The 2024 NFL wild card weekend has officially concluded leaving us with two upset wins from the Commanders and the Rams. Both teams will enter this weekend as heavy underdogs again but something about the Rams intrigues me. An offense with Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp with Sean McVay calling the plays gives me hope against any opponent. The Rams’ defense has also turned it up a notch playing their best football of the season over the last four weeks. Below are all of the matchups for the NFL Divisional Round.
Saturday Games
Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5) at 4:30 ET
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions (-9.5) at 8:00 ET
Sunday Games
Los Angeles Rams vs Philadelphia Eagles (-6) at 3:00 ET
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills (+1) at 6:30 ET
The game of the week between the Ravens and the Bills gets even more interesting as Zay Flowers will likely miss this matchup due to an injury. The Bills might be able to capitalize on the injury if they can stop the Ravens’ rushing attack. Below are each team’s outlook and power ranking heading into the NFL divisional round.
1. Kansas City Chiefs 15-2
After a month off, the Kansas City Chiefs return to the field in pursuit of a historic three-peat. They’ll face a formidable Houston Texans team featuring one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. The Chiefs’ offensive line combinations will be crucial in this matchup, especially with Marquise Brown fully integrated into the offense for the first time this season. Their defense is getting healthier with Jalen Watson returning, setting the stage for a fully equipped team. Though the offense might start slow, the Chiefs should handle business against the Texans and host another “Arrowhead Invitational,” extending their AFC Championship streak to seven straight years.
2. Detroit Lions 15-2
The Detroit Lions roar into the NFC Divisional Round as a dominant force. They’ll face the Washington Commanders, a team lacking the talent on both sides of the ball to match up with this high-powered Lions squad. The return of David Montgomery boosts an already potent offense, and their matchups against the Commanders’ secondary heavily favor Detroit. While their offense should shine, the Lions’ defense must prove it can hold up against a Commanders offense that controlled the game script last week against Tampa Bay.
3. Baltimore Ravens 12-5
The Baltimore Ravens dispatched their division rival with ease and now move on to face the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson were electric in their previous matchup, supported by a stellar defensive effort. Unfortunately, Zay Flowers is likely to miss this game, making it a true toss-up. For the Ravens to succeed, they’ll need to start fast and lean heavily on their run game against a weak Bills rush defense. If they can contain Josh Allen, the Ravens have a strong chance to secure their second consecutive AFC Championship appearance.
4. Buffalo Bills 13-4
The Buffalo Bills enter the Divisional Round as slight underdogs against the Ravens after a strong performance against the Denver Broncos. Josh Allen bounced back after a slow start, continuing his playoff excellence. The defense, often scrutinized for inconsistency, dominated after Denver’s opening drive. The returns of Matt Milano and Christian Benford are critical as the Bills prepare to face Derrick Henry. Slowing the Ravens’ ground game will be key if Buffalo wants to keep its Super Bowl aspirations alive.
5. Philadelphia Eagles 14-3
The Philadelphia Eagles advanced past the Packers with a dominant defensive performance, offsetting an inconsistent offensive showing. Saquon Barkley delivered another stellar game, but the passing attack needs to rebound as they prepare for a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Facing one of the NFL’s hottest teams, the Eagles will rely on their talent across the board, but much will depend on Jalen Hurts’ performance and how well Nick Sirianni strategizes as the stakes get higher.
6. Los Angeles Rams 10-7
The Los Angeles Rams come into the Divisional Round as the dark horse of the playoffs. Their offense found its groove against the Vikings, with Matthew Stafford leading a commanding performance. Defensively, the Rams have been exceptional, highlighted by nine sacks on Sam Darnold in their last game. The Eagles present a tougher challenge, but if the Rams can contain the run and pressure Jalen Hurts, they’ll have a solid chance to upset the Eagles on the road with their top-end talent and an emerging young defense.
7. Houston Texans 10-7
The Houston Texans overwhelmed the Chargers in the second half, cruising to a convincing Wild Card victory. Their offense racked up over 400 yards, with Nico Collins delivering a monster performance. However, it was their defense that shined brightest, forcing four turnovers from Justin Herbert. Led by First-Team All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans’ elite pass rush and strong secondary are the backbone of their success. To upset the Chiefs, the Texans will need their offense to start faster and support their defense in the high-stakes matchup.
8. Washington Commanders 12-5
The Washington Commanders shocked the NFL world by upsetting the Buccaneers on the road in Jayden Daniels’ playoff debut. Daniels has shown remarkable poise in high-pressure situations, excelling in the fourth quarter this season. Against Tampa Bay, the Commanders controlled the pace with a dominant time of possession and zero punts. While their defense made timely stops, their secondary remains a vulnerability, with Marshon Lattimore facing a tough matchup against Jameson Williams this week. Heavy underdogs in Detroit, the Commanders will need another clutch performance from Daniels to keep their Cinderella story alive.
Official Playoff Tiers
