Excitement is building in the NFL as the playoffs progress, and following the thrilling 23-20 victory of the Washington Commanders over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2025 NFL playoff bracket is taking shape. The Commanders, marking themselves as the lowest seed left in the competition, face a tough road ahead. Sports analysts note that both they and the AFC South champion Houston Texans entered Wild Card Weekend as three-point underdogs, but now they will face the top seeds from their respective conferences this Saturday.

As the action heats up, all eyes will be on Glendale, Arizona, where the final divisional matchup will unfold. The game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings has been relocated due to California's wildfires. Viewers can catch the nail-biting action at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, and predictions suggest the outcome could hinge on just a field goal—get ready for a thriller!

Printable playoff brackets are available online for fans eager to track the progress of their teams.

Understanding the NFL Playoff Structure

As we enter this crucial stage of the playoffs, it’s important to grasp how the NFL playoff format works. The remaining teams' records have determined how the divisional matchups are set up: - The highest seed will face the lowest remaining seed. - The next highest seed will contend against the other Wild Card winner.

Betting Odds for Upcoming Divisional Games

For those interested in the betting landscape, BetMGM has rolled out initial lines for next weekend’s matchups: - In the AFC, the Houston Texans are set to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are favored by eight points. The Texans hold odds at +340 while the Chiefs are pegged at -450. - The Baltimore Ravens head to Buffalo to take on the Bills, with a tighter betting line showing the Bills favored by just one point (-115).

In the NFC, the Commanders are viewed as underdogs once again against the Detroit Lions, who hold a strong position as 8.5-point favorites.

Looking Ahead: The Best and the Brightest

This season has been a remarkable showcase of both offensive prowess and defensive strength. The Kansas City Chiefs ended the regular season with the best overall record but faced criticism for their low scoring differential—outscoring opponents by only 59 points. In contrast, the Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills both topped over 500 points scored, with the Lions demonstrating their offensive capabilities throughout the season.

Moreover, Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh made waves in his first season back at the helm by significantly improving their defense, slashing points allowed to just 301 - nearly 100 points better than the previous season, leading the league.

As we look forward to the upcoming games, fans can expect intense matchups filled with drama and surprises. Which teams will rise to the occasion? Brace yourself for an electrifying weekend of NFL action!