The 2024 NFL regular season wrapped up with the Detroit Lions' victory over the Minnesota Vikings, marking the end of an 18week campaign. Now, the road to Super Bowl LIX is officially underway, with 14 teams – seven from each conference – fighting for a coveted spot in the big game. Super Bowl LIX is set to take place on Sunday, February 9, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
While teams like the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and New England Patriots failed to meet expectations, the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as the favorites to play on Super Bowl Sunday.
AFC Playoffs: Chiefs Resting, Six Teams Battle for Divisional Round
In the American Football Conference (AFC), the Kansas City Chiefs stand as the top team and will take the first round off with a bye in the wild card round. This leaves six teams vying for three spots in the divisional round.
The opening matchups feature the Los Angeles Chargers, who will take on the Houston Texans. The Texans are considered the favorites in this game. Meanwhile, at M&T Bank Stadium, the Baltimore Ravens will host the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers, aiming to end a 16year Super Bowl drought, will face a tough challenge from Lamar Jackson and the explosive Ravens' offense.
Arguably the most anticipated game of the wild card round in the AFC will be between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. This game, which will take place at Highmark Stadium, sees the Bills entering as the favorites and looking to advance to the AFC Championship Game.
NFC Playoffs: Detroit Lions Eyeing a Super Bowl Spot
In the National Football Conference (NFC), the 2024 season marks a changing of the guard. Defending champion San Francisco faltered, opening the door for the Detroit Lions, who now await their divisional round opponent.
The Philadelphia Eagles stand as a strong contender in the NFC. They will host the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, are on a roll and will host the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. The Commanders are hoping to return to the Super Bowl for the first time in over three decades.
In the final NFC wild card matchup, the Los Angeles Rams will face the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Vikings may enter the game with a psychological edge following their setback against the Lions.
Super Wild Card Weekend Schedule – 2024/2025 Season
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Time: 16:30 EST / 15:30 CST / 13:30 PST
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Time: 20:00 EST / 19:00 CST / 17:00 PST
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Time: 13:00 EST / 12:00 CST / 10:00 PST
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Time: 16:30 EST / 15:30 CST / 13:30 PST
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Time: 20:00 EST / 19:00 CST / 17:00 PST
Monday, January 13, 2025
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Time: 20:00 EST / 19:00 CST / 17:00 PST
With the playoffs now set, these 14 teams will battle it out for a spot in Super Bowl LIX, promising an exciting conclusion to the NFL season.