Predicting Every Single Game of the 2025 NFL Playoffs

The NFL postseason kicks off Saturday afternoon, but why watch every game when we can just tell you the outcomes right now?

Turn back if you aren’t into spoilers. Here’s how the playoffs will unfold, beginning with this weekend’s six wild-card games.

Wild Card Round Predictions

AFC: No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans: A healthier Texans offense would have been fun to see in the playoffs, but this banged-up unit has to deal with the best scoring defense in 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 split the season series, each side winning at home. This one’s as simple as their recent form: Baltimore is 4-0 since its early-December bye, and the Steelers’ offense has looked putrid during a four-game, season-ending losing streak. Ravens 24, Steelers 13.

No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills: The Broncos’ strength is their pass rush, but Buffalo (league-low 14 sacks allowed) may be the only team that can counter. Bo Nix had a great rookie season, but no one wins wild-card games at home like Josh Allen. Bills 28, Broncos 18.

NFC: No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles: Even though Jordan Love (elbow) and Jalen Hurts (concussion) are coming off injuries, this should be a fun rematch of their Week 1 meeting in Brazil, which Philly won by five. We don’t talk enough about either of these defenses, especially the home team’s. Eagles 30, Packers 20.

No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Two hot teams and two QBs that love to sling the ball in another rematch of Week 1. Tampa Bay won that day, but Washington’s defense has improved since. Commanders 33, Buccaneers 29.

No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams: Sure, Sam Darnold may have stunk last week, but he was a huge reason for the Vikes’ nine-game winning streak before that. They get another shot at the Rams after losing to them in Week 8, and their opportunistic secondary (24 picks in regular season) seals this game with an INT. Vikings 27, Rams 24.

NFL Divisional Round Predictions

AFC: Los Angeles Chargers at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City is a perfect 6-0 in the divisional round in the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chargers have put up a good fight against them this season, but the Chiefs will run this insane streak to seven. Chiefs 20, Chargers 16.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills: Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson combined for 253 rushing yards in a blowout of the visiting Bills in Week 4. That should translate well for the Ravens in windy Buffalo, and as the saying goes, defense travels. Ravens 31, Bills 13.

NFC: Washington Commanders at No. 1 Detroit Lions: The Commanders are going to be a sexy pick to make it far, but I don’t think they’re keeping up with the Lions’ offense just yet. Lions 34, Commanders 28. 

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles: Minnesota’s second-ranked rushing defense may contain Saquon Barkley, but this feels like a game where Hurts steps up, reminding the football world he can ball out in the playoffs. Eagles 27, Vikings 21.

Conference Championship Game Predictions

AFC Championship Game: Ravens at Chiefs. A rematch of last year’s AFC title game, and of Week 1, both seven-point KC wins. This is where the magic runs out for Mahomes and co. I won’t call the Chiefs fraudulent, but they’re weaker than usual, and the Ravens are too well-rounded on both sides of the ball to take yet another defeat. Ravens 26, Chiefs 19.

NFC Championship Game: Eagles at Lions. A shootout in the making. Am I really going to pick Philly to beat three straight NFC North teams? Sorry, but I just don’t trust the Lions’ injury-hampered defense to get them over the hump this year. Eagles 35, Lions 31.

Super Bowl LIX Prediction

Super Bowl LIX: Ravens vs. Eagles. Bird-on-bird violence. Two dual-threat quarterbacks. Two teams reaping the benefits of actually paying a free agent running back! We’re in for a show. Lamar gets his first ring. Ravens 34, Eagles 27.