2022 NFL playoffs: Previewing AFC wild card games
It’s time for the 2022 NFL playoffs. We begin by looking at the trio of AFC Wild Card games to be played across the weekend.
Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET – (5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Jacksonville Jaguars
This might be the most intriguing game of the weekend in either conference. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert figure to be in many playoff games over the upcoming decade or two, and this is the first for both. The Chargers come in after a perplexing loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 18, while Jacksonville is riding a five-game winning streak, helping it win the AFC South.
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This game likely comes down to whether the combination of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack can win off the edges for Los Angeles. That happens, and the Jaguars are going home. If Lawrence has time and can go after the Chargers’ secondary, it could be a party for Duval.
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET – (7) Miami Dolphins at (2) Buffalo Bills
This two teams split the regular-season series, but it’s hard to see a real path for the Dolphins to win both on Sunday and the season series without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy. If he’s inactive, you’re looking at either veteran Teddy Bridgewater or rookie Skylar Thompson. Neither are going into Buffalo and putting an end to the Bills’ season.
If Miami has any chance, it’s going to be about forcing turnovers, winning on both sides of the ball in the red zone, and getting a few huge plays from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, largely after the catch.
For the Bills, look for Josh Allen to have a day. He’s torched the Dolphins twice this year, and there’s no reason to think it won’t happen again in front of his raucous fans.
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Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET – (6) Baltimore Ravens at (3) Cincinnati Bengals
Another divisional battle, with the winner moving on and winning the rubber match. The Ravens are hoping they get Lamar Jackson under center and healthy for the first time since early December. The Bengals, of course, are hoping to see backup Tyler Huntley, who has struggled to generate any offense over the past month.
If Jackson isn’t available, the Ravens would need something like a miracle. However, if Jackson can play, Baltimore has an opportunity to run the ball, take the clock and use it to their advantage, and throw a couple deep balls.
For the Bengals, it’s about keeping quarterback Joe Burrow clean and allowing receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to win the game with chunk yardage. On defense, Cincinnati has to make Baltimore go on long drives, and not give up the home run.
