NFL Wild Card Weekend: TV Schedule, Free Live Stream, Odds, Previews & More

Are you ready for some football?

I know I am, and hopefully all the teams competing are too because it’s win or go home time this weekend as the 2016 NFL playoffs officially begin.

NFL wild card weekend takes place this Saturday and Sunday, (January 9 & 10) with 2 AFC wild card games on Saturday and 2 NFC wild card games on Sunday.

For those who don’t want to miss a minute of the action, you’ll find everything you need to know below, including the TV schedule (times & channels), free live streaming options, previews, the odds from Vegas and my predictions.

Saturday January 9

Game 1

Time/Channel/Odds: Kansas City at Houston, 4:35 P.m. EST on ESPN. (Kansas City + 3 1/2)

Free Live Streaming: Live streaming is available for free on your PC through WATCH ESPN and on your smartphone or tablet via the WATCH ESPN app for iOS and Android.

Preview & Predictions: Kansas City (11-5) almost won the AFC West, but Denver beat them out on the last day of the season, so they will be playing their first 2 games of the playoffs on the road- provided they win on Saturday (and they should).

Houston (9-7), on the other hand, barely managed to win the AFC South (undeniably the worst division in the NFL), so a win here would be a stunner.

KC may have only won by a touchdown against the Texans the last time they played (27-20), but don’t let the close score fool you- this is their game to lose.

My prediction: KC 30- Houston 17.

Game 2

Time/Channel/Odds: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:15 P.M. EST on CBS. (Steelers +2 1/2).

Free Live Streaming: Free live streaming is available on your PC via CBSSports.com and on your smartphone and devices through their app for Android and iOS.

Please be aware that in order to access free live streaming you will need to sign-in using a participating cable provider.

Preview & Predictions: These AFC north division rivals split their regular season meetings and should provide an interesting game.

The Steelers (10-6) had a shaky 1st half but finished strong, winning their last 5 out of 7 and gaining back some much needed confidence- for themselves and Steeler’s nation.

The Bengals (12-4) meanwhile, won the division and started with an 8-game win streak- but have since fumbled due to losing quarterback Andy Dalton in week 14; they are 1-3 since then with backup QB  A.J. McCarron.

This one is going to be close because as good as the Steelers look, they don’t strike fear in their opponents like they used to, leaving the door open for the Bengals.

That being said, I don’t think the McCarron has what it takes to get a win in this situation.

My Prediction: Steelers 27- Bengals 20.

Sunday, January 10

Game 1

Time/Channel/Odds: Seattle at Minnesota – 1:05 P.M. EST on NBC. (Seattle +6)

Free Live Streaming: free live streaming is available on your PC via NBC Live Extra and on your smartphone and devices through their app for iOS, Android and Windows.

Please be aware that in order to access free live streaming you will need to sign-in using a participating cable provider.

Preview & Predictions: Don’t let Seattle’s (10-6) record fool you, this team is more than capable of winning it all, starting Saturday in Minnesota.

The 2014 Super Bowl Champs (and runners up in last year’s title game) have looked sharp, winning 8 out of their last 10 games after a crazy 2-4 start.

Minnesota (11-5) has had a pretty solid season as well, winning the NFC North by beating out the odds on favorite Packers, no easy feat.

However, the Vikings were crushed by the Seahawks in the regular season 38-7 and will have a hard time pulling off another upset, despite being at home.

My predictions: Seattle is looking to make a statement and they will: Seattle 31-Minnesota 13.

Game 2

Time/Channel/Odds: Green Bay at Washington – 4:40 P.M. EST on FOX. (Washington +3 1/2).

Free Live Streaming: Free live streaming is available on your PC via Fox Sports Go and on your smartphone and devices through their app for iOS, Windows and Android.

Please be aware that in order to access free live streaming you will need to sign-in using a participating cable provider.

Preview & Predictions: This game should be a real battle, with the never-say-die Packers taking on arguably the toughest team in the league at home.

Green Bay (10-6) seems to always be in the playoffs or winning them, but this year they almost missed out, losing 4 of their last 5 games after a strong 6-game winning streak to start the season.

But despite their stumbling, you still shouldn’t count them out, as they are a team famous for last-minute wins-remember the Hail Mary pass versus the Seahawks in week 3?

On the other hand, it would be equally dangerous to shrug off Washington (9-7), who have been unstoppable at home, going 7-1 after their opening week loss versus Miami.

Yes, their record is far from impressive, and their division was just as paltry, but they have played strong and will put up quite a fight.

My Predictions: The Redskins may be the odds on favorite, but my money’s on Green Bay: Green Bay 27-Washington 24.

Who are you rooting for to win on wild card weekend?

Share your 2016 NFL playoff predictions below and be sure to  follow all my latest TV and streaming reports on Twitter.


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Author Profile: Consumer Expert Tracy Ortiz

I am a mom to 2 little boys: a 10 year- old and an 8 year-old and they are the only things I love more than writing. I am an avid reader, a big sports fan and love a good deal. Most of all, I love keeping up on the latest consumer news and sharing my findings with all of you. When I'm not writing I'm painting- check out my latest in my shop: etsy.com/shop/paintmeapicstudios

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