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AFC Playoff bracket 2016: Wild Card matchups

By Casey Pazzalia

Jan 1, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) directs his team against the Tennessee Titans during the first half during the NFL game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) directs his team against the Tennessee Titans during the first half during the NFL game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via USA TODAY Sports /
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The road to the Super Bowl starts with two very intriguing AFC Wild Card matchups.

After a long season, it’s time for the AFC Playoffs. Starting things off will be the AFC Wild Card round featuring the No. 3 through No. 6 seeds.

As expected, the New England Patriots (14-2) secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs, while the Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) snagged the No. 2 seed. Both teams will receive first-round byes, as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The AFC Wild Card round features a nice variety of teams this year.

2017_nflplayoffbracket_full-gbwins
2017_nflplayoffbracket_full-gbwins /

After a rocky start, the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) won seven straight games en route to the top Wild Card spot. As the No. 3 seed, they will take on a group of playoff newcomers in the No. 6 Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins are somewhat of a Cinderella story in the AFC. By earning the No. 6 seed, Miami breaks a seven-year postseason drought. In fact, this year will be only their second playoff appearance since 2001.

In the second AFC Wild Card game, the No. 5 seed Oakland Raiders (12-4) will go on the road to play the No. 4 seed Houston Texans (9-7).

Presently, both the Raiders and Texans have health concerns at the quarterback position.

After recently taking over their teams starting job, both Matt McGloin (shoulder) and Tom Savage (concussion) went down with injuries in Week 17. Although neither quarterback is ruled out for the postseason, it is a possibility.

If Matt McGloin cannot play for Oakland, rookie Connor Cook is expected to start.

In the Texans’ case, Brock Osweiler would re-enter at quarterback if Tom Savage cannot go.

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AFC Wild Card Matchups:

  • (No. 6) Miami Dolphins at (No. 3) Pittsburgh Steelers
  • (No. 5) Oakland Raiders at (No. 4) Houston Texans
  • (No. 1) New England will play lowest-winning seed
  • (No. 2) Kansas City will play highest-winning seed

The AFC Wild Card games will be played on Saturday, Jan. 7 and Sunday, Jan. 8.

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