NFL Playoffs Schedule 2025: Wild Card Rankings & Must-Watch Matchups

The NFL playoffs are here, and the journey to New Orleans kicks off with Wild Card Weekend. While the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions enjoy a well-earned bye week, the other teams will battle it out for a chance to move forward. With six thrilling games across Saturday and Sunday, there’s plenty of action to look forward to. Let’s dive into the matchups and see what’s in store.

The NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Weekend Preview

6. Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans

📅 Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

Jim Harbaugh has turned the Chargers into a defensive powerhouse this season, ranking No. 1 in points allowed after last year’s struggles. The Chargers dominated weaker teams throughout the season, but the playoffs are a different beast.

The Texans, on the other hand, have had a rough stretch, including a blowout loss to the Ravens. With key injuries to receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, the question is whether C.J. Stroud and Diontae Johnson can deliver against a tough Chargers defense.

5. Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills

📅 Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

The Broncos are back in the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory, thanks to rookie QB Bo Nix. But their reward is a trip to Buffalo, where the Bills are undefeated at home this season.

This game will likely be decided by how the Broncos’ offense holds up against Buffalo’s powerhouse team, led by a potential MVP. Stopping Lamar Jackson’s dynamic offense will be a major challenge for the Broncos.

4. Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

📅 Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)

The Packers are back in the playoffs despite a shaky season, but they face a tough test against the well-rested Eagles. Injuries have been a problem for Green Bay, including QB Jordan Love and WR Christian Watson.

For the Eagles, QB Jalen Hurts is expected to return, leading a loaded offense featuring stars like Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown. Can Green Bay’s defense contain this explosive team? History says the Eagles are dangerous when they hit 14 wins, so watch out!

3. Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

📅 Sunday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)

This under-the-radar matchup could be the week’s most exciting game. Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels has been phenomenal, becoming just the second rookie in NFL history to hit 4,000 passing yards and 30 total touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield has had an incredible season, throwing 40 touchdowns with a 70% completion rate. Both teams have defensive concerns, but the battle between Daniels and Mayfield is worth the watch.

2. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

📅 Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)

This game is all about the Ravens’ historic offense facing the Steelers’ tough defense. Baltimore made NFL history this year with a deadly combination of passing and rushing stats, led by Lamar Jackson.

Pittsburgh’s defense will need to step up if they want to contain the Ravens’ high-powered attack. Expect a gritty, hard-fought game in this classic rivalry.

1. Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams

📅 Monday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, fubo)

Get ready for fireworks in this matchup! The Rams’ dynamic offense, led by Matthew Stafford and weapons like Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, faces a Vikings defense eager to prove itself.

The Vikings stumbled in their final regular-season game, but their offense, featuring Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, can still light up the scoreboard. Expect a high-scoring thriller to close out Wild Card Weekend.

Conclusion

Wild Card Weekend is set to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments as teams fight for their playoff lives. From defensive battles to offensive fireworks, each game brings unique storylines and key players to watch.

The Rams and Vikings promise a high-scoring shootout to cap off the weekend, while the Commanders-Buccaneers game offers an intriguing clash of veteran and rookie quarterbacks. The Eagles and Packers bring playoff history and star power, and the Broncos’ return to the postseason pits them against the relentless Bills.

No matter which team you’re rooting for, this weekend is a celebration of the best the NFL has to offer. The road to New Orleans has begun, and every game matters. Sit back, enjoy the action, and see which teams rise to the occasion!

With so much action on the horizon, which game are you most excited to watch? Let the playoff drama begin!