The NFL playoffs have reached the divisional round after a thrilling wild-card weekend. Now, the remaining eight teams are just two wins away from a coveted spot in the Super Bowl. But to get there, they’ll need to triumph in some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
AFC Divisional Matchups
(4) Houston Texans at (1) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs enter as heavy favorites, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has an array of weapons, old and new, that will challenge Houston’s secondary. However, the Texans boast a fierce pass rush that could disrupt the Chiefs’ aerial attack:
Danielle Hunter led the NFL with a 26% pass rush win rate in the regular season, and he and Will Anderson Jr. were both over 25% in that category Saturday.
ESPN
If the Texans can consistently pressure Mahomes, they have a chance to pull the upset. But with Mahomes’ poise and Kansas City’s home field advantage, the Chiefs should prevail.
(3) Baltimore Ravens at (2) Buffalo Bills
A heavyweight showdown between two of the hottest teams in football. The Bills and Ravens both averaged over 30 points per game in the regular season. This clash could come down to quarterback play:
- Josh Allen – The Bills’ dual-threat dynamo who can beat you with his arm and legs. Allen has the 4th quarter poise to lead Buffalo to victory.
- Lamar Jackson – The Ravens’ electrifying playmaker is the key to their smashmouth ground game. If he’s hitting passes too, Baltimore is tough to stop.
In a meeting of MVP-caliber QBs, the difference could be the defenses. Baltimore has the edge there, allowing the fewest points in the NFL since Week 11. In a slight upset, the Ravens win a thriller.
NFC Divisional Matchups
(6) Washington Commanders at (1) Detroit Lions
The Cinderella Commanders take on the top-seeded Lions in a rematch of a Week 2 shootout. Washington has a rising star in rookie QB Jayden Daniels, whose poise belies his age. But Detroit’s high-powered offense, led by QB Jared Goff and RB David Montgomery, is rested and ready to roar.
The Lions enter the divisional round as clear favorites — as they should be, given the way this team can score points. Detroit ranked second in both EPA per play (0.17) and per drive (0.96) this season.
Seth Walder, ESPN Analytics
Expect plenty of points, but the Lions simply have too much firepower. Detroit advances to the NFC title game.
(4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Philadelphia Eagles
A battle of heavyweight defenses. The Rams shut down the Vikings in the wild-card round, while the Eagles smothered the Packers. Points will be at a premium in this one.
The difference could be at quarterback. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is an MVP candidate but looked rusty against Green Bay after missing time with a concussion. Meanwhile, Rams QB Matthew Stafford is an unflappable playoff veteran. If LA’s pass rushers can rattle Hurts, the Rams could steal this one on the road.
Predictions
So who moves on to the championship round? Here are our picks:
- Chiefs over Texans
- Ravens over Bills
- Lions over Commanders
- Rams over Eagles
But if this postseason has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Don’t count out any of these elite teams. It’s the NFL playoffs, where legends are made and underdogs shock the world. Sit back and enjoy the show.
