Following an action-packed Wild Card weekend, the stage is set for another thrilling round of playoff football. As the intensity ramps up, we’re breaking down our predictions for the divisional round and highlighting which teams we believe will punch their ticket to the Conference Championships.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Texans have been around since 2002, and in that time, they’ve made it to the divisional round five times—only to come up short every single time. They’re still the only team in the league that’s never made it to a conference championship. On the flip side, the Chiefs are rolling in as favourites, looking to snag their third Super Bowl win.
These two teams squared off back in Week 16, and it wasn’t pretty for Texans QB C.J. Stroud—he had one of his roughest outings of the year, throwing two picks. Even if the Texans step up this time, it’s hard to see them taking down Patrick Mahomes, who’s built for playoff moments. The Chiefs are the top seed this year and the favourites to win it all again, so sticking with them feels like a no-brainer.
Winner: KC Chiefs
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
The Commanders haven’t made it this far since 2005, so it’s been a minute. If high-powered offense is your thing, this matchup is a must-watch—both teams ranked in the top five in points per game during the regular season. The Lions have owned the NFC this year, and even Star Rookie QB Jayden Daniels might not be enough to keep Washington in it. Both squads are playing their best football right now, so no matter how it shakes out, this one’s gonna be a fun ride.
Winner: Detroit Lions
LA Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
When these two teams clashed back in Week 12, the Rams had no answer for Saquon Barkley. They couldn’t bring him down, and he ran wild for a franchise-record 255 yards, part of the Eagles’ massive 314-yard rushing day. If Barkley gets going like that again, it’s hard to see the Eagles losing. The Rams have been solid defensively this season, but the Eagles have been even better. This one might be the tightest matchup of the weekend, but we’re backing the Eagles to pull off the win and fly their way into a second Conference Championship in three years.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
This is the QB showdown we’ve all been waiting for—MVP contenders Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen battling it out for a spot in the AFC Championship. Both quarterbacks are coming off monster seasons, so their play might end up balancing each other out. That puts the spotlight on the defenses, and in all fairness, the Ravens have the stronger unit. But here’s the kicker: the Bills have home-field advantage and are undefeated at home this year. That edge could tip the scales in what’s shaping up to be an epic clash.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
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