NFL Playoff Bracket 2025: Divisional Round Preview and Scenarios

Wild Card Weekend set the stage for a thrilling Divisional Round in the 2025 NFL playoffs. With only one minor seeding upset—Washington's victory over Tampa Bay—most of the league’s top teams remain in contention. Now, the focus shifts to the upcoming matchups, where football’s finest will battle for a place in the Conference Championships.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the updated postseason picture, highlighting Divisional Round games, key storylines, and what to expect.

NFL Playoff Schedule

Divisional Round:

• Saturday, Jan. 18
  • Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – 4:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
  • Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions – 8 p.m. ET (Fox)
• Sunday, Jan. 19
  • Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles – 3 p.m. ET (NBC)
  • Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills – 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

Conference Championships:

• Sunday, Jan. 26
  • NFC Championship – 3 p.m. ET
  • AFC Championship – 6:30 p.m. ET

Super Bowl LVIII:

• Sunday, Feb. 9
  • AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion – 6:30 p.m. ET

AFC Divisional Matchups

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, return to action after two weeks of rest. The Chiefs wrapped up their regular season with a bye in Week 18 and comfortably waited through Wild Card Weekend.

The Houston Texans arrive in Kansas City brimming with confidence. Fresh off a dominant 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, they’ll need their best effort to dethrone the reigning champions. Key to the Texans' success will be containing Patrick Mahomes, who remains the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense and a key figure in many player prop bets this postseason.

What to Watch:

• The Texans’ defense must find ways to disrupt Mahomes and slow down the Chiefs’ high-octane offense.
• Keep an eye on Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who frequently features in the best player props today for touchdowns and receiving yards.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

This marquee matchup showcases two MVP-caliber quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both stars dominated the regular season, combining for 69 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing scores. The Ravens and Bills also tied for third in the league with a +157 scoring differential, underscoring their status as top-tier teams.

Baltimore crushed Buffalo 35-10 back in Week 4, but the stakes and circumstances are much higher now. Expect this rematch to deliver fireworks, with both teams relying on their superstar quarterbacks to take the lead.

What to Watch:

• Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the best NFL prop bets for total yardage.
• Josh Allen’s precision and playmaking under pressure ensure he’s a favorite in various player prop bets for passing touchdowns.

NFC Divisional Matchups

Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions

Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels has transformed the Washington Commanders from a four-win team last year to a 12-win playoff contender. After dispatching Tampa Bay in the Wild Card Round, Daniels and the Commanders face their toughest challenge yet: the Detroit Lions.

The Lions, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, have dominated opponents all season, finishing with a league-best +222 scoring differential. They’re well-rested and ready to showcase why they’ve been favorites in countless best player props today for offensive production.

What to Watch:

• Can Daniels continue his magic against a Lions defense that has smothered offenses all year?
• Expect Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to be a top pick in player prop bets for rushing yards and touchdowns.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

This matchup pits two contrasting offensive styles against each other. The Eagles boast a turbo-charged rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts. Meanwhile, the Rams rely on Matthew Stafford’s precise passing to targets like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Philadelphia dominated the regular season, finishing with a 14-3 record and a +160 scoring differential. They also beat the Rams 37-20 in Week 12. However, Los Angeles has been red-hot since, winning six of its last seven games.

What to Watch:

• Barkley and Hurts are frequent picks in best NFL prop bets for rushing yards and touchdowns.
• Stafford’s chemistry with his receivers makes him a popular choice in player prop bets for passing completions and touchdowns.

What’s Next?

The Divisional Round is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of football. With elite talent, dynamic matchups, and high stakes, it’s the perfect stage for fans and bettors alike to get involved in the action. Whether you’re looking for the best player props today or diving deep into team performance metrics, this weekend promises plenty of excitement.

Who will punch their ticket to the Conference Championships? Stay tuned as the NFL playoff drama unfolds.

‍