The 2025 NFL playoffs are set to begin following the conclusion of the regular season, with 14 teams—seven from each conference—prepared to battle for Super Bowl LIX glory.
After Week 18, the playoff picture is almost complete, with the only spot left potentially going to the Denver Broncos or a few other teams pending their performances on Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs, who have clinched the No. 1 seed for the AFC, are gunning to become the first team ever to win three consecutive Super Bowls. They will enjoy a first-round bye week's rest as they wait for the rest of the field to shake out.
For the AFC, the Buffalo Bills secured the No. 2 seed, and they'll be hosting the seventh seed, which could be determined based on the outcomes of several games played on Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens, after securing the No. 3 seed, are expected to face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Los Angeles Chargers for their playoff matchups.
The Houston Texans, grabbing the No. 4 seed, are set to host one of these teams as the playoffs bring forth strategic showdowns, particularly as teams look to determine their paths to the next round.
The NFC playoff picture is equally compelling, with the Detroit Lions poised to clinch the No. 1 seed if they defeat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles have locked up the No. 2 seed, which pits them against either the Green Bay Packers or Washington Commanders—who are positioned as the 7th and 6th seeds, respectively. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams are also ranked among the top seeds.
With both conferences shaped for intense contests, the Super Wild Card Weekend will kick off on Saturday, January 11, with games well-spread across the weekend:
- Wild Card Round:
- Saturday, January 11 - AFC/NFC wild card, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday, January 11 - AFC/NFC wild card, 8 p.m. ET
- Sunday, January 12 - AFC/NFC wild card, 1 p.m. ET
- Sunday, January 12 - AFC/NFC wild card, 4:30 p.m. ET
- Sunday, January 12 - AFC/NFC wild card, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Monday, January 13 - AFC/NFC wild card, 8:15 p.m. ET
This year's playoffs are particularly intriguing, not just because of the teams involved but also because of the stories surrounding them. The Kansas City Chiefs could make history, aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl win, enabling them to join the ranks of only a few teams ever to reach three straight Super Bowls. Their roster, spearheaded by star players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, has remained competitive.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens looks to break free from his playoff struggles. Despite impressive regular-season performances and individual accolades, Jackson has yet to win football's biggest prize. This year, he aims to turn his story around, fueled by the desire to earn his first Lombardi Trophy.
Across the league, fans eagerly await the outcomes of pivotal games which will determine next week’s matchups. The next phases of the playoffs lead to the Divisional Rounds set for January 18 and 19, where winners will earn their tickets to the championship games on January 26. Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for February 9 at the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, where the conference champions will face off.
With anticipation building and fierce competition on the docket, the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most exciting NFL postseasons yet.