The 2025 NFL playoffs are in full swing, with an exciting slate of divisional round matchups on tap this weekend. After a thrilling wild card round that saw the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Commanders, Rams and Eagles advance, the stage is set for the next chapter in the race to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Let’s break down each game and predict who will move on to the conference championship round.
AFC Divisional Playoffs
(3) Baltimore Ravens at (2) Buffalo Bills
The Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson dominated the Steelers in the wild card round, while Josh Allen and the Bills made easy work of the Broncos. Both teams feature electric dual-threat quarterbacks and stingy defenses, setting the stage for an epic showdown in Buffalo. The Bills’ homefield advantage gives them a slight edge, but don’t count out the battle-tested Ravens.
Whenever these two teams meet, you know it’s going to be an absolute slugfest. I expect nothing less than an instant classic between two of the AFC’s heavyweights.
– ESPN Analyst Marcus Spears
Prediction: Bills 27, Ravens 24 in an overtime thriller
(4) Houston Texans at (1) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs took care of business against the upstart Texans, led by another MVP-caliber performance from Patrick Mahomes. Houston’s stifling defense kept them in it early, but the Chiefs’ firepower proved too much in the end. With Mahomes now 7-0 in his career in the divisional round, Kansas City looks poised for another deep playoff run.
As long as 15 is under center, the Chiefs are a threat to win it all every single year. Mahomes just has that special something that elevates everyone around him.
– CBS Analyst Tony Romo
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 20 as Mahomes dazzles again
NFC Divisional Playoffs
(4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Philadelphia Eagles
The Rams’ dominant defense shut down the Vikings in the wild card round, while the Eagles took out Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. LA’s stars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey will need to be at their best to slow down Jalen Hurts and the high-flying Eagles offense in a playoff rematch from two years ago. The Linc will be rocking as these NFC powerhouses clash.
The Rams and Eagles have developed quite a postseason rivalry in recent years. With the amount of star power on both sides, this has all the makings of a game for the ages.
– FOX Analyst Greg Olsen
Prediction: Eagles 23, Rams 20 on a late Jake Elliott field goal
(6) Washington Commanders at (1) Detroit Lions
The Cinderella Commanders kept their improbable run going with a last-second win over the Bucs, but the road gets much tougher against the top-seeded Lions. Detroit’s potent offense, led by MVP candidate Jaylon Trotter, will be a stern test for Washington’s overachieving defense. The Commanders will need some more late-game magic to pull off the upset in Motown.
You can never count out a team of destiny, and that’s exactly what these young Commanders have become. But going into Detroit and knocking off the Lions is a tall task for any squad.
– CBS Analyst Charles Davis
Prediction: Lions 34, Commanders 24 as Detroit’s firepower wins out
The divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs is setting up to be full of memorable matchups. Will the top seeds restore order after some wild card upsets, or will more chaos ensue? The pressure is ramped up as teams look to move one step closer to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans.
Key Storylines To Watch
- QB Showdown: Four of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league face off with Mahomes vs. Watson and Jackson vs. Allen.
- Battle of the Defenses: The Rams and Eagles feature two of the top defensive units. Which stars will shine brightest?
- Cinderella Story: The Commanders look to keep their improbable run alive against the heavily favored Lions.
- Injury Impact: Will any key players missing or limited by injuries swing the outcome of these tight matchups?
After a crazy 2024 season and an eventful start to the playoffs, the divisional round has all the ingredients to be unforgettable. Get your popcorn ready, because some epic football awaits this weekend as teams vie for a spot in the conference championships. The road to Super Bowl LIX rolls on!
