NFL Wild Card schedule ranked: Why Rams vs Vikings deserves your undivided attention

The Wild Card round of the 2024 NFL playoffs is set to kick off this weekend and features six games played across three days. The schedule is absolutely loaded with intriguing matchups as all 12 teams will be in a win-or-go-home situation. This always makes for exciting games during the postseason, but here's how the six of them rank in terms of must-watch scenarios.

Wild Card schedule rankings for 2024 NFL Playoffs

Wild Card schedule

#6 - Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos

The Buffalo Bills will host the Denver Broncos in the wild-card round following their impressive 2024 NFL season. They are one of the biggest favorites to get a victory this week, partially due to the lopsided quarterback matchup.

Josh Allen is a favorite to win the NFL MVP award and has a ton of postseason experience in his career, while rookie Bo Nix is making his first playoff start.

#5 - Philadelphia Eagles vs Green Bay Packers

The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL this year, finishing with a 14-3 record. They feature one of the best defenses in the league and a 2,000-yard rusher in Saquon Barkley.

This may be too much to overcome for the Green Bay Packers, who the Eagles already defeated earlier this year.

#4 - Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Chargers

The wild-card round kicks off Saturday afternoon with a matchup between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers. CJ Stroud already proved last year that he can win playoff games, while Justin Herbert is still seeking the first postseason victory of his career.

#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Commanders

One of the most intriguing matchups of the first round will be played on Sunday Night Football between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Commanders.

Baker Mayfield turned in the best season of his career and demonstrated last year that he can win playoff games. He will face off against Jayden Daniels, one of the most impressive rookies this season.

#2 - Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers split their two-game regular-season series this season. Lamar Jackson is one of the favorites to win the NFL MVP award, which would potentially be his third, and he will be taking on Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion. This is also one of the best rivalries in the NFL, adding to the excitement of the game.

#1 - Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings

Before resting their starters in Week 18, the Los Angeles Rams were on a five-game winning streak. They will face off against the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round, who failed to win their division despite an impressive 14-3 record.

The Rams defeated the Vikings earlier in the 2024 season, but this rematch will close out the first round on Monday Night Football as one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.