The conclusion of the 2024 NFL regular season has set the stage for an exhilarating playoff season, featuring the top teams vying for the ultimate prize: Super Bowl LIX. With several intriguing matchups lined up, fans are eagerly awaiting the action of Wild Card Weekend, which kicks off on January 11, 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as the No. 1 seed from the AFC and will have to wait as they receive a bye for the Divisional Round. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions topped the NFC standings and also enjoy the same luxury. The remaining 12 teams will clash over the weekend to determine who advances to the next round.
According to reports, the Wild Card matches are as follows:
- AFC – Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
- NFC – Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 3:30 p.m. (Fox)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7 p.m. (NBC)
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, noon (CBS)
- Final Wild Card Game:
- Monday, January 13: No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 7 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
It is noteworthy for fans anticipating Monday Night Football (MNF) during the playoff season to know the last regular season MNF game was played on January 1, between the Lions and the San Francisco 49ers. The NFL prefers to avoid scheduling games on Monday night during the final week of the regular season, primarily due to the playoff implications involved. This scheduling method ensures fairness by allowing several games to kick off simultaneously, eliminating any potential advantages or disadvantages determined by knowledge of other game outcomes.
Many fans were left pondering, “Is there any Monday Night Football tonight?” Sadly, no, as the regular season ended with Sunday Night Football as the last game of the 2024 season. The excitement now shifts to the playoff games as teams compete for the ultimate goal of reaching the Super Bowl.
Looking forward, the playoff games will air across various networks, including CBS, FOX, ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video. For viewers eager to stream the NFL playoffs, services such as Fubo offer options including free trials and subscription packages.
Overall, the beginning of the NFL playoffs promises thrilling matchups as fans rally behind their teams. Will the Chiefs maintain their top position? Can the Lions navigate through the competition successfully? Fans will soon find out as the games commence.
Mark your calendars for Wild Card Weekend: January 11 through January 13!