NFC Wild Card: Three Potentially Close Games

The Detroit Lions (15-2) secured the top spot in the NFC North and earned a first-round bye after a dominant 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. However, the win came at a cost, as rookie Terrion Arnold suffered an injury, adding to the team’s list of defensive setbacks. This divisional title is Detroit’s first since 1993, and the Lions are aiming for their first Super Bowl appearance, having last won a championship in 1957, before the Super Bowl era.

Green Bay Packers (#7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (#2)

The Green Bay Packers (11-6) will face the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) in a rematch of their season opener in Brazil. Philly won that game (34-29), and Green Bay faces an uphill battle as their quarterback, Jordan Love, has been dealing with recent injuries. Wide receiver Christian Watson, out for the season with a knee injury, is a significant loss for the Packers. On the Eagles’ side, Saquon Barkley has had an MVP-caliber season, joining the exclusive 2,000-yard club. After resting during the final week of the regular season, Barkley is poised to lead Philadelphia to another Super Bowl, following their 2022 appearance. The Eagles are favored by 4.5 points.

When and Where: Sunday, January 12, 4:30 p.m. ET; Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Washington Commanders (#6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#3)

Washington (12-5) returns to the playoffs to face Tampa Bay (10-7) in a rematch of their 2020 postseason clash. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the Commanders, while Baker Mayfield has revived his career as the Buccaneers' centerpiece. Washington closed the regular season on a five-game winning streak, showing impressive growth under head coach Dan Quinn. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, looks to capitalize on Mayfield’s experience and his strong connection with Mike Evans, which shone in their most recent games. The Buccaneers are favored by 3 points.

When and Where: Sunday, January 12, 8:00 p.m. ET; Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.

Minnesota Vikings (#5) vs. Los Angeles Rams (#4)

The Minnesota Vikings (14-3) will visit the Los Angeles Rams (10-7), who clinched the NFC West title through a tiebreaker. This matchup is the most storied rivalry in NFC playoff history, with seven prior meetings. Minnesota seeks revenge after losing to the Rams in the regular season (30-20), a game in which Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes. The Rams, with a refreshed roster since their 2021 championship, enter the playoffs with confidence after surpassing expectations in a tough division. Meanwhile, the Vikings aim to break their postseason curse and reach their first Super Bowl after four failed attempts. This is the closest Wild Card game, with Minnesota favored by just 1.5 points.

When and Where: Monday, January 13, 8:00 p.m. ET; SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.

The winners will move on to the Divisional Round, where Detroit awaits the lowest-seeded team, continuing their quest for a spot in the NFC Championship Game.