NFL Wild Card Playoffs 2025: Results and Record-Breaking Performances
The 2025 NFL Wild Card round delivered a weekend of high-stakes drama, historic statistical anomalies, and dominant performances. From the first snap on Saturday to the final whistle on Monday, the playoffs saw established powerhouses assert their dominance and rookie stars make their mark on the postseason stage.
Key Facts
- Scorigami: The Texans' 32–12 win over the Chargers was the first time in NFL history a game ended with that specific score.
- Rookie Record: Ladd McConkey set a new playoff record for receiving yards by a rookie with 197 yards.
- Defensive Milestone: The Rams tied a playoff record by registering nine sacks against Sam Darnold.
- Franchise High: Derrick Henry set a Ravens franchise record for postseason rushing yards with 186.
- Historic Play: D'Angelo Ross recorded the first defensive two-point conversion return in a postseason game since the rule was introduced in 2015.
AFC Action: Dominance in Houston, Baltimore, and Buffalo
Houston Texans 32, Los Angeles Chargers 12
The Houston Texans secured a decisive victory at NRG Stadium, overcoming an early 6–0 deficit. While the first half remained tight, the Texans broke away in the second half, fueled by C.J. Stroud's 282-yard performance. A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter when cornerback D'Angelo Ross blocked an extra point and returned it for a defensive two-point conversion.
Despite the loss, Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey put on a clinic, hauling in 9 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown. However, Justin Herbert's four interceptions proved too costly for Los Angeles.
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Baltimore Ravens 28, Pittsburgh Steelers 14
In a clash of AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens took control early with a 21–0 lead by halftime. Lamar Jackson was efficient, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards. The story of the game, however, was Derrick Henry, who tore through the Steelers' defense for 186 yards and two touchdowns, leading a Ravens offense that amassed 299 total rushing yards.
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Buffalo Bills 31, Denver Broncos 7
The Buffalo Bills methodically dismantled the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium. Although rookie Bo Nix gave Denver an early lead with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin, Josh Allen took over in the second half. Allen finished with 272 passing yards and two touchdowns, while James Cook led a rushing attack that totaled 210 yards.
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NFC Action: Tight Battles and Defensive Stands
Philadelphia Eagles 22, Green Bay Packers 10
The Philadelphia Eagles improved their historical playoff series lead over the Green Bay Packers with a 22–10 win. Jalen Hurts led the way with two touchdown passes, and Saquon Barkley provided a steady ground game with 119 rushing yards. The Eagles' defense stifled the Packers, forcing three interceptions from Jordan Love.
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Washington Commanders 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
In the most dramatic game of the weekend, the Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a contest that came down to the final second. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led a no-turnover, no-punt effort, capping the game with a drive that allowed Zane Gonzalez to hit a 37-yard field goal as time expired.
The winning kick, which hit the right upright before bouncing through, has already been dubbed the "Divisional Doink." This victory marks Washington's first playoff win since the 2005–2006 season.
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Los Angeles Rams 27, Minnesota Vikings 9
The Los Angeles Rams dominated the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium, largely due to a relentless pass rush. The Rams' defense recorded nine sacks on Sam Darnold, who lost a playoff-record 82 yards to sacks. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns, and a 57-yard fumble return by Jared Verse helped seal the 27–9 victory.
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Wild Card Round Summary
| Game | Winner | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texans vs. Chargers | Houston Texans | 32–12 | C.J. Stroud (282 Yds, 1 TD) |
| Ravens vs. Steelers | Baltimore Ravens | 28–14 | Derrick Henry (186 Yds, 2 TD) |
| Bills vs. Broncos | Buffalo Bills | 31–7 | Josh Allen (272 Yds, 2 TD) |
| Eagles vs. Packers | Philadelphia Eagles | 22–10 | Saquon Barkley (119 Yds) |
| Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Washington Commanders | 23–20 | Jayden Daniels (268 Yds, 2 TD) |
| Rams vs. Vikings | Los Angeles Rams | 27–9 | Matthew Stafford (209 Yds, 2 TD) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "scorigami" and how did it happen this weekend?
A scorigami occurs when a game ends with a final score that has never happened before in NFL history. The Houston Texans' 32–12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers created a new scorigami.
Who broke the rookie receiving record in the playoffs?
Ladd McConkey of the Los Angeles Chargers set the playoff record for receiving yards by a rookie, finishing his game with 197 yards on 9 receptions.
What was the "Divisional Doink"?
The "Divisional Doink" refers to the game-winning 37-yard field goal by Washington's Zane Gonzalez, which hit the right upright before falling through the goalposts to defeat the Buccaneers 23–20.
Which player set a franchise rushing record?
Derrick Henry set the Baltimore Ravens franchise record for rushing yards in a single postseason game, recording 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How did the Rams' defense perform against the Vikings?
The Rams' defense was dominant, recording nine sacks on Sam Darnold, which tied a playoff record. Darnold lost 82 yards to sacks, the most by any quarterback in a playoff game since the 1970 merger.