The NFL has officially unveiled the schedule for the Wild Card round of the 2025 playoffs on January 6, 2025.
The announcement has set the stage for a weekend of thrilling football action. Fans and followers can now gear up for six high-stakes matchups, decisive for teams to enter the divisional round.
Wild Card Weekend spans three action-packed days, and the round marks the beginning of the NFL playoffs.
This includes the top division winners and the three best non-division winners (Wild Card teams) from each conference.
Based on the NFL’s official announcement post, the Wild Card Weekend hits the ground on January 11 and ends on January 13.
Here’s a look at the full schedule picture for wild-card weekend, alongside details of the venue and kick-off time.
NFL Wild-Card Weekend Schedule, 2024-2025
Saturday, January 11
AFC: No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET
AFC: No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, January 12
AFC: No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET
NFC: No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET
NFC: No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8 p.m. ET
Monday, January 13
NFC: No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8 p.m. ET
The drama begins at the NRG Stadium, Houston, spanning over three days and concluding on Monday at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.
It will have AFC double-headers on Saturday, AFC & NFC triplets on Sunday, and a NFC matchup on Sunday.
Each game is single-elimination, with the winning team advancing to the Divisional Round. All the teams have a little hope alive for their championship run.
The Wild Card winner will face one of the top-seeded teams in their respective conference, Divisional Round Matchup.
Wild Card Weekend Matchup Predictions
Match 1: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
As Houston Texans take the Chargers at their NRG Stadium on Saturday, the Chargers remain the slight favorites. Their 11-6 record compared to the Texans’ 10-7 is more dominating.
Score Prediction: Chargers 28 – Texans 24
Based on the records and personal choice, maybe the Chargers win this one, but it will be close.
With head coach Jim Harbaugh’s Charges back in the playoffs run, Texans’ days in the tournament might officially fall.
They seem lethal with QB Justin Hebert’s passing attack which has been more better since the return of JK Dobbins
However, Texans could turn the clock if they control the ground with their strong running game.
Match 2: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
For the second Wild Card Match of Steelers vs. Ravens on Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens look like heavy favorites.
Score Prediction: Ravens 24 – Steelers 17
While T.J. Watt’s defensive impact could be a game-changer, Ravens’ Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability would potentially win.
Baltimore Ravens have a strong mix of both the run and pass game and the Steelers might collapse under pressure.
The steelers are already on a four-game losing streak and have allowed the Ravens 220 rushing yards in the last meeting.
Match 3: Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
When Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills will come head to head on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Bills might take the win. They are the favorites with a 13-4 record.
Score Prediction: Bills 31 – Broncos 21
Bill’s elite QB Josh Allen might act as a playmaking pivot during the high-pressure playoff game. Their explosive offense might target the Broncos’ defense led by Pat Surtain II and Randy Gregory.
If they can shake off the inconsistency, the night could be upsetting for the Broncos. The return of Sean Patron in the playoffs wouldn’t last longer if they lose.
Nix has been an impressive rookie and it would be an opportunity for him to state the big match. He might be the game-changer on Sunday.
Match 4: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The fourth match of the Wild Card Weekend between the Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles might be slightly tight.
However, based on the records, the Eagles are the favorites with a 14-3 record compared to the Packers’ 11-6. They are favored by 4.5 points.
Score Prediction: Eagles 27 – Packers 20
Packers Jordan Love suffered an elbow injury during the game against the Chicago Bears. However, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated a go, suggesting the injury may not be severe.
On the other side, Jalen also sustained a concussion during the Eagles’ Week 15 loss. He remains in concussion protocol as of January 7, 2025.
Both players’ availability for the upcoming playoff game remains uncertain. They could return and act as the game-changing factor to their teams.
Match 5: Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFC faceoff between the Commanders and the Buccaneers would end with a win for the Buccaneers.
Given the Buccaneers’ home-field advantage and potent offense, they are expected to win a closely contested game.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 26 – Commanders 21
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been instrumental in the Commanders’ success this season. His play in the game will be instrumental for the Buccaneers’ win.
The Buccanneers QB Baker Mayfield has thrown 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns this season. The team’s offense has been potent, despite a low-performing defense.
Both the teams will try to exploit each other’s vulnerabilities, but it will be a close call, given the home advantage.
Match 6: Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
In the upcoming AFC Wild Card matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams, the Rams might take a win.
Though the Vikings concluded the regular season with a 14-3, against the Rams’ 10-7 record, they might lose.
Score Prediction: Rams 28, Vikings 21
The Rams are expected to have their right tackle Rob Havenstein back in the lineup, directly after his December 22 shoulder injury.
Since the Vikings play on away ground, they will always remain under pressure. The opponent’s offense, led by QB Matthew Stafford, will stand against Minnesota and win.
In that scenario, the Rams will be slight underdogs, and with the return of key players, they might upset the Vikings.
