2014 NFL Playoff Schedule Predictions

Before we get to Week 17, I always like to try to predict and set up the playoff schedule. Usually, the NFL won't announce it until Sunday night during the final SNF game, but I enjoy trying to figure out the schedule before hand. It is tough because there are always some playoff spots that aren't decided yet, and that can always be a factor when determining the schedule, the networks, and the times. This year is really different because ESPN gets 1 game on Wild Card weekend, and NBC gets an additional game on Divisional weekend, and CBS loses one of the Divisional games as a result. I think that the Ravens will get in as the last Wild Card in the AFC, San Diego will lose and miss the playoffs and Pittsburgh will beat Cincy to get the #3 seed. In the NFC, I think that Seattle, Green Bay, and Dallas will be the top 3 seeds, with Atlanta winning the NFC South. Barring anything crazy with cross-flexing and things of that nature, here are my 2014 NFL Playoff Schedule Predictions:

Wild Card Weekend
Saturday 1/3:
4:30pm-ESPN
5) Arizona at 4) Atlanta-This is the worst game of the weekend, so ESPN gets it in Saturday afternoon slot.

8:00pm-NBC
6) Baltimore at 3) Pittsburgh-I think NBC will be happy with a playoff matchup between one of the best rivalries in the NFL.

Sunday 1/4:
1:00pm-CBS
5) Cincinnati at 4) Indianapolis-This has potential to be a the most competitive game of the weekend, so it fits nicely into the Sunday early timeslot.

4:30pm-FOX
6) Detroit at 3) Dallas-You can't keep Dallas out of the late Sunday window on Wild Card weekend.


Divisional Weekend
Saturday 1/10:
4:30pm-FOX
at #1 Seattle-This could be Detroit coming to town or either Atlanta or Arizona. None of those games are that appealing, so the Seahawks get the early Sunday window.

8:00pm-NBC
at #1 New England-The Patriots are always the Saturday night team in the AFC, and that trend continues once again this year on NBC.

Sunday 1/11:
1:00pm-FOX
at #2 Green Bay-FOX would love this to be a Dallas-Green Bay matchup on the Sunday of Divisional Weekend.

4:30pm-CBS
at #2 Denver-After losing a Divisional game to NBC this year, I would be shocked if they screwed CBS over in this timeslot. CBS would love a Peyton Manning vs. Pittsburgh Steelers matchup here.