NFL Divisional Round: Four Games with a History

The NFL Divisional Round promises high-level action with four matchups that carry intriguing backstories. Featuring tales of epic comebacks, historic rivalries, and MVP contenders, this round has all the ingredients to be unforgettable.

American Football Conference

Houston Texans (#4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (#1)

Kansas City leads the all-time series 10-5 against Houston, including four consecutive victories. The teams have faced each other twice in the playoffs, with the Chiefs dominating both: a 30-0 shutout in 2015 and a stunning 51-31 comeback win in 2019 after trailing 24-0. Their most recent meeting ended in a 27-19 Chiefs win, a game overshadowed by Tank Dell's severe injury. Kansas City enters this matchup as heavy favorites with an 8.5-point spread.

When and Where: Saturday, January 18, 4:30 p.m. ET; Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri.

Baltimore Ravens (#3) vs. Buffalo Bills (#2)

This game is a rematch of their Week 4 clash, where Baltimore dominated 35-10. The teams have met once in the playoffs (2020), with Buffalo winning 17-3 thanks to a game-changing 101-yard interception return. The Ravens lead the all-time series 7-5, although the Bills have won two of their last three matchups. Both quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, are MVP candidates, adding even more intrigue. This is expected to be the closest game of the weekend, with Buffalo favored by just 1.5 points.

When and Where: Sunday, January 19, 6:30 p.m. ET; Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York.

National Football Conference

Washington Commanders (#6) vs. Detroit Lions (#1)

This is the oldest matchup of the round, dating back to 1932. Washington leads the all-time series 31-16, including three playoff victories. Their last postseason meeting was in 1991, when Washington won 41-10 in the NFC Championship Game and went on to claim Super Bowl XXVI. However, the Lions won their most recent encounter in 2022, 36-27, behind a strong performance by Jared Goff. Detroit enters this game as 9.5-point favorites.

When and Where: Saturday, January 18, 8:00 p.m. ET; Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan.

Los Angeles Rams (#4) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (#2)

This matchup has a rich history, including three prior playoff meetings. The Eagles claimed their most notable win in 1949, shutting out the Rams 14-0 to win the NFL Championship. In 2001, the Rams triumphed in the NFC Championship Game, powered by their "Greatest Show on Turf" offense. Their most recent clash came in Week 12 of this season, where the Eagles won 37-20 behind an outstanding performance from Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia is favored by 6 points in this matchup.

When and Where: Sunday, January 19, 2:00 p.m. ET; Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The winners will advance to their respective Conference Championship Games, bringing us closer to crowning this year’s Super Bowl contenders.