The NFL playoffs have commenced, marking the start of a competitive postseason while 18 other franchises prepare for the 2025 campaign. Teams such as the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens began their playoff journeys with significant showings during the Wild Card weekend. A notable trend from the previous postseason was the dominance of home teams, with only one visiting team claiming victory, that being the Green Bay Packers defeating the Dallas Cowboys.

In the first round, the Houston Texans' defense proved formidable against the Los Angeles Chargers, securing a 32-12 victory. Despite an early setback from an 86-yard touchdown reception by Ladd McConkey, the Texans held Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to just 125 passing yards and recorded four interceptions. The game was tightly contested until a crucial interception returned for a touchdown by Eric Murray helped establish a decisive lead for Houston. This performance highlighted the Texans' potential as a competitive force in the postseason, showcasing the talent of players like Derek Stingley Jr., who solidified his status with standout defensive plays.

On the other side, the Los Angeles Chargers face critical decisions regarding their receiving corps after another disappointing playoff exit. Selecting offensive tackle Joe Alt in the first round instead of opting for receiver Malik Nabers has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the Chargers wide receivers struggled to produce. With emerging talent like McConkey leading the team in receiving yards but lacking support, the Chargers must invest significantly in their passing attack to remain competitive in the future.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens demonstrated their playoff potential with a convincing 28-14 win over their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Derrick Henry's presence in the backfield allowed the Ravens' offense to operate more effectively, as he rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns. The addition of Henry alleviates some of the postseason pressure historically placed on quarterback Lamar Jackson, who can now rely on a potent running game alongside his dynamic skill set.

After another loss in the playoffs, the Steelers find themselves grappling with unresolved quarterback issues. Russell Wilson's performance did not meet the team's expectations, leading to continued struggles on the offensive end. Following an unsuccessful postseason campaign and with both Wilson and Justin Fields set to become free agents, the front office faces critical decisions regarding the future direction of the quarterback position. With the team needing significant improvements, the Steelers remain in a state of uncertainty as they assess their approach for the upcoming offseason.