The NFL postseason kicks off Saturday afternoon, however why watch each sport after we can simply inform you the outcomes proper now?
Flip again if you happen to aren’t into spoilers. Right here’s how the playoffs will unfold, starting with this weekend’s six wild-card video games.
Wild Card Spherical Predictions
Jan 5, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up earlier than a sport in opposition to the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Photos AFC: No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans: A more healthy Texans offense would have been enjoyable to see within the playoffs, however this banged-up unit has to take care of the very best scoring protection within the league. Jim Harbaugh isn’t about to go one-and-done in his return to the NFL postseason. Chargers 27, Texans 10.
No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens: The AFC North rivals cut up the season collection, both sides profitable at residence. This one’s so simple as their latest type: Baltimore is 4-0 since its early-December bye, and the Steelers’ offense has regarded putrid throughout a four-game, season-ending losing streak. Ravens 24, Steelers 13.
No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Payments: The Broncos’ energy is their cross rush, however Buffalo (league-low 14 sacks allowed) would be the solely crew that may counter. Bo Nix had an amazing rookie season, however nobody wins wild-card video games at residence like Josh Allen. Payments 28, Broncos 18.
NFC: No. 7 Inexperienced Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles: Though Jordan Love (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) are coming off accidents, this ought to be a enjoyable rematch of their Week 1 assembly in Brazil, which Philly received by 5. We don’t discuss sufficient about both of those defenses, particularly the house crew’s. Eagles 30, Packers 20.
No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Two scorching groups and two QBs that like to sling the ball in one other rematch of Week 1. Tampa Bay received that day, however Washington’s protection has improved since. Commanders 33, Buccaneers 29.
No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams: Certain, Sam Darnold might have stunk final week, however he was an enormous motive for the Vikes’ nine-game profitable streak earlier than that. They get one other shot on the Rams after dropping to them in Week 8, and their opportunistic secondary (24 picks in common season) seals this sport with an INT. Vikings 27, Rams 24.
NFL Divisional Spherical Predictions
Nov 17, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and security Brian Department (32) deal with Jacksonville Jaguars working again Travis Etienne Jr. (1) through the first half at Ford Area in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Obligatory Credit score: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Community through Imagn Photos AFC: Los Angeles Chargers at No. 1 Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Kansas Metropolis is an ideal 6-0 within the divisional spherical in the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chargers have put up a very good battle in opposition to them this season, however the Chiefs will run this insane streak to seven. Chiefs 20, Chargers 16.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Payments: Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson mixed for 253 dashing yards in a blowout of the visiting Payments in Week 4. That ought to translate effectively for the Ravens in windy Buffalo, and because the saying goes, protection travels. Ravens 31, Payments 13.
NFC: Washington Commanders at No. 1 Detroit Lions: The Commanders are going to be a horny decide to make it far, however I don’t assume they’re maintaining with the Lions’ offense simply but. Lions 34, Commanders 28.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles: Minnesota’s second-ranked dashing protection might include Saquon Barkley, however this looks like a sport the place Hurts steps up, reminding the soccer world he can ball out within the playoffs. Eagles 27, Vikings 21.
Convention Championship Recreation Predictions
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles with the ball through the second quarter in opposition to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Photos AFC Championship Recreation: Ravens at Chiefs. A rematch of final yr’s AFC title sport, and of Week 1, each seven-point KC wins. That is the place the magic runs out for Mahomes and co. I received’t name the Chiefs fraudulent, however they’re weaker than ordinary, and the Ravens are too well-rounded on each side of the ball to take yet one more defeat. Ravens 26, Chiefs 19.
NFC Championship Recreation: Eagles at Lions. A shootout within the making. Am I actually going to select Philly to beat three straight NFC North groups? Sorry, however I simply don’t belief the Lions’ injury-hampered protection to get them over the hump this yr. Eagles 35, Lions 31.
Tremendous Bowl LIX Prediction
Tremendous Bowl LIX: Ravens vs. Eagles. Fowl-on-bird violence. Two dual-threat quarterbacks. Two groups reaping the advantages of really paying a free agent working again! We’re in for a present. Lamar will get his first ring. Ravens 34, Eagles 27.
