In a thrilling finish to the 2025 NFL regular season, the playoff landscape was finalized with drama and unexpected twists, culminating in the Detroit Lions clinching the NFC's top seed with a decisive victory over the Minnesota Vikings, 31-9. This match not only secured a bye for the Lions but also home-field advantage as they move into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

The day commenced with high stakes in the NFC as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fought to secure the NFC South title. Against the New Orleans Saints, the Bucs overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half to snatch a 27-19 victory, ensuring their postseason berth for the fifth consecutive year.

Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Denver Broncos capitalized on the opportunity handed to them by the Kansas City Chiefs, who sat most of their starters. The Broncos dominated their opponents, finishing with a staggering 38-0 win to claim the AFC's final playoff spot. This shocking result eliminated the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins, who lost against the New York Jets.

As we shift focus to the playoff bracket, the AFC is led by the Kansas City Chiefs, who, despite a loss, clinched the No. 1 seed after a stellar regular season record of 15-2. They will enjoy a first-round bye. The Buffalo Bills, at a close second with 13-4, will host the Denver Broncos, while the Baltimore Ravens, champions of the AFC North, take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The AFC playoff picture looks like this: - **1. Chiefs (15-2)** - Bye - **2. Bills (13-4)** vs. **7. Broncos (10-7)** - **3. Ravens (12-5)** vs. **6. Steelers (10-7)** - **4. Texans (10-7)** vs. **5. Chargers (11-6)**

In the NFC, the Lions lead as the No. 1 seed followed closely by the Philadelphia Eagles at 14-3, who will host the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers will face the Washington Commanders following their leap to the No. 3 seed, while the Los Angeles Rams, also at 10-7, will go up against the Vikings.

The NFC playoff picture stands as follows: - **1. Lions (15-2)** - Bye - **2. Eagles (14-3)** vs. **7. Packers (11-6)** - **3. Buccaneers (10-7)** vs. **6. Commanders (12-5)** - **4. Rams (10-7)** vs. **5. Vikings (14-3)**

**Eliminated Teams**: Notably, the Bengals (9-8) and Dolphins (8-9) will not feature in the playoffs. The Bengals needed a win from the Chiefs to continue, but their hopes were dashed when the Broncos triumphed.

**Must-Watch Wild Card Matchups:** - **Chargers at Texans**: Saturday, Jan. 11 (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS) - **Steelers at Ravens**: Saturday, Jan. 11 (8 p.m. ET on Prime Video) - **Broncos at Bills**: Sunday, Jan. 12 (1 p.m. ET on CBS) - **Packers at Eagles**: Sunday, Jan. 12 (4:30 p.m. ET on Fox) - **Commanders at Buccaneers**: Sunday, Jan. 12 (8 p.m. ET on NBC) - **Vikings at Rams**: Monday, Jan. 13 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC)