NFL Divisional Round: Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles & Bills Shine
The 2025 NFL Divisional Round provided one of the most thrilling playoff weekends in recent history. Multiple games featured explosive offenses, with one nearly reaching 70 total points. The Kansas City Chiefs displayed consistent excellence, advancing to the AFC Championship for the seventh straight season.
Washington shocked fans by toppling the top-seeded Detroit Lions. The much-anticipated duel between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen exceeded expectations. Each divisional matchup highlighted unique storylines, from breakout performances to strategic masterstrokes by coaches.
Let’s dive into one takeaway from each NFL divisional game.
Chiefs’ Defense dominates Texans
AP Photo/Ed Zurga
Winning is what the Chiefs do in the postseason, and they proved it again with a 23-14 victory over the Houston Texans. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce delivered when their team needed it most, showcasing the dominance of this dynasty.
Despite allowing 95 first-half rushing yards, the Chiefs’ defense pressured Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud all game. The front line recorded eight sacks, with George Karlaftis contributing three in a career performance. This marks the seventh-most sacks in a single playoff game in NFL history, per StatsMuse.
Stroud faced pressure on 56% of his dropbacks, totaling a career-high 23 pressures. Justin Reid, Chamarri Conner, and Karlaftis consistently disrupted the Texans’ offense. Even missed field goals by kicker Kirk Fairburn could not stop the Chiefs’ momentum.
Travis Kelce recorded 117 receiving yards and a touchdown, setting an NFL record with nine playoff games of 100+ yards. He now ranks second all-time in playoff touchdowns with 22, joining Jerry Rice with over 2,000 career playoff receiving yards.
Milestones and Legacy
This game marked Andy Reid’s 300th career coaching victory, making him the fourth coach in NFL history to reach this milestone. Meanwhile, the Texans fell in the Divisional Round for the second consecutive year.
The Chiefs advance to their seventh straight AFC Championship, aiming to become the first NFL team to three-peat. Mahomes, Kelce, and Reid continue to make postseason excellence look effortless.
Daniel commands the Commanders over Detroit.
Jayden Daniels escapes the pocket to avoid the sack.
AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Facing the No.1 seed and best offense in the NFL, the young Washington Commanders didn’t flinch. They poured in 45 points to shock the Detroit Lions in a 45-31 upset.
The Commanders outscored the Lions 28-14 in the second quarter, creating a decisive cushion. They finished with no turnovers, while Detroit committed five. Both teams combined for over 50 points in a high-octane first half.
Turnovers Turn the Tide
Jared Goff threw three interceptions and a fumble, with three turnovers in the first half alone. Quon Martin returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown, pushing Washington’s lead to double digits.
Daniels passed for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and had a 71% completion rate with zero turnovers. He set a new NFL rookie record with 242 first-half passing yards, joining Joe Flacco as the only rookies to defeat a No.1 seed in the playoffs.
Despite Detroit’s attempts to rally, Washington responded each time, showcasing the maturity and resilience of a young team poised for postseason success.
Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil added two critical turnovers. One heads-up interception in the end zone sealed the game, allowing the Commanders to extend their lead to 17 with 7:31 remaining.
The Commanders’ composure and the Lions’ unforced errors ultimately decided the game. Washington advances to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1992, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles.
Saquon powers Eagles past Rams
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushes to the end zone for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional playoffs.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The NFC Divisional clash in frigid conditions began explosively. The Philadelphia Eagles edged the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 to advance to the NFC Championship.
Running back and MVP candidate Saquon Barkley showcased why he’s one of the league’s premier acquisitions. He carried the ball 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Barkley’s 205 rushing yards rank fifth all-time in a single playoff game and set a new Eagles postseason record. He came just 15 yards short of Raheem Mostert’s active playoff record of 220 yards set in the 2019 NFC Championship.
Barkley’s dominant performance helped the Eagles maintain momentum and secure a hard-fought victory, proving he can carry a team deep into the playoffs.
The Rams had a chance to take the lead late, but Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense held strong. Jalen Carter sacked the quarterback on 3rd & 2, forcing a 4th & 11 at the Eagles’ 22. The incompletion to Puka Nacua resulted in a turnover on downs, securing the victory.
The Eagles will face the young, explosive Washington Commanders on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. This marks Philadelphia’s second NFC Championship appearance in three seasons.
Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson’s Classic Duel
Lamar Jackson (left) and Josh Allen (right) show respect after the Bills beat the Ravens 27-25.
It was a classic showdown between the two MVP favorites, quarterbacks Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both had historic seasons and aimed to secure a spot in the AFC Championship to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The Bills emerged with a narrow 27-25 victory, surviving by the slimmest margin. The Ravens squandered a crucial two-point conversion when Mark Andrews dropped a pass that could have forced overtime. Turnovers proved costly, including two fumbles by Jackson and an interception, which directly resulted in 10 points for the Bills.
It was the first time Jackson had multiple turnovers all season. After the game, he expressed his frustration.
“I’m tired of being right there. We need to punch it in. We need to punch in that ticket.”
Bills’ Defense comes up Clutch
The Bills’ defense, often criticized for being too small and unable to stop the run, silenced doubters by holding the league’s top rushing team to just 176 yards. They limited Lamar Jackson to only 84 rushing yards, well below his 113 yards per game average this season.
Linebacker Terrell Bernard was the defensive standout, forcing a fumble from Mark Andrews with 3:29 left. This play set up Tyler Bass for a 21-yard field goal, extending the Bills’ lead to eight points.
The Bills also excelled at protecting the football, finishing the game with zero turnovers. In the second half, Josh Allen added two rushing touchdowns, powering through the Ravens’ elite defensive front. The home crowd erupted, chanting, “MVP! MVP!”
What a complete win,” Allen said. “All year, this team has heard we’ve got no talent, we’re too small, we can’t stop the run, we’re not good enough to compete. We’ve just put our head down and worked hard. I’m so proud of our defense. I’m so proud of our offense and special teams.”
The Bills will now face the Chiefs for the third time since 2020. Allen and company aim to reach Super Bowl 59 by overcoming their 0-3 postseason record against Mahomes.
