Divisional Round Preview: Gridiron Giants Clash for Super Bowl Berth
Texans vs. Chiefs: A Battle of Elite Quarterbacks
In a rematch of the 2019 AFC Divisional Round, the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs will square off for a spot in the AFC Championship Game. The matchup features two of the league's most potent offenses, led by MVP candidates Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
Watson has been a revelation this season, throwing for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He has also rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns, making him one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the league. Mahomes, meanwhile, has thrown for 4,740 yards and 38 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He has also rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns.
The Texans' defense has been solid this season, allowing only 19.4 points per game. The Chiefs' defense, however, has struggled at times, allowing 26.3 points per game. This could give Watson and the Texans a significant advantage on Sunday.
Ravens vs. Bills: A Matchup of AFC East Dominators
The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills will face off in the other AFC Divisional Round matchup, in a battle of the AFC East's two best teams. The Ravens have been one of the most dominant teams in the league all season, finishing with a 14-2 record. The Bills, meanwhile, went 13-3 and won the AFC East title for the first time since 1995.
The Ravens have a potent offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has thrown for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns with only six interceptions. Jackson has also rushed for 1,005 yards and seven touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. The Bills' offense, meanwhile, is led by quarterback Josh Allen, who has thrown for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Allen has also rushed for 814 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Ravens' defense has been one of the best in the league this season, allowing only 17.8 points per game. The Bills' defense, meanwhile, has allowed 18.9 points per game. This matchup should be a close one, with both teams having a chance to win.
Commanders vs. Lions: A Battle for the NFC North Crown
The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions will face off in the NFC Divisional Round for a spot in the NFC Championship Game. The Commanders finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, while the Lions went 10-7 and won the NFC North title for the first time since 1993..
The Commanders' offense is led by quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who has thrown for 3,419 yards and 20 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. He also has rushed for 327 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions' offense, meanwhile, is led by quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrown for 3,245 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also has rushed for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
The Commanders' defense has allowed 20.6 points per game this season, while the Lions' defense has allowed 20.2 points per game. This matchup should be a close one, with both teams having a chance to win.
Conclusion
The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is always full of excitement and drama, and this year's slate of games is sure to be no different. With four evenly matched teams vying for a spot in the conference championship games, the stakes are high and the competition will be fierce. Who will emerge victorious and take one step closer to the Super Bowl? Only time will tell.