NFL playoff schedule LIVE: Seedings and wild card games confirmed as coaches discover Black Monday fate
The countdown to Super Bowl LIX is on and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the news from around the league.
Super Wild Card weekend will kickoff the NFL playoffs as the race to New Orleans on February 9 reaches the win-or-go-home stage.
With the AFC and NFC seedings confirmed, and Wild Card weekend games in place, attention is also on those fighting for their future.
For teams whose season is over, head coaches and general managers are fighting for their futures, with Black Monday likely to have a number fired as half the league already look ahead to next season.
- Wild Card Weekend
- Saturday - Chargers @ Texans; Steelers @ Ravens;
- Sunday - Broncos @ Bills; Packers @ Eagles; Commanders @ Buccaneers
- Monday - Vikings @ Rams
- Divisional Round - Saturday January 18, Sunday January 19
- Conference Championship - Sunday January 26
- Super Bowl LIX - Sunday February 9, New Orleans
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Tampa Bay Ducks
Tampa Bay said goodbye to the GOAT in 2023 but there's a new hero in town.
The Buccaneers scored an incredible blocked punt touchdown after an unlikely intervention in Week 17.
Shortly before the play, a duck ran onto the field and caused just enough of a distraction for a special teams score.
Tom Brady is back in town in the Fox booth for a huge showdown with the New Orleans Saints Sunday.
And he was introduced to the star of the show pre-game.
Jets close in on head coach hire
Mike Vrabel has reportedly moved into pole position for the vacant New York Jets head coach role.
The former Tennessee Titans boss' interview went "very, very well," per NFL Network's Peter Schrager.
Owner Woody Johnson is also speaking to Rex Ryan, who he fired in 2014, and ex-Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
The franchise has been in full win-now mode since trading for Aaron Rodgers but the NFL's longest playoff drought continues.
Seahawks star 'frustrated' by Pro Bowl snub
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams has expressed frustration at not being selected for the Pro Bowl.
The veteran was passed over despite what might end up being the most productive season of his 10-year NFL career.
Williams' 9.0 sacks are tied for most among NFC interior defensive linemen while his 15 tackles for loss and 26 quarterback hits are top among that group.
He has matched or outperformed the three players selected over him this season, and also recorded a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown in December.
"It's pretty disappointing, if I'm being honest," Williams said of the snub.
"I feel like I definitely deserved it this year, but I'm happy for the guys that made it. They equally deserved it. That's why they're in the Pro Bowl."
Check out his highlight play from last month below.
Mike McCarthy drops future hint with contract due to expire in January
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy's contract is set to expire on January 14, nine days after Sunday’s finale against the Washington Commanders.
His future has been much discussed with the Cowboys missing out on the playoffs, but owner Jerry Jones has remained tight-lipped over his plans.
McCarthy, though, has dropped a hint.
In a radio interview on Friday, he waxed lyrical about the Cowboys, suggesting he would be keen to stay on as head coach.
"It's been an awesome experience for our family. It's the Dallas Cowboys. It's one of a kind. I love coming to work everyday. I love the players and the coaches," McCarthy said.
When asked if he will be continuing his weekly radio show appearances next year, he responded: "I hope so, to be honest with you."
Credit: Getty Joe Flacco to play Colts' season finale
Veteran QB Joe Flacco will start for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, after Anthony Richardson was ruled out due to ongoing severe back pain.
Richardson, who missed Week 17's 45-33 loss to the New York Giants, told reporters last week that he could barely stand up or walk and had to crawl around the house.
Flacco will again take the starting spot in Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 39-year-old has played in seven games this season, throwing for 1,497 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Credit: Getty Who will be named MVP?
With just one week of the regular season to go, the MVP race is entering its final stages.
Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Saquon Barkley are the superstar talents who have impressed the most in 2024.
But who will scoop the top award?
Former NFL cornerback Jason Bell believes it should go to the man who has had a 'Lamarvelous' season.
Chiefs to rest starters as AFC playoff race heats up
Kansas City have already secured the AFC's top seed heading into the playoffs, and coach Andy Reid has confirmed a number of starters - including QB Patrick Mahomes - will be rested in Week 18.
His decision could have major implications for the postseason, as the Denver Broncos need to beat the Chiefs on Sunday to secure their spot.
The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, need a Broncos loss and a win over the New York Jets in Week 18 to make the playoffs.
The Cincinnati Bengals are also in play. If they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Broncos and Dolphins lose, Joe Burrow and co will sneak into the playoffs.
Welcome along!
TalkSPORT are counting down to the Super Bowl with all the latest from the NFL postseason..
We'll have regular updates, news and interviews as the league gets ready for the biggest night of the year in New Orleans.
