The AFC drew the short end of the NFL Playoff Wild Card stick.
The conference gets the first three games – two on Saturday and the opener on Sunday – while the NFC gets the better prime spots, and why?
These matchups are only average when compared to the other conference.
The Chargers and Texans may be far more of a defensive battle than they should be given the talent in their respective passing games, the Steelers and Ravens were relegated to the Amazon Prime slot on Saturday night, and the Broncos must demonstrate their ability to keep up with the Bills.
We’ll release the game previews later this week, with real thought and research behind each game and prediction.
But, as we do every year around this time – usually after the college football bowl season – we make our always-go-with-your-first-answer picks.
2025 NFL Playoffs: First Predictions for the AFC Wild Card Round
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Saturday, January 11, 2025
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
4:30, CBS
Houston (10-7), LA Chargers (11-6)
First Thought Instant Analysis: The Texans came into this as the best of a slew of bad options in the AFC South. But they’re at home, there’s an explosion, and CJ Stroud needs to show up.
However, the Chargers are too dominant on both sides of the ball.
Jim Harbaugh’s team should have the backs in place and a midrange passing attack to keep up with Houston’s pace. The Texans’ defense has been adequate against the run, but Justin Herbert should come out of his shell a little and take more downfield shots.
Los Angeles’ No. 1 scoring defense will hold up drive after drive in a frustrating game for Stroud following a strong first quarter.
First Thought No Research Prediction
LA Chargers 24, Houston 20
Early Line No-Look Guess
Chargers -2.5, o/u: 43
Actual Line:Ā Chargers -3, o/u: 43.5
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Saturday, January 11, 2025
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
8:00 pm, Amazon Prime
Pittsburgh (10-7), Baltimore (11-6)
First Thought Instant AnalysisĀ : Just how much can the Steelers grind the tempo down?
Russell Wilson must be sharp against a banged-up and mediocre Baltimore secondary, but most importantly, he must dominate third downs.
Of course, everything will revolve around loading up to slow down Derrick Henry, but the Steelers were able to get by earlier in the season when they dominated the turnover battle. Everything begins, however, with Henry and Lamar Jackson letting loose.
The Steelers’ outstanding run defense will keep this game close for a half, but the momentum is lacking.
The Pittsburgh offense has stalled, the points aren’t there, and it isn’t going to work on the road. The Steeler D’s good performance will be wasted.
First Thought No Research Prediction
Baltimore 27, Pittsburgh 17
Early Line No-Look Guess
Baltimore -8, o/u: 49.5
Actual Line
Baltimore -9.5, o/u: 45.5
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
1:00 pm, CBS
Denver (10-7), Buffalo (13-4)
First Thought Instant AnalysisĀ : Itās the first game on a strong Sunday of Wild Card games, and this one should let it rip.
Denver will not be bothered by the cold weather or the large crowd, but both teams may require some time to warm up before the 1:00 start. Buffalo had played in the last two weeks, but this came after a long stretch of late and prime time games.
Denver has not played a 1:00 game since November 10th.
The Buffalo defense will have a difficult time closing out this game. Everything will fall into place for the Buffalo offense as Josh Allen goes Josh Allen from the start, but Bo Nix and the Broncos will continue to peck away, making this a bit of a fight in the fourth quarter.
And that’s when the Bills overcame Allen’s two interceptions and methodically won the game.
First Thought No Research Prediction
Buffalo 34, Denver 23
Early Line No-Look Guess
Buffalo -10.5, o/u: 50.5
Actual Line:Ā Buffalo -8.5, o/u: 47.5