The playoff NFL action is officially here, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason filled with anticipation.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions have clinched the prestigious No. 1 seeds in their conferences, granting them first-round byes and the advantage of playing at home throughout the playoffs. Meanwhile, 12 other teams are gearing up for an electrifying Wild Card Weekend, a three-day event brimming with can't-miss matchups.

With powerhouses like the Bills and Eagles striving to assert their supremacy, while underdogs like the Broncos and Commanders aim to pull off stunning upsets, the journey to Super Bowl LIX is sure to be packed with drama, excitement, and unexpected twists.

Let’s explore this season’s playoff picture for the NFL as the path to New Orleans unfolds.

 

 

 

NFL Games & Scores From Week 18

Before we touch on the actual NFL playoff bracket, it’s worth recapping the NFL games from Week 18:

 

 

 

 

Playoff Picture: NFL Schedule & Postseason Bracket

*Image courtesy of Bleacher Report.

 

 

 

AFC

As you can see from the above playoff schedule for the NFL, The Kansas City Chiefs, holding the No. 1 seed, have secured a bye and will take on the lowest remaining seed in the Divisional Round. Patrick Mahomes and his team are ready to defend their championship and aim for a third straight Super Bowl appearance.

The Wild Card games start with the No. 4 Houston Texans facing the No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans, powered by quarterback C.J. Stroud, want to show they deserve to be here, but they must contend with Justin Herbert and the experienced Chargers.

Later, the No. 3 Baltimore Ravens will host the No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers in a fierce AFC North rivalry. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' explosive offense will go up against Mike Tomlin’s tough Steelers, who are always ready for a challenge.

The excitement continues on Sunday with the No. 2 Buffalo Bills taking on the No. 7 Denver Broncos. Led by Josh Allen, the Bills hope to overcome previous playoff disappointments, but the Broncos, who have gained momentum late in the season, are eager to make their first playoff appearance since 2015.

 

 

 

NFC

In the NFC, the Detroit Lions (No. 1 seed) have emerged as an unexpected powerhouse. After a long period of rebuilding, Jared Goff and Dan Campbell’s team now leads the NFC's path to the Super Bowl – a statement that would have seemed unlikely not long ago.

The first Wild Card game features the No. 4 Los Angeles Rams facing off against the No. 5 Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night. The Rams, with veterans like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, will be challenged by Sam Darnold and a Vikings squad known for their exciting finishes.

On Sunday, the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the No. 6 Washington Commanders. Even with Tom Brady long gone, the Bucs have continued to remain a strong playoff contender. The Commanders, inspired by their youth, aim to disrupt Tampa’s postseason ambitions.

The last Wild Card matchup has the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles going up against their NFC East rivals, the No. 7 Green Bay Packers. Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ dynamic offense are favored to win, but the Packers could pose a significant threat if they find their rhythm.

 

 

 

Betting Odds For The NFL Playoff Bracket This Season

Now that you have a firm understanding of the playoff picture in the NFL this season, here are the betting odds for the upcoming Wild Card matchups, along with Super Bowl odds at DraftKings Sportsbook:

NFL Games This Week

Super Bowl Odds

 

 

 

Does NFL Playoffs Reseed?

The NFL has a unique way of organizing its playoff matchups compared to other sports leagues. It uses a simple system that focuses on the original seeding, so if you’re asking, “Does the NFL reseed in the playoffs?”, the answer is no.

After the Wild Card games are done, the lowest remaining seed will play the highest remaining seed, the second-lowest will take on the second-highest, and so forth. For example, if a No. 7 seed manages to win, it will go on to face the No. 1 seed in the Divisional Round.

On the other hand, if a No. 2 seed wins, it won't meet the top seed until possibly the conference championship.

 

 

 

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