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2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend matchups, odds: Steelers and Ravens reignite their rivalry; Vikings head to Los Angeles
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The 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend is finally here, marking the exciting start of the road to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. After 18 weeks of thrilling action, only 14 teams remain in the postseason, and the playoff bracket has been set. With the playoffs now officially underway, we can look forward to the intense matchups of Wild Card Weekend, kicking off on Saturday.
For the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, the first round will offer a break, as both teams secured well-earned first-round byes. Meanwhile, the remaining teams are set to battle for a coveted spot in the next stage of the playoffs, each hoping to eventually hoist the prestigious Lombardi Trophy. The opening round promises plenty of action, with games like Packers-Eagles and Steelers-Ravens setting the stage for an unforgettable postseason.
In this article, we’ll break down the key matchups for each Wild Card game and discuss the notable storylines for each team, including the odds, important player performances, and more.
Note: All odds provided are the consensus from SportsLine.
AFC Wild Card Matchups
- Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 seed) have earned a first-round bye.
Los Angeles Chargers (5) vs. Houston Texans (3)
Odds: Chargers -2.5
Saturday, Jan. 11 at 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, stream on Paramount+)
In his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Jim Harbaugh has successfully led the team to the playoffs. This might not come as a huge surprise given Harbaugh’s reputation for quickly turning teams around, but it’s still an impressive feat. The Chargers finished the regular season strong with three consecutive wins, securing the top Wild Card spot in the AFC. However, they’ll face a tough test against the Houston Texans.
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the best in the league this season, allowing just 17.7 points per game—lowest in the NFL. This will be crucial as they take on a Texans team led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has had an exceptional season despite some key injuries to offensive players.
On the other side, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is still in search of his first playoff victory. After a devastating loss in 2022, when the Chargers blew a 27-point lead, Herbert will look to prove he’s ready for postseason success. With just three interceptions on the year, Herbert’s efficiency will be tested in this Wild Card clash.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3)
Odds: Ravens -9.5
Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
A fierce AFC North rivalry takes center stage in this Wild Card matchup. The Steelers and Ravens will meet for the third time this season, with Baltimore winning their most recent meeting by a dominant 34-17 scoreline. Pittsburgh has struggled to put up points, averaging just 14.2 per game during their four-game losing streak to close the regular season.
The Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Jackson had a record-setting season, becoming the first player in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for over 800 yards in a single season. Despite his impressive stats, Jackson’s playoff performance has been under scrutiny. With a 2-4 playoff record, Jackson will be looking to prove himself on the postseason stage and improve his record against the Steelers, whom he has a 3-5 career record against.
Denver Broncos (7) vs. Buffalo Bills (2)
Odds: Bills -8.5
Sunday, Jan. 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS, stream on Paramount+)
The Denver Broncos are back in the playoffs after a thrilling Week 18 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, but their playoff journey won’t be an easy one. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos have vastly improved, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been a standout. Nix helped Denver snap its long playoff drought, throwing for 29 touchdowns during the season.
However, the Buffalo Bills enter this matchup as the strong favorites. With MVP candidate Josh Allen at the helm, the Bills have been a dominant force all season, finishing with a 13-4 record and a perfect 8-0 record at home. The Bills’ playoff hopes will rest on Allen’s shoulders, and with a tough home-field advantage, they’ll be looking to make a deep postseason run.
NFC Wild Card Matchups
- Detroit Lions (No. 1 seed) have earned a first-round bye.
Green Bay Packers (7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2)
Odds: Eagles -4.5
Sunday, Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX, stream on fubo)
In a rematch of an international game played in Brazil earlier this season, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles meet again, this time in the postseason. The Eagles won their previous encounter 34-29, but both teams have gone on to enjoy successful seasons. The Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love, posted an 11-6 record and entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed.
However, the key storyline in this game revolves around the health of both quarterbacks. Jalen Hurts missed the final two regular season games due to concussion protocol, and Love recently suffered an elbow injury. The health of both players will be crucial to their respective teams’ chances in this matchup.
Washington Commanders (6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3)
Odds: Buccaneers -3
Sunday, Jan. 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET (NBC, stream on fubo)
The Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off for the second time this season. In their first meeting, the Buccaneers won 37-20, but this is a very different Washington team. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been outstanding in his first season, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Daniels has been a dynamic dual-threat, amassing over 800 rushing yards, setting a record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback.
The Buccaneers have been resilient, making it to the playoffs as division champions. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to lead Tampa Bay to another postseason win, building on his previous success in the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings (5) vs. Los Angeles Rams (4)
Odds: Rams -1
Monday, Jan. 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC, stream on fubo)
The Minnesota Vikings enter the playoffs after falling short of the NFC North title in Week 18, losing to the Lions. As the No. 5 seed, they will head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams. This matchup brings an interesting dynamic, as Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell previously worked under Rams head coach Sean McVay. The two will meet for the second time as head coaches, with McVay winning their first matchup earlier this season.
Both teams feature high-powered offenses, especially at the wide receiver position. The Vikings boast Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, while the Rams have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. This game will be a showcase of two of the league’s best receiving duos, and their performances could determine the outcome of this thrilling Wild Card game.
With so many compelling storylines and playoff implications, Wild Card Weekend is sure to offer plenty of excitement and drama. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or watching to see how these incredible matchups unfold, the road to Super Bowl LIX has officially begun!
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