By Jimmy English
One of the most exhilarating and compelling NFL seasons in recent memory is rapidly approaching an enthralling conclusion. The Super Bowl is mere weeks away, and with an ever expanding global fanbase, all eyes are going to be firmly fixed on the Casers’s Superdome when February 9th rolls around. But before we get to New Orleans, there’s still an important game or two to be played. The divisional round of the playoffs is up next, and after some rather surprising results from the Wild Card stage, we are set for several truly epic encounters in the final 8. Keep on reading for a preview of the most intriguing storylines and matchups that are in store when the last teams standing collide on Saturday and Sunday night!
Texans @ Chiefs – Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:30 pm GMT
Kansas City were something of an inevitability in 2024, claiming the number 1 seed in the AFC through sheer willpower and more than the odd stroke of good luck. On the cusp of their third consecutive Super Bowl title, they enter the playoffs with only two losses – just one of which actually counts – and that came against the Bills in Buffalo in what so far has been one of the best games so far this season. Patrick Mahomes deserves considerable credit for conducting a cobbled together offense, but will have a trickier task on his hands when the upstart Texans come to town. Fresh from the arrival of his third child, the Chiefs welcome a surging Houston to Arrowhead, and a side that upset the Chargers with a second half rally to claim a shot at the defending champs. CJ Stroud and Co. blew the other AFC West team away with 20 unanswered points last Saturday, but will have a much stiffer test on their hands against a side that they narrowly lost to on Christmas week.
Commanders @ Lions – Sunday, Jan. 19, 01:00 am GMT
Jayden Daniels, take a bow. The LSU product has produced a truly sensational rookie season, far outperforming all expectations, except perhaps his own, leading the “Washington Football Team” to a first playoff appearance since 2020. Their postseason run ended on that occasion with a loss to the Buccaneers, so it was only fitting that this would be the team they defeated to earn their first postseason win since 2005 and advance to the next round. But what’s that coming over the hill? It’s the ferocious Detroit Lions, hellbent on avenging their 2024 NFC Championship tilt defeat and claiming a franchise first Lombardi Trophy. Dan Campbell’s kneecap biters have defied all odds in making it this far, outlasting a speight of critical injuries that would normally cripple a franchise. With key offensive weapon David Montgomery slated to return to the line up in the knick of time, they gain a much needed boost ahead of what should be a pulsating joust. The looming question remains however: can the Lions finally shed the perennial shroud of disappointment and finally make it to the Super Bowl?
Rams @ Eagles – Sunday, Jan. 19, 8:00 pm GMT
When Dan Campbell told Kevin O’Connel “he’d see him in two weeks” little did he realise the impact his now infamous postgame message would have. Not only did the LA outfit use the comment as motivation (literally printing a screenshot out and hanging it in the locker rooms throughout the buildup to the game), the loaded missive seems to have caused Sam Darnold to spectacularly implode. Los Angeles capitalized on the signal callers’ late season slump, beating up the Vikings to the tune of 27 points. But when they enter the crucible of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, it will be an entirely different threat they face. Jalen Hurts knocked off the rust in his return from concussion, brushing aside a feeble performance from the Packers, and when you have that calibre of playmakers on every side of the ball, you’re going to be extremely difficult to defeat.
Ravens @ Bills – Sunday, Jan. 19, 11:30 pm GMT
This, as they say, is it. Game of the year. A spot in the AFC Championship game on the line. But more importantly perhaps, is the race to league MVP. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen enter this matchup seemingly deadlocked in debate as to who is most deserving of the accolade. But they both know that the hardware that counts – Super Bowl rings – is the real measure of success. Buffalo allowed a single score against Denver, and didn’t need to over exert themselves to get to this spot, while Baltimore easily dispatched the Steelers. Their respective wins earned them a date with destiny, and if their encounter earlier in the season is anything to go by, this should be an absolute cracker. The Ravens had the upper hand in that one, but Buffalo have looked the much more complete team overall and should have the edge to pull off a win.
