The playoff pictures are finally set after an unforgettable 2025 NFL regular season. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks claimed the top seeds in their respective conferences this week, earning crucial bye weeks in the wild-card round. The postseason kicks off January 10 with six wild-card matchups confirmed across three days.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Denver Broncos clinched AFC’s No. 1 seed, marking their first top seed since the 2015 Super Bowl-winning season
- Seattle Seahawks earned NFC’s No. 1 overall seed after clinching the West division
- Wild-card weekend begins Saturday, January 10 with 6 playoff games over 3 days
- Both top seeds get bye weeks during wild-card round; divisional matchups begin January 17
Denver Broncos Secure AFC Top Seed After Historic Season
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The Denver Broncos dominated the AFC West in the 2025 season, clinching the conference’s No. 1 seed for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 championship in February 2016. Denver finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, ending the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign over the division after years of dominance.
The Broncos’ path to the top seed represents a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. Denver earned this position by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, a decisive victory that showcased their strong finish. This bye week gives head coach’s team prime positioning for a potential run through the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks Win NFC West, Claim Overall Top Seed
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The Seattle Seahawks secured the NFC’s coveted No. 1 overall seed by defeating the struggling San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. The Seahawks finished with a 14-3 record, matching Denver’s overall record but earning the higher conference seed. This marks Seattle’s return to prominence after years of rebuilding.
Seattle’s dominant defense and consistent offense powered them throughout the 2025 season. The Seahawks’ victory over San Francisco emphasized their supremacy in the NFC West, establishing them as Super Bowl LX favorites in multiple sportsbooks. Both Seattle and Denver will enjoy first-round byes while watching wild-card matchups unfold.
Wild-Card Weekend Matchups Set for January 10-12
| Date & Time | Matchup | Network |
| Saturday, Jan. 10, 4:30 PM ET | No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 4 Carolina Panthers | FOX |
| Saturday, Jan. 10, 8 PM ET | No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears | Amazon Prime |
| Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 PM ET | No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars | CBS |
| Sunday, Jan. 11, 4:30 PM ET | No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles | FOX |
| Sunday, Jan. 11, 8 PM ET | No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 2 New England Patriots | NBC |
| Monday, Jan. 12, 8 PM ET | No. 5 Houston Texans at No. 4 Baltimore Ravens/Pittsburgh Steelers | ESPN/ABC |
Wild-card weekend features six compelling matchups across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The Carolina Panthers will host the first playoff game of the postseason on Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Rams. Championship Sunday follows on January 25, with the AFC Championship at 3 PM ET and the NFC Championship at 6:30 PM ET.
Divisional Round Features Broncos and Seahawks as Home Favorites
Both the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks earned bye weeks, meaning they’ll skip wild-card action entirely. The divisional round begins January 17 with four matchups scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. The Broncos will host their opponent on January 18 or 25, while the Seahawks also secure a home divisional playoff game.
Having the No. 1 seeds provides significant playoff advantages. Both Denver and Seattle avoid the injury risk of extra games while their wild-card opponents battle in January’s first weekend. The AFC Championship will determine who faces the NFC champion at Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
What does the expanded wild-card format mean for this postseason?
The NFL playoff format changed years ago to feature six wild-card teams instead of the traditional four. This means 12 teams now make the postseason—two conference champions and ten wild-card participants from each conference. The playoff pictures are designed so the two conference champions receive bye weeks during wild-card weekend.
This structure rewards regular season excellence. Teams like Denver and Seattle that dominated their divisions and won 14 games ultimately face fewer playoff opponents before reaching the conference championships. The Broncos and Seahawks now prepare for divisional matchups against wild-card winners this January.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.