Let us be honest here. These are the actual Wild Card games for the 2025 NFL Playoffs.
The AFC might be interesting with a little luck, but the favorites are far superior to the underdogs. What about the NFC?
Minnesota’s ranking as a fifth seed is incorrect. Green Bay is about as dangerous as they come as a 7. Washington and Tampa Bay should put on a spectacular show.
How will all of these games go? We’ll do full previews and predictions with all of the research and actual thought later this week, but for now, here’s an initial look and guess for each game based on first impressions.
2025 NFL Playoffs: First Predictions for the NFC Wild Card Round
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, January 12, 2025
4:30 pm, FOX
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia (14-3), Green Bay (11-6)
First Thought Instant Analysis: Is Jordan Love OK? How about Christian Watson? It was not a good look to lose at home to the pathetic Chicago Bears to end the regular season, even if it didn’t mean much to the Packers.
Is Jalen Hurts OK? He’s had a few weeks off, and everyone believes he’ll be ready to go after concussion problems sidelined him at the end of the regular season.
However, the Eagles were able to get some rest. Sitting Saquon Barkley may not have been enjoyable, but it was the right decision. He may not face a Green Bay run defense that has been excellent in the second half of the season, but this game is about Love and his passing attack.
Philadelphia loses when thrown on, but wins when it isn’t. This will be dangerous, but the Eagles will overcome their injury issues this week; however, be cautious moving forward.
First Thought No Research Prediction
Philadelphia 26, Green Bay 20
Early Line No-Look Guess
Philadelphia -5, o/u: 47.5
Actual Line:
Philadelphia -3.5 (the line will go up once Hurts is declared ready to roll), o/u: 45.5
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, January 12, 2025
8:00 pm, NBC
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Washington (12-5), Tampa Bay (10-7)
First Thought Instant Analysis : Both teams played sleepy Week 18 games.
Washington played as if it didn’t want to press too much – the seeding didn’t seem like a big deal – and beating Tampa Bay turned out to be fine.
The Buccaneers appeared to be more concerned with getting Mike Evans his $3.5 million – and tying Jerry Rice’s record – than with securing this spot.
These two met to start the season, with Tampa Bay winning 37-20, but Washington heated up after that and finished strong. The Buccaneers have been okay in the second half of the season, but they beat a lot of really bad teams to improve their record.
Speaking of fattening up on the weak, only one of Washington’s 12 wins came against a playoff team, and that was only because Jalen Hurts was injured for the Eagles.
Tampa Bay’s run defense holds up at home, but the two passing attacks explode in one of the weekend’s most entertaining games.
First Thought No Research Prediction
Tampa Bay 27, Washington 23
Early Line No-Look Guess
Tampa Bay -3.5, o/u: 49.5
Actual Line:
Tampa Bay -3, o/u: 50.5
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
Monday, January 13, 2025
8:00 pm, ABC/ESPN
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Minnesota (14-3), Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
First Thought Instant Analysis: The Rams overcame a rough start to the season to claim the NFC West title. There are numerous issues with this group, but they are veterans, savvy, and when they run well, they win.
Minnesota was relegated despite being the second-best team in the NFC.
Sam Darnold finally returned to being Sam Darnold in the Vikings’ 31-9 loss to Detroit, keeping them from being the first seed, but any team good enough to be considered for the top spot should be able to defeat the Rams.
Los Angeles has the firepower, and Matthew Stafford will not back down, but the Viking pass rush will overcome a second straight Darnold regression-to-the-mean performance to win in a tighter defensive battle than everyone expects.
First Thought No Research Prediction
Minnesota 23, LA Rams 20
Early Line No-Look Guess
Minnesota -2.5, o/u: 48
Actual Line:
Minnesota -1.5, o/u: 47.5
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