for their unpredictability so that anything can happen!
Conclusion
The NFL Playoff Schedule 2024 is packed with excitement, drama, and high-stakes football. Every game is a must-watch event, from the Wild Card Round to the Super Bowl. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, this guide provides all the information you need to enjoy the playoffs to the fullest.
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for an unforgettable postseason. The road to Super Bowl LVIII starts here!
