The competition for the Lombardi Trophy is heating up as the AFC divisional round playoff matchups have been set. The Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, will face off against the Buffalo Bills in upstate New York, while Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs will host the Houston Texans in Kansas City. Will the Chiefs make it to another AFC championship game, or will the Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, pull off a major upset? The battle of MVP candidates in Buffalo will be one to watch, as each AFC matchup is a rematch from the regular season.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions will take on the Washington Commanders, who secured their first playoff victory in nearly 20 years by beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions will face the lowest remaining seed in the NFC.
Predictions for the divisional round of the playoffs:
AFC Divisional Round
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
The Chiefs, who defeated the Texans 27-19 in Week 16, are looking to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Led by Patrick Mahomes and with key players like Marquise Hollywood Brown and Chris Jones, Kansas City is well-rested and ready to take on Houston. The Texans, fueled by recent successes and standout players like Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, and Derek Stingley Jr., will put up a fight.
Prediction: Chiefs 27-21
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens
This matchup features a showdown between MVP favorites Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. The Bills, undefeated at home this season, will host the Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Despite a previous loss to the Ravens, Buffalo is aiming for redemption. However, Baltimore’s strong defense and dominant offense led by Jackson pose a significant challenge.
Prediction: Ravens 28-24
NFC Divisional Round
Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders
The Commanders, led by Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels, and Bobby Wagner, have had a remarkable season but will face a tough test against the Lions. Detroit’s physicality upfront and solid rushing attack, combined with the return of David Montgomery, give them an edge. While Daniels may challenge the Lions’ defense, Detroit is predicted to come out on top.
Prediction: Detroit Lions win
Lions 31-25 (Editor’s note: This story will be updated when the final NFC divisional round matchup is determined.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL playoffs divisional round: Predictions for each matchup
