The 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend concluded with a series of thrilling upsets, significantly reshaping the landscape of the playoffs. Underdog teams delivered stunning performances, while several favorites faltered, leading to a wide-open race to the Super Bowl.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that finished the regular season with a 9-8 record, delivered one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory by defeating the Buffalo Bills, the AFC's top seed, by a score of 31-24. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns as Jacksonville's defense held the Bills' high-powered offense to just 24 points.
In the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a similar fate, losing to the Seattle Seahawks 34-28. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith led his team to a come-from-behind victory, throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns.
Other upsets included the New York Giants' 27-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots' 29-26 triumph over the Tennessee Titans.
The 2025 Wild Card Weekend highlighted the resilience and determination of underdog teams. The Jaguars, Seahawks, Giants, and Patriots all overcame significant challenges to secure their playoff victories.
The Jaguars had been plagued by injuries to key players throughout the season. The Seahawks entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team with a 9-8 record. The Giants had a tumultuous season under new head coach Brian Daboll, while the Patriots were written off as a non-contender after the retirement of quarterback Tom Brady.
However, these teams refused to be defined by their challenges. They played with heart, grit, and determination, proving that anything is possible in the NFL playoffs.
The upsets of Wild Card Weekend also exposed the vulnerabilities of the top-seeded teams. The Bills, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Titans were all considered favorites to advance, but they failed to live up to expectations.
The Bills' loss to the Jaguars highlighted the importance of a balanced offense. The Bills relied heavily on their passing game, but the Jaguars' defense was able to limit their playmakers effectively.
The Vikings' offense, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, struggled to find a rhythm against the Giants' opportunistic defense. The Vikings committed three turnovers, including a costly fumble late in the fourth quarter that sealed their fate.
The Buccaneers' loss to the Seahawks demonstrated the value of a consistent running game. The Buccaneers' offense struggled to establish a consistent ground game, which allowed the Seahawks' defense to apply pressure on quarterback Tom Brady.
The Wild Card upsets have significantly reshaped the playoff picture. The AFC landscape is particularly wide open, with the Jaguars emerging as a legitimate contender. The Bengals and Dolphins, who received first-round byes, will face tough challenges against the Bills and Ravens, respectively.
In the NFC, the Eagles and 49ers remain the favorites, but the Seahawks and Giants have proven to be dangerous opponents. The Cowboys and Vikings, who also received byes, will have their hands full against the Rams and Buccaneers.
The 2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend produced a series of thrilling upsets that dramatically reshaped the playoff landscape. Underdog teams like the Jaguars, Seahawks, Giants, and Patriots defied the odds with stunning victories, while top-seeded teams like the Bills, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Titans faltered under pressure.
The upsets highlighted the resilience and determination of underdog teams and exposed the vulnerabilities of the favorites. With the playoff picture reset, the race to the Super Bowl is wide open, and any team can make a run.
As we move into the Divisional Round, it will be fascinating to see how these teams respond to the challenges ahead. The stakes are higher than ever, and the battle for the Lombardi Trophy is just beginning.