NFL Divisional Round 2025: Game Overviews and Predictions

After another lousy performance from the Vikings that ended their season Monday night, the Divisional Round of the 2024-25 playoffs is set.

On the AFC side, we have the team just about everyone counted out heading to Arrowhead Stadium in attempt to dethrone the Chiefs, followed by the potential matchup of the playoffs in Orchard Park on Sunday night.

On the NFC side, we have the Cinderella story that is the Washington Commanders set to test their luck in Detroit on Saturday night, the first time these teams have met since 2022. Following them is a rematch from week 12 of the regular season, when Saquon went off for 302 total yards and two rushing touchdowns.

I won’t waste any time, let’s get into it.

(4) Houston Texans at (1) Kansas City Chiefs – Saturday, 1/18 4:30 PM EST

Going into their wildcard game, it seemed the Chargers were carrying most to all the momentum on the backs of HC Jim Harbaugh and QB Justin Herbert. LA got out to a quick start by kicking two field goals, but Houston, despite all the noise surrounding them, quickly reminded the league of both their offensive and defensive capabilities by outscoring the Chargers 32-6 for the rest of the game. Oh, and Herbert threw four interceptions in the process.

Momentum back on their side, the Texans are surely hoping to carry that into Kansas City to try and prevent the three-peat. Putting up 32 points against the league’s second-best scoring defense is no easy feat, but going against Steve Spagnuolo in the playoffs is a completely different monster.

Meanwhile, Kansas City’s regular season was just another reminder to everyone who doubted them that they find ways to win no matter what you throw at them. Drawing pass interference, forcing receivers out of bounds, blocking game-winning field goals, it seems like the Chiefs always find a way.

With plenty of rest and just about everyone healthy, it’s tough for me to imagine a scenario where Kansas City allows themselves to get knocked out in the Divisional Round. It was easy enough for their defense to contain Nico Collins when they met in week 16, but then again – he shredded LA’s arguably better secondary just last week. Let’s hope for a good one, but unfortunately, there might not be much wiggle room.

Score Prediction: Chiefs 27, Texans 20

(6) Washington Commanders at (1) Detroit Lions – Saturday, 1/18 8:00 PM EST

We get both 1-seeds this upcoming Saturday, as Washington will head into Detroit after stunning Baker Mayfield’s 3-seed Buccaneers. Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels took his playoff debut with a head full of steam, throwing for 268 yards and 2 scores while also being the team’s leading rusher. He also led the game-winning drive that ended with a doink field goal to take it.

It’ll be interesting to see how Dan Quinn and the Commanders game plan for the Lions, as neither team has been exposed to each other’s recent success until this point. Regardless, Washington is riding a six-game win streak – which is the momentum you want heading into the spotlight as heavy underdogs.

On the other hand, the Lions have built a stellar case for being the team to beat in the NFC, as they’ve won 14 of their last 15 games. While not all their wins have showcased an explosive offense, the consistency and leadership they’ve received from Jared Goff has put them in positions to win week in and week out.

What I’m looking forward to the most is how and if Daniels will be able to capitalize on a weaker secondary, as Detroit finished the regular season surrendering the fourth most fantasy points to opposing WRs. There’s no doubt that Goff and the Lions will put up points, but will Washington be able to keep up? I guess we’ll find out.

Score Prediction: Lions 38, Commanders 33

(4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday, 1/19 3:00 PM EST

It was a rough go from the start for the Packers last Sunday, as Philadelphia recovered their fumble off the opening kickoff, scored, then didn’t look back. Philadelphia’s defense proved too much for Jordan Love as well, as he threw three interceptions to help seal Green Bay’s fate.

Despite the availability concerns last week, everyone seems set to go for the Divisional Round. No one on offense put up stellar numbers – A.J. Brown found a book to read in case you missed that – but there was complete play on both sides of the ball to help propel Philly to home favorite on Sunday.

However, the Rams are absolutely buzzing after being cast aside by the words of Dan Campbell after the regular season finale, losing their home-field advantage, and making a statement by dominating the 14-win Vikings to close out the Wild Card round.

Like I said in my previous article, the Rams somehow found a way yet again to enter these playoffs as the team you probably don’t want to play against. Sean McVay seems to be kicking the playbook up a notch at the perfect time with the tandem of TE Tyler Higbee, opposite wideouts Kupp and Nacua, and the bell cow RB Kyren Williams. Keep your eyes peeled on this game, as it has potential to outdo the cinema that follows it.

Score Prediction: Rams 28, Eagles 24

(3) Baltimore Ravens at (2) Buffalo Bills – Sunday, 1/19 6:30 PM EST

Wrapping up the Divisional Round is a prime contender for the game of the year, as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will travel to Orchard Park in hopes of reaching their second consecutive AFC Championship. Baltimore is one of two teams (not including week 18) to beat Buffalo during the regular season, and Derrick Henry is red hot after scorching Pittsburgh for 180+ yards and two touchdowns.

The Bills struggled against the run just about all season, finishing with the eighth most fantasy points surrendered to opposing RBs, so I’ll be curious to see if and how John Harbaugh wants to rely on Henry to deliver again – as well as incorporate Jackson’s legs since he ran for 54 yards and a touchdown when the two met in week 4.

The Buffalo train will be difficult to stop however, as Josh Allen and co. had everything working or them during their rout of the Broncos. Allen’s ability to spread the ball was in full showcase last week, and he’ll need to keep it up since it’ll be much harder to break through Baltimore’s run defense.

What I’m most anticipating for this game is how Lamar Jackson steps up to the plate this year. We’ve seen instances like this the past couple times he’s been in the postseason – Jackson’s put up MVP-worthy regular season numbers, they show out in the first round, then everything just falls apart for him. We saw that last year in the AFC Championship against Kansas City and in the Divisional Round 2021 against the Bills. Will this year be different?

Score Prediction: Bills 30, Ravens 27