NFL Playoff Guide: Rams-Vikings wrap up opening weekend as enticing Bills-Ravens matchup awaits

The NFL's wild card weekend wraps up Monday night when the Los Angeles Rams host the Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Arizona, after the NFL decided to move the game because of wildfires in Southern California.

The postseason's opening weekend hasn't had many close games, with the exception of the Commanders' 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday night. It was Washington's first postseason win since 2006 and sets up a trip to the heavily-favored Detroit Lions next weekend.

Otherwise, most of the wild card matchups lacked late-game drama. The Bills and Ravens both scored lopsided wins in the AFC, setting up a fascinating matchup between the two teams on Sunday in Buffalo.

Here are some more things to watch as the postseason continues:

NFL playoff schedule

(All odds via BetMGM Sportsbook)

Monday

NFC: No. 5 Vikings at No. 4 Rams in Glendale, Arizona, 8 p.m., ESPN/ABC (Vikings -2.5)

Saturday, Jan. 18

(Divisional round)

AFC: Texans at Chiefs, 4:30 p.m., ESPN/ABC (Chiefs -8)

NFC: Commanders at Lions, 8 p.m., Fox (Lions -8.5)

Sunday, Jan. 19

NFC: Rams/Vikings winner at Eagles, 3 p.m., ESPN/Peacock

AFC: Ravens at Bills, 6:30 p.m., CBS/Paramount+ (Ravens -1)

___

Jan. 26: AFC and NFC Conference Championships.

Feb. 9: Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans.

NFL playoff results

(Wild-card round)

AFC: Texans 32, Chargers 12

AFC: Ravens 28, Steelers 14

AFC: Bills 31, Broncos 7

NFC: Eagles 22, Packers 10

NFC: Commanders 23, Buccaneers 20

NFL playoff format

The 14-team bracket enters its fifth season after debuting during the 2020 season. Seven teams advance to the postseason from both the AFC and the NFC.

The four division winners in each conference earn the top four seeds, ranked by their records. The last three teams are all wild-card selections, also ranked by record.

The format means the No. 1 seed in each conference is very important because it guarantees a wild card-round bye and homefield advantage until the Super Bowl. For the other 12 teams in the opening round, the No. 7 seed travels to the No. 2 seed, No. 6 goes to No. 3 and No. 5 travels to No. 4.

NFL Super Bowl odds

The Lions are the favorites to win the Super Bowl at +300. The Chiefs are right behind them at +350 while the Ravens and Eagles are tied for third at +450.