2025 NFL playoff predictions: Breaking down every wild-card weekend game, player risks and more

Wild Card Weekend is upon us, meaning six games are spread across three days. The NFL updated their playoff format in 2021 with 14 teams making the field, and now only the number 1 seeds getting a bye.

If you want to make your own predictions and share them on social media, use Sportskeeda’s Playoff Predictor tool.

Brian Drake's NFL Playoff prediction

After watching every game this NFL season, I have a good handle on the league. But when it comes to the playoffs, you can throw that out the window. Expect the unexpected. Here are my predictions for Wildcard Weekend:

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AFC Playoff Prediction for the Wildcard Weekend

Buffalo is an 8.5-point favorite at home over Denver on Sunday. Weather shouldn’t be a factor in this one, but Denver can befuddle Josh Allen and force him into mistakes. Last year, Cincinnati went into Buffalo and punched the Bills in the face. They were more physical and pushed Buffalo around. I think Denver needs to take the same approach. Run the ball and play good defense. Keeping Allen and the Bills on the sidelines is their best chance at an upset.

That said, it will be hard for Denver to slow a Bills offense more balanced than ever. James Cook provides a legitimate threat on the ground. Buffalo also spreads the ball around so much that a Patrick Surtain shadow on anyone would be meaningless. I like Buffalo to pull away in the second half to win 31-20.

Baltimore hosts Pittsburgh as 9.5-point home favorites. I don’t expect this game to close, even as these two teams split during the regular season. The Ravens will be without receiver Zay Flowers, but I’d expect Lamar Jackson to lean heavily on his tight ends and his legs to push past the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has a great deal of trouble scoring. With George Pickens as their only outside threat, the Steelers have failed to eclipse 200 yards passing since Week 13. There just isn’t enough firepower for Pittsburgh to overcome the Ravens. For fantasy, Pittsburgh allowed the seventh most points to tight ends—even more reason to like Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans - Source: Imagn

Like most, I’m on the Los Angeles Chargers bandwagon. LA is a 3-point favorite on the road, and I think they can easily cover that. Houston struggles to protect C.J. Stroud, and the youngest starting quarterback in this year's playoffs will struggle to find time against Joey Bosa and the Chargers defensive front. Over the last three games, Justin Herbert has been QB 4 in total fantasy points. Houston is giving up the 11th most fantasy points to opposing receivers, so I’m in on Ladd McConkey going off if you’re looking for a playoff contest pick.

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AFC Playoff Prediction for the Wildcard Weekend

In the NFC, I’m on board with the #2 seed Eagles dispatching the Packers in a rematch of their Week 1 matchup from Brazil. In that game, Philly allowed slot corner Avonte Maddox to cover Jayden Reed, and the Packers receiver went off for 138 yards and a touchdown.

However, Cooper DeJean is now locking down the slot, and the rookie hasn’t allowed a touchdown all season. With Jalen Hurts returning from his concussion, it wouldn’t shock me if Philadelphia started slowly. But I like the Eagles to win going away as Jordan Love and his elbow fail to succeed in the passing game. Philly wins 28-16.

Tampa Bay is very overlooked. This is a team that was within a blink of going to the NFC Championship Game a year ago. They’ve beaten Philadelphia and Detroit already, and their opponent this week, Washington, back in Week 1. Winners of 6 of their last 7 are all about Baker Mayfield spreading the ball to future Hall of Famer Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan. The key here is Washington trying to stop Bucky Irving from running wild.

The Commanders' defense has given up five running back touchdowns in their last three games. Jayden Daniels is very dangerous, but a road playoff game for the rookie is more than I think he can handle, as Todd Bowles will throw the kitchen sink of blitz packages at him. The Bucs win 35-31.

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Finally, the Los Angeles Rams are home underdogs to the Minnesota Vikings (-1 point). It’s trendy to pick the Rams, as Sam Darnold and company are coming off their worst game of the season. Not me. I think the Rams' offense is stymied by the Vikings' defense that locks down Puka Nacua and, therefore, the Rams' offense. Justin Jefferson gets back on track with 100+ yards and a touchdown. I’m feeling Sam Darnold bouncing back in a big way with 300 yards passing and three scores. The Vikings win 37-23.