The NFL playoffs kicked off this past weekend, and while excitement is typically the norm, the 2025 Wild Card Round had its fair share of surprises and standout performances.

First up, the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills each dominated their opponents—Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos, respectively—creating a pathway to the next round with emphatic victories. The Philadelphia Eagles also secured their advancement with a hard-fought win against the Green Bay Packers.

However, the most thrilling contest came between the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a nail-biter that ended with a stunning game-winning field goal, the Commanders triumphed over the NFC South champions in a shocking upset, clinching the game 23-20.

As we look ahead, one matchup remains to be played: the Minnesota Vikings will take on the Los Angeles Rams in their Wild Card showdown on Monday night in Arizona.

Key Highlights from the NFL Wildcard Round:

Jayden Daniels Steals the Show

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders proved to be a star in their thrilling match against the Buccaneers. Quietly emerging as a force to be reckoned with, Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading his team in rushing with 36 yards. His ability to command the offense during critical moments marked a notable transformation from his earlier struggles this season.

Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers' seasoned QB, had a commendable outing but made crucial errors, including a fumbled snap that allowed Daniels to score. Their clash showcased a youthful determination against seasoned experience.

Eagles’ Defense Dominates the Packers

In a game defined by defensive prowess, the Philadelphia Eagles overpowered the Green Bay Packers, winning 22-10. The Eagles set the tone with an explosive start, forcing a turnover on the very first play. Despite limited offensive production by the Packers, key players like Dallas Goedert made important contributions to secure victory.

With injuries plaguing the Packers' roster—including the absence of top receiver Christian Watson—Green Bay struggled to find their rhythm against an unforgiving Eagles defense.

Texans Prevail in a Bizarre Battle

The Texans faced an odd matchup against the Chargers, characterized by missed opportunities and turnovers. After a rocky start, the Texans flipped the script in the second half, benefiting from four interceptions thrown by Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Houston's potent offensive response culminated in a decisive 32-12 victory, propelling them into a clash with the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.

Ravens Showcase Wrecking Ball Offense

The Ravens exhibited their ground game dominance with a stunning 299 rushing yards, led by running back Derrick Henry’s 186 yards, in a commanding win over the Steelers (28-14). Along with Lamar Jackson’s versatile play making, the Ravens reinforced their status as a serious playoff contender.

Josh Allen’s Stellar Performance

At Highmark Stadium, Josh Allen shone brightly in the Bills' resounding 31-7 victory against the Broncos. He demonstrated an impressive blend of arm strength and mobility, culminating in a touchdown pass to Ty Johnson that further solidified his postseason legacy. The Bills now gear up for an explosive divisional round matchup against the Ravens, featuring a thrilling duel between Allen and Jackson.

As the playoffs progress, anticipation builds for exciting matchups, including a potential MVP showdown next week when the Bills take on the Ravens. The drama, tension, and unexpected plot twists continue to make this postseason one for the books!