After a thrilling NFL Wild Card weekend, the stakes rise even higher in the next playoff showdown as six teams fight to keep their championship dreams alive.
The road to the Super Bowl intensifies as the top teams of the National Football League (NFL) gear up for the highly anticipated Divisional Round on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19.
A Wilson NFL “The Duke” football at Ford Field, Detroit | Source: Getty Images
Fans can look forward to exciting matchups featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Washington Commanders, all aiming to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NFL’s playoffs schedule and where to catch the action!
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
An exciting AFC showdown kicks off the Divisional Round on Saturday, January 18, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Kansas City Chiefs will face the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City enters the game with a balanced team, ranking 16th in overall offense, 9th in passing, and 22nd in rushing. Defensively, they perform better against the pass (14th) and rank 9th in rushing defense, making them a formidable challenge for their opponents.
Houston Texans run the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Texans rely on their 6th-ranked offense and a solid rushing attack, which ranks 15th. However, their 22nd-ranked defense may struggle to contain Kansas City’s potent passing game.
The Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-19 in their last meeting, and fans can watch the game live on ESPN or stream on Fubo.
Houston Texans andn Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium | Source: Getty Images
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
On Saturday, the Detroit Lions will go against the Washington Commanders at 8:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field. Detroit brings one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking 2nd overall with strength in both passing and rushing. Their defense, however, ranks 20th, leaving some room for Washington to exploit.
Detroit Lions play against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Commanders rely on their 7th-ranked offense, powered by the league’s 3rd-best rushing attack. However, their passing game ranks 17th, which could be a challenge against Detroit’s defense. Their defense, ranked 13th, may help counter the Lions’ offensive firepower.
In their last meeting in September 2022, the Lions came out on top with a 36-27 win. Fans can catch the game on Fox or stream it on Fubo.
Washington Commanders square off against the Detroit Lions | Source: Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles lead the league in defense (1st overall) and rank 8th in offense, including 2nd in rushing.
Philadelphia Eagles score a third-quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Rams rank 15th in overall offense, 10th in passing, and 24th in rushing, with their defense sitting at 26th overall. These rankings set the stage for an intriguing NFC Divisional Round matchup.
In their last meeting in November 2024, Philadelphia won convincingly, 37-20. Fans can watch this NFC showdown live on NBC or stream it on Fubo.
Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams play at SoFi Stadium | Source: Getty Images
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
On Sunday, the final Divisional Round game is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York, where the Buffalo Bills compete against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens enter as one of the league’s most balanced teams, boasting the NFL’s top rushing attack and offense, along with a 10th-ranked defense.
Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills compete at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Bills rank 10th in overall offense, including 9th in passing and rushing. However, their defense, ranked 17th, may struggle against the Ravens’ dynamic and balanced offense.
In their previous meeting in September 2024, the Ravens dominated with a 35-10 victory, setting the stage for an intense rematch. Fans can watch the game live on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
Buffalo Bills bring down the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium | Source: Getty Images
Before the Divisional Round, Wild Card weekend kicked off on January 11 with the Texans cruising past the Los Angeles Chargers in a commanding 32-12 victory. Later that day, the Ravens secured a 28-14 win over their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Action continued on January 12, as the Bills dominated the Denver Broncos with an impressive 31-7 performance. Meanwhile, the Eagles leaned on their defense to overcome the Green Bay Packers 22-10.
In a closely contested battle, the Commanders edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 to book their ticket to face the Lions. The final Wild Card game happened on January 13, when the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9.
These results pave the way for an electrifying Divisional Round, as the NFL’s best teams clash with their championship dreams on the line.
