We’re barely weeks into 2025, and already there have been a few big NFL upsets, with the controversial NFL wild-card round having split the field on the road toward the final.
There’s nothing quite like the post-New Year drama of the wild cards – and while there are some fans out there who would prefer the setup to change, it’s safe to say that we’ve already seen some of the best football of the year.
So, what were the big takeaways from this year’s wild-card round, and what happens next?
Winners and losers
Armchair coaches and experts witnessed a few big bow-outs this year, with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers falling to the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens respectively.
This opening round saw some pretty close contests. For the Chargers, in particular, this was a pretty frustrating result, with star QB Justin Herbert struggling to capitalize on what has otherwise been a fairly impressive season.
That said, anyone taking a look at NFL odds over the past season might have been surprised to see the Chargers drifting in some cases. Experts believe that one of the potential fixes for LA’s recent woes might be to rebuild with a stronger offensive line. Of course, this is just one potential route forward!
Other major moments
As mentioned, it wasn’t just the Chargers and the Texans who saw mixed fortunes during this first week of action in the playoffs. If you were watching for the Rams or the Vikings, for example, chances are that you were waiting to see how a location change played out.
Due to the devastating wildfires blazing across Los Angeles, the Rams shifted their home location to Phoenix, Arizona for their matchup against Minnesota. It was a particularly emotional pregame as a result, and the Rams managed to win over the Vikings in a dominative matchup.
The Packers had a nightmare during their matchup against the Eagles, with injuries leaving them weakened against Philadelphia in a skirmish that resulted in them being 10-22 down. The Eagles managed to tighten up an impressive defensive wall by the final play, putting progress just out of touch for Green Bay.
The Baltimore Ravens thundered to an impressive 28-14 over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson proving to be a near-unstoppable pairing as the Steelers’ weaknesses became all too obvious.
One of the most memorable postseason matchups from this year’s wild card, however, has to be the Buffalo Bills storming the Denver Broncos 31-7, with star QB Josh Allen delivering some world-class throws to help his side to some crucial downs.
The game quickly became a formality as the Bills plowed on to secure a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, which, given the result in their game, was always going to be a clash of titans.
Hot take: should the NFL Wild-Card Round continue?
What if the NFL decided to mix things up even further next season and decided to remove the wild-card round altogether? After all, it’s a recent creation – and some sports writers, including Bill Barnwell for ESPN, have a few potential replacements for the opening matchups.
Barnwell argues that the wild-card round doesn’t seem to change much when it comes to the top seeds in the NFL reaching the Super Bowl any more efficiently. What’s more, he suggests that a 12-team playoff model could be more valuable to teams heading into the postseason.
However, things aren’t likely to shift so dramatically anytime soon – so, let’s wait and see what fruit is born from this year’s wild-card round to measure up its worth!
Super Bowl LIX Matchup: Eagles vs. Chiefs in New Orleans
Super Bowl LIX brings us a rematch of last year’s thrilling championship game, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, two of the NFL’s most dominant franchises, are set to clash once again—this time in the iconic city of New Orleans. The Superdome’s storied history will serve as the perfect backdrop for what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups in recent Super Bowl memory.
A Clash of Titans
The Eagles and Chiefs are both coming off exceptional seasons, showcasing why they remain the powerhouses of the NFL. Philadelphia’s unstoppable offense, led by Jalen Hurts, has been a nightmare for defenses all year. Hurts’ dual-threat ability, paired with a strong supporting cast of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and the NFL’s best offensive line, gives the Eagles a balanced attack that can dominate on the ground or through the air.
On the other side, Kansas City continues to shine under the leadership of Patrick Mahomes. Widely regarded as the best quarterback in the league, Mahomes’ ability to make plays in high-pressure moments is unmatched. With star tight end Travis Kelce and Andy Reid’s innovative offensive schemes, the Chiefs remain one of the hardest teams to contain.
Defensively, both teams bring formidable units to the table. Philadelphia’s ferocious pass rush, anchored by Haason Reddick, has been relentless all season, while their secondary, led by Darius Slay, can lock down opposing receivers. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense, with standout performances from Chris Jones and a rising young secondary, has proven they can step up when it matters most.
Likely Outcomes
This matchup feels like a true toss-up. Both teams are well-rounded and capable of capitalizing on any mistakes. For the Eagles, controlling the clock with their dominant rushing attack will be key to keeping Mahomes off the field. On the flip side, the Chiefs will look to exploit Philly’s occasional struggles in pass coverage, aiming to get the ball into Kelce’s hands early and often.
Turnovers could be the deciding factor in this game. Both teams excel at creating takeaways, and a single interception or fumble recovery could swing the momentum in what’s likely to be a tightly contested battle.
What a Win Would Mean for Philadelphia
For Philadelphia, a victory in Super Bowl LIX would cement their status as a dynasty in the making. After falling short against the Chiefs last year, this is their chance at redemption—a win that would validate the team’s dominance and solidify Jalen Hurts as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Beyond the players, a win would mean everything to the city of Philadelphia. Eagles fans are among the most passionate in the NFL, and bringing another Lombardi Trophy home would only strengthen their identity as one of the league’s most dedicated fanbases. For a city that thrives on its sports culture, the celebrations in Philly would likely echo the infamous parades of 2018 when they last won it all.
The Legacy of Super Bowl LIX
No matter the outcome, this game has the makings of a classic. A win for the Chiefs would further solidify Mahomes’ legacy as one of the all-time greats, while a victory for the Eagles would not only erase last year’s heartbreak but also set them up as the NFL’s team to beat for years to come.
As the football world turns its attention to New Orleans, one thing is clear—Super Bowl LIX is a matchup for the ages, with both teams poised to deliver an unforgettable finale to the 2024 season.
