Let the games begin…again.
As the dust starts to settle on a wild-card round like few others, eight sides will find themselves bandaged, bruised, and three games away from immortality. The Lombardi Trophy beckons off in the distance, its shimmer growing all the more noticeable to those hoping to hoist it.
The gauntlet is unceasing, however. The divisional round is next up on the docket, a four-game slate set to feature Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Saquon Barkley, among other standouts.
Only four sides — two from the AFC, two from the NFC — can emerge through the mire and give themselves a chance at taking home a conference title. Get your popcorn ready.
With that, here’s a complete look at the NFL playoff bracket and the divisional schedule.
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Kansas City Chiefs (1) vs. Houston Texans (4)
The Chiefs and Texans battled wits with one another in Week 16. They’re set to rekindle their rivalry on Saturday afternoon, albeit in entirely different circumstances — a spot in the AFC championship game is on the line, after all. Kansas City claimed a wire-to-wire 27-19 win over its AFC South foe at Arrowhead earlier in the year, picking off C.J. Stroud twice in the process. Although Stroud looked far more assured in the second half of the Texans’ wild card win, the Chiefs — seeking that much-vaunted third Super Bowl title in as many years — are a step-up. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Can Houston slay the king of all dragons? Only time will tell.
Buffalo Bills (2) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3)
The Bills and Ravens are set to dock horns in a battle of the league’s two foremost MVP candidates, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Jackson looks to have the advantage in MVP candidacy, having been named first-team All-Pro. In the court of public opinion, though, the competition remains as close as ever. Both Jackson and Allen impressed in their postseason openers, each tallying two touchdowns and zero turnovers to lead their sides to commanding victories. Baltimore has the head-to-head advantage, downing Buffalo, 35-10, back in Week 4, but this game will be held at Highmark Stadium, one of the NFL’s most raucous environments.
Philadelphia Eagles (2) vs. Rams (4)
The Eagles looked vulnerable in their wild-card matchup, pulling out a 22-10 win over Green Bay. However, the defense was dominant, and that will be needed against their next opponent. The Rams took down the Vikings 27-9 on Monday night, as Los Angeles’ defense had a dominant performance as well. Philadelphia dominated the Rams in Week 11 (37-20), but Los Angeles is 6-1 in its last seven games since.
Detroit Lions (1) vs. Washington Commanders (6)
The Commanders keep finding a way, but now they’ll be put to the ultimate test against another squad with a “team-of-destiny” vibe. The Lions have proven nearly unbeatable this year, losing two games by a combined 10 points. If there is one saving grace for Washington, it’s that Detroit has struggled in recent seasons against elite, mobile QBs. Perhaps Jayden Daniels has at least one more miracle up his sleeve in this rematch of the 1992 NFC championship game.
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Here is the complete schedule for the divisional round:
Saturday, Jan. 18
Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live stream |
Texans vs. Chiefs | 4:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN | Fubo, ESPN+ |
Commanders vs. Lions | 8:15 p.m. | Fox | Fubo |
Sunday, Jan. 19
Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live stream |
TBD vs. Eagles | 3 p.m. | NBC, Peacock | Peacock, Fubo |
Ravens vs. Bills | 6:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount + | Paramount +, Fubo |
Saturday, January 11
Matchup |
Texans 32, Chargers 12 |
Ravens 28, Steelers 14 |
Sunday, January 12
Matchup |
Bills 31, Broncos 7 |
Eagles 22, Packers 10 |
Commanders 23, Buccaneers 20 |
Monday, January 13
Matchup |
Rams 27, Vikings 9 |
Saturday, Jan. 18
Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | Channel |
Texans vs. Chiefs | Kansas City | 4:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN |
Commanders vs. Lions | Detroit | 8:15 p.m. | Fox |
Sunday, January 19
Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | Channel |
Rams vs. Eagles | Philadelphia | 3 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
Ravens vs. Bills | Buffalo | 6 p.m. | CBS, Paramount + |
Sunday, January 26
Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | Channel |
TBD vs. TBD | TBD | 3 p.m. | FOX |
TBD vs. TBD | TBD | 6:30 p.m. | CBS |
Sunday, February 9
Matchup | Location | Time (ET) | Channel |
TBD vs. TBD | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA | 6:30 p.m. | FOX |
Seed | Team | Record | Clinched |
1. | Kansas City Chiefs | 15-2 | AFC West |
2. | Buffalo Bills | 13-4 | AFC East |
3. | Baltimore Ravens | 12-5 | AFC North |
4. | Houston Texans | 10-7 | AFC South |
5. | Los Angeles Chargers | 11-6 | Wild card |
6. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 | Wild card |
7. | Denver Broncos | 10-7 | Wild card |
Seed | Team | Record | Clinched |
1. | Detroit Lions | 15-2 | NFC North |
2. | Philadelphia Eagles | 14-3 | NFC East |
3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 10-7 | NFC South |
4. | Los Angeles Rams | 10-7 | NFC West |
5. | Minnesota Vikings | 14-3 | Wild card |
6. | Washington Commanders | 12-5 | Wild card |
7. | Green Bay Packers | 11-6 | Wild card |
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