The NFL postseason kicks off Saturday afternoon, however why watch each sport once we can simply let you know 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 towards 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 cope with one of the 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 break up the season collection, all sides profitable at dwelling. This one’s so simple as their latest type: Baltimore is 4-0 since its early-December bye, and the Steelers’ offense has appeared putrid throughout a four-game, season-ending shedding 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) will be the solely crew that may counter. Bo Nix had a fantastic rookie season, however nobody wins wild-card video games at dwelling like Josh Allen. Payments 28, Broncos 18.
NFC: No. 7 Inexperienced Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles: Despite the fact that 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 gained by 5. We don’t speak 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 sizzling groups and two QBs that like to sling the ball in one other rematch of Week 1. Tampa Bay gained that day, however Washington’s protection has improved since. Commanders 33, Buccaneers 29.
No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams: Positive, Sam Darnold might have stunk final week, however he was an enormous cause for the Vikes’ nine-game profitable streak earlier than that. They get one other shot on the Rams after shedding 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 operating again Travis Etienne Jr. (1) through the first half at Ford Discipline in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Obligatory Credit score: Junfu Han/USA TODAY Community by way of Imagn Photos AFC: Los Angeles Chargers at No. 1 Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Kansas Metropolis is an ideal 6-0 within the divisional spherical within the Patrick Mahomes period. The Chargers have put up a very good battle towards 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 nicely 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 suppose 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 comprise Saquon Barkley, however this appears 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 Sport Predictions
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles with the ball through the second quarter towards the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Photos AFC Championship Sport: 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 gained’t name the Chiefs fraudulent, however they’re weaker than ordinary, and the Ravens are too well-rounded on either side of the ball to take yet one more defeat. Ravens 26, Chiefs 19.
NFC Championship Sport: Eagles at Lions. A shootout within the making. Am I actually going to choose 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 operating again! We’re in for a present. Lamar will get his first ring. Ravens 34, Eagles 27.