NFL Wildcard 2025 Preview

The final regular season game of this 2024/25 NFL season was an exciting spectacle for all to see, serving as an exciting introduction to what lies ahead this week: the start of the Wildcard.

With the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions enjoying a break, we have six teams from each conference battling to advance to the next round, and the home teams are often the favorites. However, there are formidable visiting teams that are key players in this Wild Card round. One way or another, what is clear is that the playoffs have already begun in North America’s top sports competition: the NFL.

While teams will try to prevent the Chiefs from lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy again, they will first have to advance from the Wild Card Round. Otherwise, they would have to say goodbye to the season this weekend.

Below, we bring you the preview of this season’s Wild Card games, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.

NFL Wildcard: Texans vs. Chargers

The Wild Card Round begins this Saturday, January 11, with an intriguing game at NRG Stadium, where the Houston Texans (10-7) will host the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6).

The Houston Texans, who were viewed as a standout team last season, have entered the playoffs this year amid uncertainty and lackluster performances.

Despite winning their division as predicted, they are not considered favorites even with home-field advantage. Quarterback C. J. Stroud (20 Touchdowns and 12 interceptions) has struggled due to a lack of offensive line protection, and the team has also lost key receivers Steffon Diggs and Tank Dell for the season. Nico Collins, their leading receiver with over 1000 yards and 7 Touchdowns, will be a vital asset in the playoffs while running back Joe Mixon (1016 yards and 11 Touchdowns) will need to showcase his skills to improve the Texan’s ground game.

Facing the Texans are the formidable Chargers led by talented quarterback Justin Herbert, who is looking for his first playoff win. Herbert had an impressive regular season with over 3800 air yards and 23 touchdowns.

The team’s offensive weapons include J.K. Dobbins, who returns from injury in time for the playoffs, and rookie standout McConkey, who racked up 1149 yards and seven TOUCHDOWNS in his NFL debut season.

For this game, our prediction is a win for the Chargers.

Texans vs. Chargers Betting Pick: Chargers

NFL Wildcard: Ravens vs Steelers

Saturday’s Wild Card show concludes with a lopsided divisional showdown when the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens, who have come alive down the crucial final stretch, will look to replicate their recent dominant performance against the Steelers when they secured a dominating 34-17 victory to seize the division lead. Despite facing early season setbacks, the Ravens possess a talented roster and are expected to learn from past mistakes entering this critical game.

Baltimore’s success relies heavily on establishing their ground game, with Derrick Henry (1921 yards and 16 Touchdowns) exceeding expectations and demonstrating exceptional skill as a runner.

However, the focal point of the Ravens remains Lamar Jackson, who has once again shown an MVP-level performance as a versatile quarterback, achieving a historic milestone of surpassing 4,000 air yards and 800 ground yards in a single season.

On the other hand, the Steelers, initially considered a surprise team during the regular season, have faltered in the last month, suffering four consecutive losses to important opponents, indicating their limited playoff potential.

The offense, previously a strength, has experienced a decline, scoring only eight touchdowns in the last four games under the leadership of quarterback Russell Wilson. In addition, the once potent connection between Wilson and Pickens has weakened, contributing to the team’s offensive struggles.

That said, we expect the Ravens to step up and take the win at home.

Apuestas Ravens vs. Steelers: Ravens

NFL Wildcard: Bills vs Broncos

Another great game we will have in this Wild Card will be between the Bills and the Broncos, which will be played this Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Highmark Stadium, home of the Bills, at 1:00 PM ET.

Coach Sean Payton successfully led the Broncos to the postseason after a year of rebuilding and growth. Although their Wild Card Game opponent will be a challenge, as they will face the formidable Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, the Broncos are determined to make their mark in the playoffs.

The Bills, known for their postseason struggles, including four Super Bowl losses in the 90′ and recent losses in the Divisional Round, are eager to shed this burden and make a strong playoff run this year. With a solid ground game and the stellar performance of quarterback Josh Allen, they are poised for success.

While the Bills are the favored contenders, the Broncos, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix under the direction of Sean Payton, have earned their place in the playoffs.

Despite competing in the same division as the reigning champions, the Broncos have impressed this season and returned to the postseason after an eight-year absence. Their last playoff appearance was in 2015 when they were victorious in Super Bowl L against the Peyton Manning-led Carolina Panthers.

For this game, our winner’s chip is on the Buffalo Bills.

Bills vs. Broncos Betting Pick: Bills

NFL Wildcard: Águilas contra empacadores

The most interesting matchup of these NFL Wild Card games will undoubtedly be between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles, who finished the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record and secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC, will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, barring a possible showdown with the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.

The Eagles’ biggest concern heading into the game is the availability of star quarterback Jalen Hurts, who suffered a concussion in Week 16 and has been out of action since.

Backup Kenny Pickett has filled in, but, likewise, creates some uncertainties.However, when the Eagles’ key players, including standout Saquon Barkley and top receiver A. J. Brown, are in action, the team’s potential shines.

On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers closed the regular season on a slightly sour note, despite losing to their archrivals. The injury to Christian Watson, one of their top deep threats, will be a significant loss for the team.

Both teams are entering the game with their strengths and challenges. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has turned his season around, creating a formidable team that is tough to beat.

Meanwhile, the Packers, guided by Matt LaFleur, have propelled themselves into a solid playoff position, with quarterback Jordan Love hitting his stride at the right time with 3389 air yards and 25 touchdowns.

For this game, our winner’s chip is on the Eagles.

Eagles vs. Packers Betting Pick: Eagles

NFL Wildcard: Buccaneers vs. Commanders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a 10-7 record, are set to take on the Washington Commanders, who have surprised many with their solid 12-5 record this season.

The Commanders are determined to prove the pundits wrong by provingthat they deserve to be playoff favorites.

Despite some challenges, the Buccaneers secured the final playoff spot in the NFC by defeating the New Orleans Saints 27-19 to win the South Division. This accomplishment is commendable, especially considering that the team has had to deal with the absence of its two-star receivers and a makeshift backfield for a significant portion of the season.

The experience and skill of many players from the Buccaneers’ championship-winning team four years ago make them a formidable force, with receiver Mike Evans standing out for his consistent performance.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has reached new heights this season, setting personal records in several passing statistics and contributing significantly to the Buccaneers’ success.

On the other side, the Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, have exceeded expectations in their first season with standout performances that have impressed fans and analysts alike.

Daniels’ remarkable statistics, which include over 3,000 air yards, 25 touchdowns, and 70.6 QBR, have established him as a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year and MVP contender. The team’s improvement has revitalized the city and the franchise, with receiver Terry McLaurin also making significant contributions with over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns.

That said, our prediction is a win for the Buccaneers.

Buccaneers vs. Commanders Betting Pick: Buccaneers

NFL Wildcard: Rams vs. Vikings

The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings will square off in the NFC Wild Card round, renewing their intense Week 8 showdown. This highly anticipated showdown between two of the best teams will be a battle of skill and strategy as they strive to advance in the playoffs.

The Rams (10-7), overcoming a challenging 1-4 start, bounced back with a seven-game winning streak to secure the fourth seed in the NFC. Coach Sean McVay’s team has shown resiliency, fueled by the revitalized Matthew Stafford and a strong defense led by rookie standout Jared Verse and perennial Pro Bowler Aaron Donald.

The Vikings, meanwhile, had a successful regular season, led by the impressive play of Sam Darnold and the exceptional receiving skills of Justin Jefferson. Despite three losses to Detroit and Los Angeles, the team’s aggressive defense, guided by head coach Brian Flores and featuring Pro Bowl players such as Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, has stood out.

The Rams, led by Verse and Donald, will look to pressure Darnold and disrupt his aerial game. Darnold will have to keep his composure to avoid turnovers. On the other side, Minnesota’s defensive strategy will focus on containing the Rams’ running backs, Williams and Rivers, particularly with Corum out. Stopping the ground game will be crucial for the Vikings to force the Rams into predictable passing situations.

For the Rams, this game presents an opportunity to validate their impressive season turnaround and continue their playoff journey under McVay’s leadership. The Vikings are looking for redemption from their Week 8 loss and a chance to show their serious contender status after a disappointing primetime performance against Detroit.

For this game, our prediction is a win for the Vikings.

Rams vs. Vikings Betting Pick: Vikings