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2025 NFL Playoff Schedule: Conference Championship Matchups

The pursuit of a place in the 2025 Super Bowl reaches a peak on January 26, when the AFC and NFC championship games are held. The prize: a coveted spot in the Super Bowl.

This year’s conference championship games present a contrast. One matchup showcases two teams seasoned in playoff football, while the other features a trendy Super Bowl candidate against an underdog squad that few expected to make it this far. The victors of these games will clash in Super Bowl 59, scheduled for February 9 in New Orleans.

Which teams are competing in the AFC and NFC championship games?

The sixth-seeded Washington Commanders will face off against the second-seeded Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship. Meanwhile, the AFC championship will see the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs host the second-seeded Buffalo Bills.

When will the AFC and NFC championship games take place?

Both games are set for Sunday, January 26. The NFC championship kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the AFC championship at 6:30 p.m. ET.

How can fans watch the AFC and NFC championship games?

The NFC championship will be broadcast on Fox and Fox Deportes, while the AFC championship will air on CBS and Paramount+.

What can fans look forward to in each game?

NFC championship game: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles’ success hinges on star running back Saquon Barkley. In his inaugural season with the team, he has excelled, racking up 205 rushing yards in a nail-biting divisional round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley’s ability to break off significant runs is crucial, particularly as the Eagles’ passing game has struggled recently.

Jayden Daniels (left) leads the Washington Commanders against Saquon Barkley (right) and the Philadelphia Eagles.
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The Commanders have shown steady improvement each week, with their remarkable season reaching new heights after defeating the NFC’s top-seeded Detroit Lions in the divisional round. Under the leadership of standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders haven’t advanced this far in the postseason since 1992 and boast a high-powered offense, which could be pivotal given their defensive struggles against the run.

As rivals in the NFC East, the teams are quite familiar with one another, having split their regular-season matchups. This game also signifies the first meeting between two NFC East teams in the NFC championship since Washington faced the New York Giants in 1987.

AFC championship game: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

In the AFC, two teams with a rich history of recent playoff appearances are poised to collide. The Chiefs, winners of the last two Super Bowls, recently edged past the Houston Texans in the divisional round. They may not rely on one dominant factor to win, but they certainly know how to secure victories. This will mark their seventh consecutive trip to the AFC title game.

The Bills triumphed over the Baltimore Ravens in a closely contested divisional round battle. As a franchise plagued by misfortune (let’s not forget their four consecutive Super Bowl losses in the 1990s), the Bills and their star quarterback Josh Allen—who holds the record for the most playoff wins without a Super Bowl start, according to CBS Sports—are brimming with talent and determination, having come close to a Super Bowl appearance in recent seasons. Allen’s knack for making critical plays could prove crucial as the Bills look to topple the reigning champions and make their long-awaited return to the Super Bowl.

Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen
Familiar foes! Patrick Mahomes (left) and Josh Allen (right) will take center stage when the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Buffalo Bills.
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The Bills, who have endured a remarkable seven consecutive road playoff losses over three decades, previously defeated the Chiefs, 30-21, in their Week 11 matchup in Buffalo. The Chiefs are an impressive 15-2 in playoff games since 2020, having triumphed over the Bills in three of those contests, including their meeting in the 2021 AFC championship, showcasing their experience in high-pressure situations.

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