NFL Super Wild Card Weekend Predictions (2025)

 

A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Arena Corinthians, in São Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela)

The time has finally arrived! After a grueling regular season filled with many surprises, the 2025 NFL playoffs are here! It's a new season now, as all 14 playoff teams are 0-0 with a shot at taking home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. And there are plenty of intriguing storylines to look at heading into what is shaping up to be a very memorable postseason tournament.

Will the Detroit Lions (who are the Super Bowl favorites heading into the playoffs) continue their storybook season and win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history? Can Lamar Jackson rise to the occasion and finally get over the playoff hump? And lastly, will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs make history and become the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl champions? We'll find all the answers to these questions in the coming weeks!

There are a lot of fun matchups that will be taking place this week on Super Wild Card Weekend, including a bitter AFC North divisional rivalry game (Steelers-Ravens), a rematch from a Week 1 game in Brazil between two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFC (Packers-Eagles), and a fascinating Monday Night contest between two of the best head coaches in the league (Vikings-Rams).

Last year, I went 4-2 with my wildcard round predictions. Hopefully, I'll go 6-0 with my picks this year!

Teams on bye week: Chiefs, Lions

Saturday Games:

Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at NRG Stadium, in Houston, TX. The Chargers won, 34-24. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) @ Houston Texans (10-7): 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+)

The 2024 NFL playoffs will begin with a matchup between two very evenly matched, defensive-oriented teams. The Chargers finished the regular season with the NFL's No. 1 scoring defence (17.8 points allowed per game), while the Texans' defence finished in the top five in total defence and takeaways.

Led by one of the best coaches in the league in Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers did a complete 180 during the 2024-25 season, going from being 5-12 and at the bottom of the AFC West to 11-6 and making the playoffs. Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert enjoyed another great season, throwing 23 touchdown passes while only throwing three interceptions. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (82 catches, 1,149 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns) was Herbert's most reliable target, but he'll have a very tough matchup in this game going up against Texans Pro Bowl cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (17 pass deflections, five interceptions). Additionally, it'll be very interesting to see who wins the battle on the edges between the two standout tackles on the Chargers (left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt) and the two elite pass rushers on the Texans (Pro Bowl edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.).

On the flip side of the ball, the Texans' offence has struggled with consistency this season. After enjoying an incredible rookie season, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions) regressed in 2024, as he threw for 381 fewer yards, three fewer touchdown passes, and seven more interceptions than he did in 2023. Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins (68 catches, 1,006 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns) was fantastic when healthy this season, but it won't be easy for him and Stroud to connect on their signature big plays down the field against a stingy Chargers pass defence (7th in passing yards allowed per game), coached by Jesse Minter, who is one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.

With that being said, I think this is going to be an interesting, low-scoring game. Both Harbaugh and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans are great coaches and Stroud and Herbert are two of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Ultimately, with the Texans looking a bit out of sorts recently, look for the Chargers to win a close one on the road as Herbert finally notches the first playoff win of his career.

The pick: Chargers 20 Texans 17

Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with his teammates after scoring on a pick-six during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at M&T Bank Stadium, in Baltimore, MD. The Ravens beat the Steelers, 34-17. (Nick Wass/AP Photo)

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) @ Baltimore Ravens (12-5): 8:00 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)

For the fifth time in NFL history, the Steelers and Ravens will meet in the playoffs. However, the first four playoff meetings between these two bitter AFC North rivals all took place in Pittsburgh. This time, they will play in Baltimore, with both teams seemingly moving in opposite directions heading into this playoff game, as the Steelers have lost four straight games while the Ravens have won four straight games.

The Ravens' offence was absolutely spectacular in 2024, finishing the regular season ranked first in total offence and third in points per game (30.5). Reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson enjoyed another brilliant season, throwing for a career-high 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, and just four interceptions, becoming the first quarterback in league history to throw for 40 touchdowns and less than five interceptions in a single season. Future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry was also absolutely amazing in his first season as Raven, as he rushed for 1,921 rushing yards (2nd in the NFL) while also rushing for 16 touchdowns (tied for first in the NFL). And although second-year Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers (74 catches, 1,059 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns) might not play on Saturday due to a knee injury, it's safe to say that between Jackson, Henry, and tight end Mark Andrews (55 catches, 673 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns), Baltimore will have plenty of firepower to throw at T.J. Watt (11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles) and the rest of a good Steelers defence (8th in points allowed per game).

The biggest culprit for Pittsburgh's four-game losing streak right now is their offence. After throwing 12 touchdown passes and winning six of his first seven starts as the Steelers' starting quarterback, Russell Wilson has struggled over the last month, throwing just four touchdown passes over the last four games. A big reason for this is that, outside of talented wide receiver George Pickens (59 catches, 900 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns), the Steelers don't have another great pass catcher on the team. Led by running backs Najee Harris (1,043 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns) and Jaylen Warren (821 scrimmage yards), Pittsburgh have been able to run the ball well this season (11th in rushing yards per game), but it will be difficult for them to move the ball on the ground in this game against the Ravens, who have the best run defence in the NFL and after a slow start, Baltimore's pass defence has played much better recently as well.

The Steelers have gotten the best of the Ravens recently, as they have won eight out of the last 10 matchups against Baltimore. However, in their most recent meeting, the Ravens defeated the Steelers, 34-17, nearly three weeks ago in Baltimore. I think we'll see something similar on Saturday. Jackson and Henry will continue to play at a dominant level and Pittsburgh's struggling offence won't be able to keep up. The Ravens will win and advance to the divisional round for the second consecutive season.

The pick: Steelers 14 Ravens 27

Sunday Games:

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at Highmark Stadium, in Orchard Park, NY. The Broncos defeated the Bills, 24-22. (Mark Konezny/USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos (10-7) @ Buffalo Bills (13-4): 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+)

This AFC wildcard playoff game has David vs Goliath vibes written all over it. On one side, you have the Broncos, who are making their first playoff appearance in nine years and are led by a rookie quarterback. And on the other hand, you have the Bills, who are in the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year and are led by All-Pro quarterback and MVP favorite Josh Allen.

Speaking of Allen, the 28-year-old had another elite season in 2024, as he threw for 3,731 yards, ran for 531 yards, and scored 41 total touchdowns (28 passing, 13 rushing). Surrounded by a bunch of talented players such as running back James Cook (1,267 scrimmage yards, 18 total touchdowns) and wide receiver Khalil Shakir (76 catches, 821 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns), Allen was able to lead an electric Bills offence that finished the season ranked second in points scored (30.9). It will certainly be interesting to watch this high-powered Buffalo offence go up against a great Denver defence (seventh in total defence, third in run defence and points allowed per game, and first in sacks), led by edge rushers Nik Bonnito (13.5 sacks) and Jonathan Cooper (10.5 sacks), as well as the Defensive Player of the Year favorite in cornerback Patrick Surtain II (11 pass deflections, four interceptions).

On the other side of the ball, Bo Nix has enjoyed an excellent rookie season under center with the help of future Hall of Fame head coach Sean Payton, as he threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdown passes. Seventh-year wide receiver Courtland Sutton (81 catches, 1,081 receiving yards, eight receiving touchdowns) was Nix's top target throughout the season.  However, the Broncos aren't a great running football team (4.1 yards per carry, tied for 29th in the NFL) and defending the run has been an Achilles heel for the Bills defence in their losses this season. With that being the case, it will be paramount for Nix (who threw 13 interceptions this season) to make smart, accurate throws during this game against an opportunistic Bills pass defence (16 interceptions, tied for the fifth most in the NFL).

If the Broncos are going to pull off the upset, they're going to need their defence to play at an elite level for four quarters. And while they've been able to do that in most games this season, that is going to be extremely difficult to accomplish against Allen and the Bills, who finished with an 8-0 at home in 2024, with a point differential of +133 in those eight games. It won't be easy for Buffalo, but led by Allen, they will take care of the Broncos and set up what should be a very exciting matchup against the Ravens in the AFC divisional round.

The pick: Broncos 20 Bills 31

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Arena Corinthians, in São Paulo, Brazil. The Eagles defeated the Packers, 34-29. (Getty Images)

Green Bay Packers (11-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

This should be a fascinating game between two talented, well-coached teams in the NFC that came into this season with Super Bowl aspirations. But once the clock hits zero at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday evening, only one of these two teams will still have a chance of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this season.

In his second season as the Packers starting quarterback, Jordan Love played relatively well, throwing for 3,389 yards and 25 touchdown passes despite missing two games this season due to a MCL injury that he suffered near the end of the first matchup between these two teams back in September. Additionally, Love is currently dealing with an elbow injury so it'll be interesting to see how effective he'll be on Sunday. The Packers also possess one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL (5th in rushing yards per game), led by Josh Jacobs, who enjoyed an incredible debut season in Green Bay (1,329 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns). However, Green Bay's passing offence has struggled over the last couple of weeks. It certainly won't be easy for them to snap out of that funk against an Eagles' defence that finished the regular season with the best passing defence in the NFL and first in total defence, led by star linebacker Zach Baun (151 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter (4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, six pass deflections).

Throwback football fans probably love watching the 2024 Eagles' offence. That's because this season, Philly finished with the fewest passing attempts in the NFL. And it makes complete sense. Running back Saquon Barkley (2,005 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns) was arguably the best player in the NFL in 2024, as he became just the ninth player in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards in a single season. The Eagles also have a stellar offensive line, led by All-Pro guard Landon Dickerson, future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson, and probably the most underrated left tackle in the league in Jordan Mailata.

Wide receivers A.J. Brown (67 catches, 1,079 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns) and DeVonta Smith (68 catches, 833 receiving yards, eight receiving touchdowns) continued to play at a very high level despite missing four games respectively due to various injuries. But it remains to be seen how their quarterback Jalen Hurts (3,533 total yards, 32 total touchdowns) will look on Sunday since he missed each of the team's last two regular season games due to a concussion. If Hurts is rusty to begin this game, a very solid and opportunistic Packers defence (sixth in total defence and fourth in takeaways) will look to pounce, led by Pro Bowl safety Xavier McKinney (eight interceptions, second most in the NFL).

Just like the previous three postseason contests between these two teams, I expect this game to be close. However, although the Packers are a good team, they really struggled to beat the top teams in the NFC this season, going 0-5 against the Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Eagles in 2024. Green Bay's season began with a loss to the Eagles in Brazil. It will end with a loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia.

The pick: Packers 20 Eagles 27

Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers beat the Commanders, 37-20. (Jason Behnken/AP Photo)

Washington Commanders (12-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7): 8:00 p.m. ET (NBC)

I wouldn't be surprised if this game ends up being the most fun contest on Super Wild Card Weekend. During the regular season, both of these teams finished in the top five in scoring (the Buccaneers finished fourth, scoring 29.5 points per game, while the Commanders finished right behind them with the No. 5 scoring offence, averaging 28.5 points per game).

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is currently the odds-on favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. That makes complete sense when you watch him operate Washington's high-powered offence. Daniels had a monster rookie season, as he threw for 3,568 yards, ran for 891 yards, and scored 31 total touchdowns (25 passing, six rushing). Led by Daniels and running back Brian Robinson Jr. (799 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns), the Commanders finished third in rushing yards per game (154.1). If you combine that with the stellar play of Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin (82 catches, 1,096 receiving yards, 13 receiving touchdowns) it's safe to say that Tampa Bay's defence (18th in total defence) will have their work cut out for them on Sunday night.

You can also say the same thing for Washington's defence, which will have to contend with a very explosive Buccaneers' offence, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had a career year in 2024 (4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes). Mayfield--the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft--has been making great throws all season long, slinging passes to future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans (74 catches, 1,004 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns) and rookie wideout Jalen McMillan (eight receiving touchdowns). Additionally, with the help of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Buccaneers have been great at running the football this season (fourth in rushing yards per game), led by rookie running back Bucky Irving (1,122 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns). The Commanders have struggled to stop the run in 2024 (30th in rushing yards allowed per game), so look for Tampa Bay to run the ball a lot during this game.

All in all, this game is shaping up to be a high-scoring, shootout contest. This game will likely come down to which team has the ball last. Look for Mayfield to make one more play than Daniels and lead the Bucs to a win and a trip to Philadelphia to play the Eagles in the divisional round.

The pick: Commanders 30 Buccaneers 33

Monday Night:

Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams embrace after an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, CA. The Rams defeated the Vikings, 30-20. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

Editor's note: The Vikings-Rams wildcard playoff game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona in the interest of public safety due to the ongoing wildfires in California. Here at 2nd & Goal, we send prayers for safety, comfort, and protection to all of California's residents and first responders.🙏

Minnesota Vikings (14-3) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-7): 8:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)

What an absolutely spectacular matchup to end the wildcard round of the 2024 NFL playoffs! The Vikings (who were not expected to make the postseason this year) shocked everybody and became the first team in NFL history to win 14 games and enter the playoffs as a wildcard team. And the Rams (who began the season with a 1-4 record) come into this game having won nine out of their last 12 games.

After being labelled as a bust early in his career, Sam Darnold (with the help of Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell) managed to revive his career in Minnesota this season. The 27-year-old quarterback consistently played at an elite level in 2024, throwing for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdown passes, finishing in the top five in both categories. Former Packers running back Aaron Jones (1,546 total yards, seven total touchdowns) added some much-needed balance to Minnesota's offence all season long. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson (103 catches, 1,533 receiving yards, 10 receiving touchdowns) and Jordan Addison (63 catches, 875 receiving yards, 10 total touchdowns) gave Darnold two dynamic pass catchers to throw to. The Rams do have a lot of young, talented players on their defensive line, such as Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Jared Verse (4.5 sacks, 74 pressures), fellow rookie Braden Fiske (8.5 sacks), defensive tackle Kobie Turner (8 sacks), and edge rusher Byron Young (7.5 sacks), and they'll need their pass rush to bother and make Darnold feel uncomfortable throughout the game, just as the Lions' defence was able to do last week.

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings have one of the best defences in the NFL. Coordinated by one of the best defensive coaches in the league in Brian Flores, Minnesota's defence finished second in rushing yards allowed per game, fifth in points allowed per game, tied for fourth in sacks, and tied for first in takeaways during the regular season. Flores' complex defensive scheme flummoxed opposing quarterbacks and offences all season long. It allowed players such as Pro Bowl linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, two interceptions returned for a touchdown) and Jonathan Greenard (12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles), as well as Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (14 pass deflections, six interceptions) to enjoy career-best seasons in 2024.

Due to injuries and general inconsistency, the Rams' offence wasn't spectacular this season (20th in points scored per game). 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford (3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes) was solid, although he threw just one touchdown pass over his final three games of the regular season. On the bright side for L.A., running back Kyren Williams (1,299 rushing yards, 16 total touchdowns) and wide receivers Puka Nacua (79 catches, 990 receiving yards in 11 games) and Cooper Kupp (67 catches, 710 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns in 12 games) all played very well when healthy this season. In fact, the Rams finished the regular season with an 8-3 record when Stafford, Williams, Nacua, and Kupp were in the lineup.

This is truly a coin-flip kind of matchup. The Rams defeated the Vikings in a close game when they played each other earlier this season, and I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if one of these two teams ends up making it all the way to the Super Bowl, based on the talent and the high-end calibre of coaching that both teams possess. Because the Vikings have been the better team for most of the season, I'll take them to win on the road in what should be the best game on Super Wild Card Weekend.

The pick: Vikings 27 Rams 24