The 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round is about to ignite the postseason with a burst of energy and high-stakes excitement. This pivotal round feature 12 teams, including the four division champions from each conference (AFC and NFC), along with the next three best teams based on their regular-season records, known as the Wild Cards. The Wild Card Round is the gateway for these teams, who may not have clinched their division but have demonstrated their strength and determination throughout the season.
The 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round playoffs will include six thrilling games. Each team has fought their way to the postseason through different divisions and paths. Let’s break down how these teams reached this stage and from which divisions they hail.
First, we have the Division Champions. Each of the NFL’s eight divisions crowns a champion, and these teams automatically qualify for the playoffs. They are seeded based on their overall win-loss record, ensuring that the teams with the best performances get the higher seeds.
Next, we have the Wild Card Teams. In each conference, three more teams with the best records among the non-division winners earn their spot in the playoffs. These teams are also seeded based on their overall win-loss record. In total, 12 teams make up the NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs, but two teams are exempt from this round. These are the No. 1 seeds in each conference, who receive a bye, automatically advancing to the Divisional Round. This well-deserved break gives them a chance to prepare for their next opponents. Let’s take a quick look between which seeds the NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs will be proceeded:
- 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed
- 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed
- 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed
With all these teams fighting for the spot in the Divisional round, this Wild Card Round is going to be nothing less for entertainment and enjoyments. Let’s free up this weekend and enjoy our favourite teams battling for victory. For more information on various sports, do visit our page and enjoy all sports updates.
Teams in 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Playoffs
AFC
- Buffalo Bills
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Denver Broncos
NFC
- Detroit Lions
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Minnesota Vikings
- Washington Commanders
- Green Bay Packers
The Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions have secured a top seed from the abovementioned teams in their respective conferences. So, they have made their way to the Divisional Round and will not participate in this NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs. All other teams will indulge in the Wild Card Round except for Kansas and Detroit. From schedule and timing to predictions, let’s get a clear picture of how the 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs will be.
Predictions
Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers
In the 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs, the No. 4 seed Houston Texans will face off against the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams, representing the American Football Conference (AFC), are determined to secure a victory and advance further in the postseason. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a competitive showdown as each team aims to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.
- Date: January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
- Time: 4:30 pm EST | 9:30 pm GMT | 3:00 am IST (Next Day)
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States.
The Houston Texans entered this battle with a record of (10-7), and surprisingly, the team ended the prior season with the same result. The Texans have made it this far after winning the AFC South and are approaching this clash with much confidence. The Houston Texans are heading this game with a real advantage as they hold the home team advantage. They have been quite dominant in their home matches compared to their away matches, which is highly impressive. But coming to this clash, the team will likely face some miserable injuries, leading to the team’s struggle against the Chargers. Stefon Marsean Diggs and Tank Dell are a few of the recent injuries. So, the team must make more efforts on the field, especially on their offensive end, to make matters worse for the opponents.
The Los Angeles Chargers, on the other hand, head into this clash after a head into this round after finishing the AFC West with a (11-6) record. In this battle, the Chargers should rely on their away tasks. But what has made the Chargers acquire more victories in their away games will give them some advantage before entering this battle. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has given the Chargers great prominence, and they are likely to continue this in the forthcoming games. The Los Angeles Chargers have a fantastic defense compared to the Texans. Also, after reviewing their recent games, I noticed that the Los Angeles Chargers look much more determined. Therefore, they are expected to take the victory home against the Houston Texans.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoff games will feature a battle between the No.3 seed Baltimore Ravens and No. 6 seed Pittsburgh Steelers. Both the Ravens and Steelers are heading from the AFC North, where the Ravens team ended the season in first place, followed by the Steelers. This game between the two closely competitive teams is going to be nothing less than exciting.
- Date: January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
- Time: 8:00 pm EST | 1:00 am GMT (Next Day) | 6:30 am IST (Next Day)
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
The Baltimore Ravens enter this clash with a dominant face, where they have made the season more enjoyable. The Ravens have had many talents in the team, uplifting them in every way possible. A few of the Ravens’ talents include Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and more. Also, the Baltimore Ravens have made many improvements on their defense end, which will likely make a good impact in the following matchups. Mark Andrews, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry are a few of the players who hold much dominance in their actions. With all these skills, the Baltimore Ravens are given the home team advantage for this matchup. Hence, the Baltimore Ravens will likely thrash the Pittsburgh Steelers in this matchup.
On the contrary, the Pittsburgh Steelers head into this round with a great expectation to beat the Ravens and progress further. The Steelers look less impressive than any other teams in this playoff round. They enter this round after facing four consecutive losses in the recent games. They are undergoing a severe lack of talent and skill on either side of the field. Therefore, the head coach, Mike Tomlin, and the team should make some decisive moves, given that the Steelers are getting a poor setback in this matchup.
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills will go head-to-head in one of the thrilling matchups of the 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs. Representing the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills enter as the No. 2 seed, while the Denver Broncos, hailing from the AFC West, are the No. 7 seed. This exciting clash pits two teams from different divisions against each other as they battle for a spot in the next stage of the playoffs.
- Date: January 12, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 1:00 pm EST | 6:00 pm GMT (Next Day) | 11:30 pm IST
- Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York, United States.
The Denver Broncos enter this playoff round with a (10-7) record, where they have shown many dominant moves at their home games. The Broncos side was unsuccessful in their two attempts over the Chargers and Bengals on the path to making their playoff dreams come alive. But finally, they delivered a massive 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and made the playoffs round. Despite many ups and downs throughout the season, the Denver Broncos have made solid moves to place a spot in the playoffs. Also, they have shown fantastic defensive moves in recent times. So, the Broncos side with balanced offense and defensive actions and potent players like Bo Nix are expected to put forward an intense battle for the Buffalo Bills.
The Buffalo Bills enter this matchup with an impressive 13-4 record and high expectations to overcome their opponents. This marks their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, a remarkable achievement. However, despite consistent postseason appearances, the Bills have yet to advance past the Divisional Round in any of those years. This time, there is a strong belief that the team can go further, although improvements to their vulnerable defense will be essential for success. While the Denver Broncos are strong contenders, the Bills are generally considered the more formidable team heading into this game. As a result, the Buffalo Bills are widely favored to come out on top and secure a victory.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers
The No. 2 seed Philadelphia Eagles from the NFC East will face the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers from the NFC North in the 2025 NFC Wild Card Round Playoffs. These two teams bring different strengths, and their contrasting skill sets will make for an intriguing and exciting game. Fans are eagerly awaiting this thrilling showdown.
- Date: January 12, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 4:30 pm EST | 9:30 pm GMT | 3:00 am IST (Next Day)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the matchup with an impressive 14-3 record, having been particularly dominant at home with an 8-1 home record. This strong performance on their home turf sets the stage for an exciting playoff battle. The Eagles boast one of the best offensive and defensive units in the NFL, which will undoubtedly pose a tough challenge for the Packers. While the Eagles might rest some key players in this game, their home-field advantage and overall depth should still give them the upper hand, and they are expected to come away with a solid victory.
On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers head into this game following a tough 22-24 loss to the Chicago Bears. Several key injuries, including Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander, further complicate the Packers ‘ chances. These injuries and recent struggles in their defense could make it challenging for them to compete against the high-powered Eagles. Given these factors, the Eagles are the stronger team and are favored to win this matchup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Washington Commanders in the 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs. Both teams are from the National Football Conference, with the Buccaneers from the NFC South and the Commanders from the NFC East.
- Date: January 12, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 8:00 pm EST | 1:00 am GMT (Next Day) | 6:30 am IST (Next Day)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Washington Commanders head into this matchup following a 19-23 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, capping off a strong finish to their season with a five-game winning streak. The team has showcased some of its best football this season, with standout performances. Jayden Daniels remains a key figure and a significant asset to the team. With a roster full of talent, the Commanders are hungry for a win as they face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers enter this battle after securing a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Buccaneers are no strangers to talent, with players like Baker Mayfield, Liam Coen, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving leading the charge. Known for having one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Buccaneers are expected to bring plenty of firepower into this clash. Overall, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the stronger squad and are favored to come out on top in this matchup.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings
The seed no. 4 Los Angeles Rams will meet the Seed No. 5 Minnesota Vikings of the National Football Conference in the 2024-25 NFL Wild Card Round Playoffs. This clash between the closely competitive teams will be nothing less for excitement.
- Date: January 13, 2025 (Monday)
- Time: 8:00 pm EST | 1:00 am GMT (Next Day) | 6:30 am IST (Next Day)
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Rams enter the playoffs as the top team from the NFC West with a 10-7 record, displaying a balanced performance both at home and on the road. The Rams have shown strength on the offensive side of the ball, but their defense has been a weakness requiring improvement for a deeper playoff run. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings come into this matchup following a disappointing 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in their most recent game. Despite finishing the regular season with an impressive 14-3 record, the Vikings have been more assertive at home and have struggled to maintain a balanced performance across both sides of the field, especially compared to their opponents. As a result, the Vikings are expected to face significant challenges in this matchup.
