The 2025 NFL Playoffs promise a surge of drama as 14 teams enter the postseason, each fueled by the dream of lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February. The expanded format rewards consistency across the regular season, giving top seeds first-round byes while forcing lower-seeded teams into the pressure-cooker environment of sudden-death football. Last year’s playoffs blended expected dominance with a few pretty surprising upsets, and this season seems set to deliver even more compelling storylines, with veteran quarterbacks chasing redemption and young stars eager to leave their mark on the league’s biggest stage. Every matchup carries weight, testing preparation, talent, and resilience, and the outcomes often hinge on a single pivotal play, and as momentum swings quickly, even the most polished contenders face the possibility of being derailed by inspired challengers. With so much at stake and legacies on the line, the road to the Super Bowl is unpredictable, thrilling, and full of moments that will define the postseason, so with all that in mind, let’s dive into each matchup and examine how these teams are positioned to make their mark on the 2025 NFL Playoffs:

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AFC

Wild Card

7 Bengals (10-7) @ 2 Chiefs (13-4)

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

The NFL couldn’t have written up a better Wild Card clash than the Cincinnati Bengals traveling to Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a matchup between two of the AFC’s most feared quarterbacks and franchises with recent postseason history. For Kansas City, the storyline centers on Patrick Mahomes’ pursuit of redemption after last year’s Super Bowl disappointment, with Andy Reid’s group once again defending their dynasty against a conference rival. On the other sideline, Cincinnati enters this game with a revived roster and Joe Burrow looking every bit like the player who once slayed Kansas City in big moments, now backed by one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. The duel between Burrow’s precision and Mahomes’ improvisation sets the tone for a game loaded with firepower, with the Bengals’ younger, faster defense tasked with containing the Chiefs’ spread attack. Yet when the dust settles, Burrow delivers in the clutch, leaning on Ja’Marr Chase to exploit mismatches against Kansas City’s secondary while Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas keep drives alive on critical third downs. Defensively, Trey Hendrickson generates just enough pressure to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm, forcing the Chiefs into late-game mistakes. In the final minute, a late Chase Brown touchdown seals it, sending the Bengals into the Divisional Round with a massive upset that stuns Kansas City and the “NFL is scripted” crowd.

Final Score: Bengals 28, Chiefs 24

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6 Chargers (11-6) @ 3 Bills (13-4)

Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

Highmark Stadium sets the scene for a compelling Wild Card showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills, two franchises with very different timelines colliding in the January cold. For the Chargers, the story is about how far Jim Harbaugh has managed to push a young, developing roster in just his second season, with Justin Herbert steering a ball-control offense that leans on physical backs and a revamped receiving corps. The defense, though missing Joey Bosa after his offseason departure to Buffalo, has found an identity built on discipline and timely pressure, making Los Angeles one of the AFC’s most intriguing up-and-comers. On the other side, Buffalo once again enters the playoffs as a team with championship ambitions, leaning heavily on MVP quarterback Josh Allen, who orchestrates an attack rooted in versatility and tempo. With a retooled defense that now features Bosa, Ed Oliver, and Matt Milano, the Bills will look every bit as dangerous as their record suggests. When the game kicks off, Buffalo’s maturity and depth ultimately separate the two. Allen keeps the Chargers defense off balance with both his legs and precision downfield strikes to Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman, while James Cook finds creases to extend drives. Despite Herbert’s resilience and a few splash plays, Buffalo’s pass rush and the freezing Western New York weather will overwhelm him, giving the Bills a complete, dominant performance in a victory reminding the AFC that this team remains firmly in the hunt for the Lombardi.

Final Score: Bills 31, Chargers 13

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5 Broncos (12-5) @ 4 Texans (10-7)

NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

The Broncos enter the Wild Card round as one of the NFL’s most surprising breakout stories, fueled by rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a roster that has quickly matured under Sean Payton’s guidance. Their offense has found balance with a deep rotation of running backs and ascending young receivers, while defensively, Pat Surtain II anchors a unit that has grown into one of the AFC’s most disciplined and opportunistic groups. Denver comes in brimming with confidence, believing its blend of speed, youth, and resiliency can test any opponent. But across the field stands a Texans team that has graduated from dark horse to legitimate powerhouse, led by CJ Stroud’s command in the pocket and a versatile offense that can stress defenses in multiple ways. While Denver’s secondary makes life difficult for Stroud and limits his connection with Nico Collins, the one-two backfield punch of Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb steadily wears down the Broncos’ front seven. Combined with a relentless defensive push from Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and a rangy secondary led by Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, Houston eventually tilts the field in its favor. The Broncos stay within striking distance throughout, but the Texans will be too much at home as they grind out a hard-fought victory and give themselves another shot at making their first AFC Championship appearance in franchise history.

Final Score: Texans 23, Broncos 17

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Divisional

7 Bengals (10-7) @ 1 Ravens (14-3)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

Cincinnati fans are still riding the high from their shocking upset over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, dreaming of a deeper playoff run. But the Bengals now face the ultimate test as they make the trip to Baltimore to take on their division rival, the top-seeded Ravens, a team that has dominated the AFC North all season and boasts one of the league’s most complete rosters. Joe Burrow will need to be at his sharpest, relying on Ja’Marr Chase to stretch the field and Tee Higgins to keep drives alive, as Cincinnati hopes to carry momentum into a hostile, loud environment. On the other side, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry give Baltimore the firepower to control the game, with Kyle Hamilton and Jaire Alexander anchoring a secondary capable of creating turnovers and making life miserable for Burrow and his weapons. From the opening snap, the Ravens’ physicality and precision quickly overwhelm the Bengals as their offense strikes early, scoring on efficient drives and building a commanding halftime lead generating critical stops on defense that force Cincinnati into high-pressure situations. Burrow sparks a second-half push, connecting with Chase and Higgins on several big plays, but the gap proves too large to overcome. Ultimately, Jackson’s dynamic playmaking and Henry’s punishing ground attack prove decisive, allowing the Ravens to cruise and be too much early for the Bengals’ valiant comeback effort.

Final Score: Ravens 31, Bengals 20

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4 Texans (10-7) @ 3 Bills (13-4)

Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

A cold January evening in Buffalo sets the stage for a Divisional clash with AFC Championship implications, as the Texans seek their first-ever trip to the next round. Houston has arrived, no longer content to be a rising story, and they bring CJ Stroud’s calm, calculated command and increasing experience in these big situations to a road test few teams relish. Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb form a punishing backfield duo capable of grinding out tough yards, while Nico Collins and rookie Jayden Higgins offer the vertical threats that could challenge a Bills secondary anchored by Tre’Davious White. But Buffalo enters the contest with a swagger born of years around the top of the AFC, and reigning MVP Josh Allen has the poise, vision, and scrambling ability to take full advantage of any crack in the Texans’ armor. From the first snap, DeMeco Ryans emphasizes pressure from his defense to give Josh Allen plenty of fits early on, but Buffalo’s disciplined unit make life difficult for Houston in return. Allen keeps drives alive with his legs, while James Cook and Dalton Kincaid find ways to move the chains, chewing up clock and forcing high-pressure situations on Stroud and a larger emphasis on the run game. The Texans rally in spurts, with Mixon and Chubb carving out chunks of yardage, but Buffalo’s front and secondary create enough stops to maintain a slim lead. In the end, the weather and the Bills’ balance prove decisive in a gritty victory, leaving Houston to wonder again just how close they came to a historic breakthrough.

Final Score: Bills 20, Texans 16

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AFC Championship

3 Bills (13-4) @ 1 Ravens (14-3)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

For Buffalo, the path to the Super Bowl has never felt so tantalizingly close. After years of falling just short and often facing Patrick Mahomes in their way, the Bills now face a different test: a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has haunted them all season and in last year’s Divisional Round. Josh Allen enters with poise, flanked by versatile weapons, but he knows Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry represent a challenge unlike any other, with Baltimore’s run defense continuing to show why they’re consistently the best in football and the secondary showing lots of improvement after finishing towards the bottom of the league last year. From the opening snap, the intensity is immediate. Baltimore’s physicality and relentless pace set the tone, with Jackson scrambling and distributing the ball while Henry punishes defenders on the ground. Allen is forced into uncomfortable throws, disrupting timing and limiting Buffalo’s explosiveness, but the Bills mount a fight, hitting a few big plays to stay close. However, the home crowd’s energy amplifies every snap, fueling Baltimore’s momentum, and in the final couple of minutes, Jackson punches into the end zone after a massive reception from Mark Andrews to put them in a first-and-goal situation and avenge his late drop in last year’s Playoff loss in Buffalo, allowing the Ravens to hold off the Bills in an instant classic. John Harbaugh finally guides his team to a Super Bowl appearance for the first time in 13 seasons, leaving Josh Allen and company to continue wondering if they’ll ever break their postseason curse.

Final Score: Ravens 27, Bills 23

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NFC

Wild Card

7 Buccaneers (9-8) @ 2 Lions (12-5)

Ford Field, Detroit, MI

All season long, Bucs fans will be planning on watching games with cautious optimism with plenty of injuries to work around to start the year, a roster increasingly defined by youth but still anchored by veterans under Todd Bowles’ calm, steady hand. Baker Mayfield orchestrated an offense beginning to rediscover its rhythm, with Chris Godwin back in the fold and Bucky Irving stepping up alongside Rachaad White in a more prominent backfield role. Mike Evans remained a constant deep threat, while rookie Emeka Egbuka’s speed and playmaking gave Tampa a passing game capable of testing any secondary. On the other side, Detroit was hungry, not just for a win, but for redemption after last year’s heartbreak in the Divisional Round. Jared Goff delivered a mix of efficiency and adaptability, Jahmyr Gibbs expanding his role as a dynamic back alongside David Montgomery, while Amon-Ra St. Brown commanded the passing attack with poise. Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson led a front that relentlessly disrupted Tampa’s timing, and the Lions’ secondary forced turnovers at pivotal moments. The Buccaneers struck first and produced sparks throughout, but Detroit’s balance, depth, and singular drive for vindication ultimately proved decisive. Late in the second half, key stops and sustained drives allowed the Lions to pull away, sealing a higher-scoring victory and keeping their playoff dreams alive, leaving Tampa Bay to regroup and wonder what could have been yet again.

Final Score: Lions 34, Buccaneers 24

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6 Packers (10-7) @ 3 Rams (11-6)

SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

The Packers have plenty to be excited about this postseason, as a new-looking roster brims with energy and promise, led by quarterback Jordan Love in his third season as the starter and bolstered by high-impact additions like Micah Parsons and rookie deep threat Matthew Golden. Green Bay’s offense flowed with a mix of timing and versatility, Jayden Reed commanding the slot while Josh Jacobs provided balance as a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield. Across the line, Love’s poise and the offensive front’s stability allowed the Packers to move the ball efficiently, mixing runs and passes to keep the Rams’ defense guessing. Los Angeles, guided by veteran Matthew Stafford, leaned on Puka Nacua and former longtime Packer Davante Adams to generate big plays, but Green Bay’s front seven, energized by Parsons alongside Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt, applied constant pressure, while Quay Walker and the secondary, anchored by Nate Hobbs and Xavier McKinney, created key disruptions at critical moments. The Rams ride off of the wave of finally playing at home after not being able to play in LA last year due to the wildfires, but Green Bay makes timely stops and brings in a new aggression to give themselves the edge in the second half. In the fourth quarter, a decisive defensive stand preserved the lead, and the Packers emerged with a significant road victory, proving that this youthful, fearless roster could challenge even the league’s most experienced playoff contenders.

Final Score: Packers 27, Rams 20

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5 Commanders (11-6) @ 4 Falcons (10-7)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Commander fans are riding high off last year’s NFC Championship run and have even bigger goals before the season kicks off, imagining what this team could become if everything clicks. The Commanders feature a roster built for speed, toughness, and playmaking, anchored by second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose poise and athleticism already have the city dreaming of deep postseason runs. Behind him, veteran Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt provide a versatile backfield to keep defenses honest, while Deebo Samuel stretches the field as a dangerous vertical threat. The Falcons, likely to be one of the league’s biggest surprises in 2025, will test Washington, with Bijan Robinson emerging as a premier back and a quarterback room featuring Kirk Cousins, who spent six seasons in Washington, and Michael Penix Jr., blending experience and potential. Atlanta’s defense and home-field energy could make for a fast, physical battle, but Washington’s balance, depth, and discipline could tip the scales. If everything goes the way I see it, Daniels manages the game efficiently very late, and after two fourth-quarter field goals and big stops out of the secondary, the Commanders escape Atlanta with a crucial victory, setting the tone for a team eager to prove itself as a true long-term Super Bowl contender.

Final Score: Commanders 30, Falcons 21

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Divisional

6 Packers (10-7) @ 1 Eagles (14-3)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia’s quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles begins with a familiar challenge: a rematch against the Packers, who have found a winning formula in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The Eagles carry the weight of expectations, with Jalen Hurts leading a versatile offense that blends mobility, power, and precision, while Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown provide punch and explosiveness. Green Bay arrives with a roster built to create chaos, and former division rival Micah Parsons adds edge pressure that tests Philadelphia’s veteran offensive line. From the opening whistle, the Eagles’ experience and talent set the tone. Hurts leverages the Tush Push to his advantage against the team that tried to get the play banned, the passing game finds openings, and the offensive line once again absorbs Green Bay’s surges to sustain drives, while Barkley delivers another postseason standout performance. The Packers spark a few moments of life as Love hits timely passes, but Philadelphia’s defense quickly forces a one-dimensional approach. By halftime, a commanding lead emerges, with Green Bay’s run game stifled and Love struggling against a disciplined, adaptable Eagles defense. In the second half, Philadelphia remains firmly in control, never letting Green Bay gain momentum. Hurts orchestrates methodical drives, Barkley continues to churn yards, and the Eagles prove too dominant across all phases. A decisive three-score victory cements their supremacy, reaffirming their championship credentials and sending a clear message that dethroning Philadelphia remains an enormous challenge, even in 2025.

Final Score: Eagles 27, Packers 10

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5 Commanders (11-6) @ 2 Lions (12-5)

Ford Field, Detroit, MI

The second of two NFC North vs. NFC East Divisional Round matchups features the Lions looking to wash away the bad taste of last year’s playoff blowout at the hands of the Washington Commanders. Detroit, who I’ve considered to have the most exciting team to watch over the last few seasons, once again has a roster built for balance, toughness, and vengeance, led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all eager to prove that last season’s disappointment was an anomaly. Across the field, Jayden Daniels commands a fast, dynamic Commanders offense, with Deebo Samuel joining Terry McLaurin and Austin Ekeler to provide plenty of tools to challenge the Lions’ stout front, who has Aidan Hutchinson back and healthy this time around. From the opening kickoff, the game explodes into a shootout as Washington finds openings through the air and keeps the ground game honest, but Detroit matches every score with patient, punishing drives. Gibbs and Montgomery churn out key yards on the ground and in red-zone situations, while St. Brown consistently hauls in crucial receptions to sustain momentum. The Commanders keep it close, but Detroit’s balanced attack and emotional firepower start to swing the tide. By the fourth quarter, the Lions pull ahead with a long touchdown pass to Jameson Williams and a couple of timely stops, ultimately prevailing in a high-scoring affair to return to their second NFC Championship in the past three seasons. Revenge is sweet in Detroit as the Lions exorcise last year’s demons, leaving Washington to regroup after a thrilling but heartbreaking defeat.

Final Score: Lions 38, Commanders 31

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NFC Championship

2 Lions (12-5) @ 1 Eagles (14-3)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

When the Lions and Eagles first met in mid-November for the first time in three seasons, they gave fans a strong glimpse of what was to come, but now the stakes have been raised as these squads meet in the NFC Championship, with plenty more implications hanging in the balance. Detroit enters with a sense of purpose few teams can match, carrying the emotional weight of a franchise that has never reached the Super Bowl. Jared Goff orchestrates a balanced attack, Jahmyr Gibbs keeps drives alive as a true Swiss Army knife, and Amon-Ra St. Brown stretches the field with consistency and toughness, all while Aidan the pass-rush presence of Aidan Hutchinson, as long as he stays healthy, keeps Philly honest. On the other side, the Eagles bring championship experience and poise, fueled by Jalen Hurts’ mobility and leadership, with Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown providing explosive playmaking that can change a game in a single sequence. From the opening kickoff, Detroit’s determination matches the Eagles’ precision in a back-and-forth affair, but the Philadelphia’s championship pedigree begins to assert itself. Barkley churns out critical yards and dominates the trenches, while Hurts orchestrates timely drives. Key stops and a decisive third-quarter surge swing momentum toward Philly, and despite a strong final drive from Goff and Gibbs, the Eagles hold on as Barkley once again has a massive NFC Championship performance to break Detroit’s hearts, sending Philadelphia to their second straight Super Bowl and third in four seasons.

Final Score: Eagles 23, Lions 20

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Super Bowl LX

Eagles (14-3) vs. Ravens (14-3)

Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

The Eagles’ pursuit of back-to-back championships carries a sense of inevitability, yet the Ravens arrive with the kind of physical dominance and playoff savvy that can derail even the most polished offense. From the opening snap, the game unfolds as a chess match, with each team feeling out the other and defenses asserting themselves, resulting in a first half where every yard is earned and scoring is limited. The Eagles manage to sustain a few methodical drives, but Baltimore’s front keeps the line of scrimmage contested, and Lamar Jackson’s mobility ensures the Ravens are never out of position, turning broken plays into manageable gains. As the second half begins, the intensity ratchets up, and both offenses begin to find rhythm, with drives extending and pressure mounting on each side as momentum shifts repeatedly. Philadelphia answers Baltimore’s early successes with well-timed throws and carefully crafted runs, yet the Ravens respond with steady, punishing drives that chip away at the Eagles’ lead. In the fourth quarter, with little more than three minutes remaining, Derrick Henry powers through the line for a touchdown that gives Baltimore a narrow advantage, and the Eagles attempt a final comeback before Kyle Hamilton picks off a desperate throw in the final minute, securing the victory and ending the suspense in dramatic fashion. Baltimore’s combination of experience, relentlessness, and timing proves decisive, allowing Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh to capture the long-awaited Super Bowl title and solidifying the Ravens’ standing as one of the NFL’s most formidable postseason teams.

Final Score: Ravens 31, Eagles 24

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Make sure to check back here in January when the matchups are official and in February when the season comes to a close!