The stage is set for the 2025 NFL playoffs, which are scheduled to kick off in just two days. This year’s postseason promises an exciting mix of newcomers and seasoned contenders. Teams like the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers are making playoff appearances, while familiar powerhouses such as the Kansas City Chiefs return to compete for football’s ultimate prize—the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs, now in their 10th consecutive postseason, aim to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. Their journey, along with other contenders, begins with Wild Card Weekend, starting Saturday, January 11.
Wild Card Weekend Matchups and Key Highlights
The Wild Card Weekend will commence with the Houston Texans hosting the Los Angeles Chargers in the first game on CBS and Paramount+. Across the weekend, a total of seven games will determine which teams advance to the Divisional Round.
Saturday, January 11
- Game 1: (5) Chargers at (4) Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- Game 2: (6) Steelers at (3) Ravens, 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Saturday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens will mark Amazon’s first-ever streaming of a playoff game. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it will be the third time these AFC North rivals face each other this season.
Sunday, January 12
- Game 3: (7) Broncos at (2) Bills, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- Game 4: (7) Packers at (2) Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
- Game 5: (6) Commanders at (3) Buccaneers, 8 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo)
The Buffalo Bills are heavy favorites in their matchup against the Broncos, with opening odds at -9. Similarly, the Ravens are favored by 9.5 points over the Steelers. Another exciting rematch from Week 1 includes the Eagles hosting the Packers and the Buccaneers taking on the Commanders. Both the Eagles and Buccaneers will aim to replicate their early-season victories.
Monday, January 13
- Game 6: (5) Vikings vs. (4) Rams, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, fubo)
The final Wild Card game features the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings. Initially slated to be held in Los Angeles, the game has been relocated to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to wildfires in Southern California. This marks the first time since 1936 that the NFL has moved a playoff game to another city.
Bye Week Teams
The Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs have secured first-round byes, earning them a week of rest before they face their respective Divisional Round opponents.
Divisional Round and Beyond
Following Wild Card Weekend, the winners will advance to the Divisional Round, scheduled for January 18 and 19. Game times are as follows:
Saturday, January 18
- Game 1: AFC/NFC matchup, 4:30 p.m. ET (TBA)
- Game 2: AFC/NFC matchup, 8:15 p.m. ET (TBA)
Sunday, January 19
- Game 3: AFC/NFC matchup, 3 p.m. ET (TBA)
- Game 4: AFC/NFC matchup, 6:30 p.m. ET (TBA)
The winner of Monday’s Wild Card game will play in one of Sunday’s Divisional Round matchups. This round will narrow the field to the final four teams.
Championship Sunday
On Sunday, January 26, the NFL will hold its NFC and AFC Championship games to determine the two teams that will compete in Super Bowl LIX. The schedule for Championship Sunday is:
- NFC Championship: 3 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
- AFC Championship: 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Super Bowl LIX
The 2025 NFL season will conclude with Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9. The game will feature the champions of the AFC and NFC conferences and is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET, airing on Fox and streaming on fubo.
FAQ
Q: Why was the Rams vs. Vikings game relocated?
A: The game was moved from Los Angeles to Glendale, Arizona, due to wildfires in Southern California. This relocation prioritizes the safety of players, staff, and fans.
Q: Which teams have a first-round bye in the 2025 NFL playoffs?
A: The Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs earned first-round byes as the top seeds in their respective conferences. They will not play until the Divisional Round.