The NFL divisional round has arrived, bringing a slate of scintillating matchups that will captivate football fans across the globe. From rookie sensations squaring off to bitter rivalries rekindled, this round promises nonstop excitement and drama. The stakes are astronomical, with a coveted trip to the conference championships on the line for the victors of these colossal clashes.
Commanders-Lions: Battle of the Rookie QBs
The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions kick off the action on Saturday night in a duel of rookie quarterbacks. Jayden Daniels, the electric playmaker for the Commanders, has dazzled with his poise and precision on critical downs. But the Lions’ defense, anchored by Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner Aidan Hutchinson, will be determined to make his life miserable in the hostile confines of Ford Field.
- Jayden Daniels leads NFL in 3rd and 4th down QBR (93.5)
- Lions allowed league-low 1,551 yards after catch
“[Daniels] is going to put up numbers on the ground with some long scrambles.”
– Seth Walder, ESPN Analytics
Rams-Eagles: NFC Powerhouses Collide
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams invade Lincoln Financial Field for a monster matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. The defending champion Rams sent shockwaves through the league last week, sacking Kirk Cousins a playoff-record eight times in a suffocating win over Minnesota. But the Eagles have been a turnover-generating machine, leading the NFL with a plus-17 margin since Week 6.
| TEAM | SACKS LAST WEEK | TURNOVER MARGIN (SINCE WK 6) |
| Rams | 8 | – |
| Eagles | – | +17 |
“I see matchup advantages for [DeVonta] Smith as a multilevel target in Philadelphia’s pass game.”
– Matt Bowen, NFL Analyst
Ravens-Bills: MVP Showdown for the Ages
The weekend reaches a crescendo on Sunday night as MVP frontrunners Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen go head-to-head in a battle for the ages. Two of the most breathtaking improvisers in football history, Jackson and Allen have terrorized defenses with their rocket arms and supersonic legs. Now, with a trip to the AFC title game at stake, they’ll engage in an epic duel that could shatter the record books.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen will make history on Sunday.
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 19, 2025
It will mark the first playoff game ever between the NFL's top two leaders in both passing AND rushing yards.
A duel for the ages. pic.twitter.com/DSZVZJGBA9
“Jackson will rush at least 12 times for at least 70 yards. Baltimore showed a willingness last week…to let Jackson run as much as needed.”
– Seth Walder, ESPN Analytics
The NFL playoffs have reached a fever pitch in the divisional round. With rookie quarterbacks on the rise, juggernaut defenses on a mission, and two MVP wizards poised to rewrite history, this weekend will be a defining moment in an unforgettable season. Reputations will be forged, legends will be born, and the path to immortality will become clearer than ever. Buckle up and enjoy the show.
