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The playoffs kick off later today with two games that are likely to be ugly and not particularly fun, like the first half of the NFL season for fans of teams other than the Falcons and Patriots. It’s fitting, isn’t it?
The Texans-Raiders game is nothing less than a disaster in the making. Houston has a good defense, but has Brock Osweiler playing quarterback, which means the offense is likely to be terrible. The Raiders, meanwhile, are down to fourth round rookie quarterback Connor Cook, which means they’re very unlikely to win. I am rooting for them to do so very hard, however.
On the other side of the ledger, we have the Lions and Seahawks. Seattle has had its struggles this year, but they should be able to dispatch the Lions, who have had one of the weakest seasons of any teams in the playoff field this year. A reminder that if the Seahawks win, they’ll be playing the Falcons next Saturday.
Here’s what you need to know. Clear your afternoon and evening, or really, just your evening.
AFC Wild Card Round
What: Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
When: Saturday, January 7, 4:35 p.m. EST
Channel: ESPN
SB Nation Sites: Silver & Black Pride | Battle Red Blog
NFC Wild Card Round
What: Detroit Lions @ Seattle Seahawks
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
When: Saturday, January 7, 8:15 p.m. EST
Channel: NBC
SB Nation Series: Pride of Detroit | Field Gulls