The stage is set for the NFL Playoffs, with wild-card weekend set to kick off on Saturday, Jan. 11. With the regular season wrapped up, the league announced its official schedule for the opening round of the NFL playoffs, where 12 of the 14 playoff teams will be in action.
The league announced there will be two games played on Saturday, three on Sunday and one game on Monday.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for wild-card weekend, including matchups, kickoff time as well as television and streaming information.
2024-25 NFL Wild-Card Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, January 11
AFC: (5) Los Angeles Chargers at (4) Houston Texans –– 4:30 p.m. EST (CBS, Paramount+)
AFC: (6) Pittsburgh Steelers at (3) Baltimore Ravens –– 8:00 p.m. EST (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12
AFC: (7) Denver Broncos at (2) Buffalo Bills –– 1:00 p.m. EST (CBS, Paramount+)
NFC: (7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Philadelphia Eagles –– 4:30 p.m. EST (FOX)
NFC: (6) Washington Commanders at (3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers –– 8:00 p.m. EST (NBC, Peacock)
Monday, January 13
NFC: (5) Minnesota Vikings at (4) Los Angeles Rams (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+, ManningCast-ESPN2/ESPN+)
The NFL has released a revised playoff schedule, introducing a tighter timeline and venue changes that heavily impact the Kansas City Chiefs.
Key Changes
Compressed Timeline: Divisional and conference rounds are now closer together, reducing rest periods and testing team endurance.
Venue Adjustments: Home-field advantages may shift due to logistical changes.
Impact on the Chiefs
The Chiefs face back-to-back high-stakes games, with key challenges including:
Fatigue Management: Less recovery time for players.
Travel Disruptions: Adjusted venues could affect preparation.
Depth Challenges: A condensed schedule favors deeper rosters.
League-Wide Effects
All teams face the new challenges, potentially leveling the playing field and creating opportunities for upsets.
Fan Reactions
Fans are split between excitement for unexpected outcomes and concern over player health.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs’ Super Bowl path grows tougher, but their resilience will be key. The revised schedule sets the stage for intense drama and surprises this postseason.
