The NFL Divisional Round playoffs are set to deliver thrilling matchups as teams vie for a spot in the Conference Championships. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming games, including schedules and detailed previews.
AFC Divisional Round
1. Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM CST
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Broadcast: ESPN
Preview:
The Kansas City Chiefs, aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, host the Houston Texans in a highly anticipated matchup. Despite a season marked by inconsistencies, the Chiefs finished with a 15-2 record, largely due to quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ leadership. Mahomes has been instrumental, throwing for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also contributing 531 rushing yards and 12 scores. However, the offense has faced challenges, with the passing game lacking a consistent deep threat and the run game averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
The Texans enter the playoffs with momentum after a decisive Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a standout, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, and also leading the team in rushing with 891 yards and six scores. However, the Texans’ offensive line has struggled, allowing the third-most sacks in the NFL this season.
Defensively, the Texans have been formidable, ranking sixth in total yards allowed and boasting a strong pass rush with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson each recording at least 11 sacks. However, they have been susceptible to passing touchdowns, conceding 31 through the air this season.
Key to the Game: The Chiefs’ offense needs to find its rhythm, especially in the passing game, to exploit the Texans’ defensive vulnerabilities. Conversely, the Texans must protect Stroud and capitalize on the Chiefs’ defensive inconsistencies to pull off an upset.
2. Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Date & Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM EST
Venue: Highmark Stadium, Buffalo, NY
Broadcast: CBS
Preview:
In a matchup featuring two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, the Baltimore Ravens face the Buffalo Bills. The Ravens boast a balanced offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has thrown for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also rushing for 891 yards and six scores. Running back Derrick Henry has been a powerhouse, accumulating 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. The Ravens’ offense ranks first in total yards and yards per play, making them a formidable opponent.
Defensively, the Ravens excel against the run, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry, the best in the league. However, their pass defense has been a concern, ranking 24th in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. The Ravens’ pass rush, led by Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh, and Nnamdi Madubuike, has been effective, ranking second in the NFL in sacks despite blitzing on just 20.3% of snaps.
The Bills’ offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, has been explosive, ranking second in scoring offense. Allen has thrown for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also contributing 531 rushing yards and 12 scores. The Bills’ offense is balanced, with a strong passing game and a solid running attack led by James Cook, who has averaged nearly 5 yards per carry en route to his second career 1,000-yard season.
Key to the Game: The Ravens need to exploit the Bills’ pass defense vulnerabilities and control the clock with their running game. The Bills must find ways to neutralize the Ravens’ dynamic offense and capitalize on their defensive weaknesses.
NFC Divisional Round
1. Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
Date & Time: Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast: NBC
Preview:
The Philadelphia Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup that promises high drama. The Eagles’ defense has been a standout, particularly against the run, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry. However, their pass defense has been a concern, ranking 24th in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. The Eagles’ pass rush, led by defensive end Cooper DeJean, has been effective, ranking second in the NFL in sacks despite blitzing on just 20.3% of snaps.
The Rams’ offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, has been explosive, ranking second in scoring offense. Stafford has thrown for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also contributing 531 rushing yards and 12 scores. The Rams’ offense is balanced, with a strong passing game and a solid running attack led by running back Cam Akers, who has averaged nearly 5 yards per carry en route to his second career 1,000-yard season.
Key to the Game: The Eagles need to exploit the Rams’ defensive vulnerabilities and control the clock with their running game. The Rams must find ways to neutralize the Eagles’ dynamic offense and capitalize on their defensive weaknesses.
