NFL Divisional Round Predictions: Upsets and Breakout Performances Ahead

HOUSTON, Texas — The NFL divisional round kicks off this weekend, with analysts predicting potential upsets, breakout performances, and high-stakes drama as teams vie for a spot in the conference championships. The Houston Texans, fresh off a wild-card victory, face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, while other matchups promise thrilling action across the league.

DeMeco Ryans and the Texans are riding momentum after securing their second consecutive wild-card win. They now challenge the top-seeded Chiefs, whose starters have been idle for over three weeks. NFL Network analyst Marc Ross predicts the extended rest could lead to rust, giving the Texans an edge to upset Kansas City and advance to their first-ever AFC Championship Game.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams‘ rookie standout continues to make history. After scoring a 57-yard defensive touchdown in the wild-card round, he became the first rookie since J.J. Watt in 2011 to achieve such a feat in a playoff game. Analyst Brooke Cersosimo forecasts another standout performance, this time with a pick-six in the divisional round.

In the NFC, the Detroit Lions face the Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Despite a strong showing, Eric Edholm predicts the Commanders will fall short but leave a lasting impression, much like the Texans did last season. “They’ll enter the offseason as a team many believe can become title contenders,” Edholm said.

David Carr highlights another potential upset, with a veteran receiver rediscovering his form. After a slump in production, the eighth-year pro is predicted to connect for three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles, spearheading a surprising victory.

Maurice Jones-Drew points to a rookie quarterback setting records and elevating his game. The young star, who became the first rookie in the Super Bowl era to throw for 200-plus yards or two-plus touchdowns in a road playoff win, is expected to account for five touchdowns in an upset over the Lions.

Matt Okada notes the Chiefs’ record-tying 11 one-score wins this season and the Rams’ six-game winning streak, making them a formidable threat against the Eagles. He predicts a tightly contested divisional round, with the combined margin of victory across all four games totaling fewer than 15 points.

As the playoff field narrows, six teams were eliminated during wild-card weekend. In the AFC, the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers saw their seasons end, while the NFC bid farewell to the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The divisional round features four games, with four more teams set to be eliminated before the conference championships.

The NFL playoff format, unchanged since 2020, awards the No. 1 seed in each conference a first-round bye. Division winners fill the top four seeds, while wild-card teams occupy the fifth through seventh spots. The divisional round sees the No. 1 seed hosting the lowest remaining seed, with the winners advancing to the conference championships.

All eyes are now on the divisional round, as teams battle for a chance to compete in the Super Bowl. Results will be updated as scores come in, with games scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19. The conference championships are set for Sunday, Jan. 26.