The NFL playoffs have officially commenced, leaving 18 other organizations strategizing for the 2025 season while the league's elite embarked on their postseason journey. Last year's Wild Card weekend saw a heavy advantage for home teams, with only the Green Bay Packers overcoming the Dallas Cowboys on the road. This Saturday, the Houston Texans, champions of the NFC South, showcased their strong defense against the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Baltimore Ravens, bolstered by the powerful running of Derrick Henry, decisively defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Sunday lineup presented a trio of matchups: the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos, the Green Bay Packers clashing with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Washington Commanders contemplating the potential of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels against the seasoned Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in Arizona, a venue shift necessitated by California's ongoing state of emergency, while the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions remained observant as the playoff action unfolded.

The Houston Texans' pass defense stood out in their 32-12 triumph over the Chargers. Despite conceding an 86-yard touchdown reception to Ladd McConkey, Houston effectively contained quarterback Justin Herbert and limited the Chargers to just 125 passing yards. The Texans’ secondary made a significant impact, securing four interceptions from Herbert. Although the final score seemed one-sided, the match was highly competitive, with a crucial moment arriving in the third quarter when an ill-timed overthrow by Herbert resulted in an interception by Eric Murray, who returned it for a decisive touchdown. The Texans demonstrated resilience and ability, indicating they are competitive beyond simply being the champions of a struggling AFC South. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. emerged as a standout, reinforcing his status as an elite defender with his remarkable play, including two interceptions on the day.

The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, face pressing needs at the wide receiver position. After parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen last offseason, the team acknowledged their ongoing vulnerabilities. The drafting of offensive tackle Joe Alt over wide receiver Malik Nabers stirred criticism, though both players performed admirably as rookies. McConkey emerged as a key asset, leading the Chargers with 1,149 receiving yards and proving pivotal in Saturday's game with a stunning 86-yard touchdown. However, beyond McConkey's performance, the Chargers' remaining wide receivers struggled, mustering only two catches for 10 yards, necessitating a substantial investment in that area to augment their passing attack.

In contrast, the Baltimore Ravens demonstrated a potent running game, largely due to the addition of Derrick Henry, who carried the ball 26 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns in their 28-14 victory over the Steelers. This acquisition addresses previous narratives surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson and his playoff performance. The Ravens are poised to rely on Henry's capabilities to help ease the pressure on Jackson, making their offense more formidable and adaptable. Jackson himself noted Henry's performance as spectacular, likening it to a scene from an animated film, illustrating the high level of cohesion between the two players. The Ravens' strategy revolved around an impressive 50 rushing attempts, combining the strengths of both Henry and Jackson to create an overwhelming offensive dynamic.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise finds itself grappling with quarterback uncertainties yet again following a disappointing playoff outing. Russell Wilson, expected to lend veteran leadership, failed to deliver, concluding the season without a win in five consecutive games, including the postseason. His performance against the Ravens was underwhelming, amassing 270 yards with the majority of his production occurring in a futile comeback attempt. Entering the offseason, the Steelers face critical decisions surrounding their quarterback situation, with both Wilson and Justin Fields set to become free agents. Options could involve pursuing another veteran quarterback, similar to their previous attempts with Wilson, or reassessing their draft strategy and investing in a more promising candidate to revitalize the team. Addressing these issues is essential for the Steelers' progress, as they continue to search for a solution to enhance their quarterback position.