Last week: 3-3 (.500)
Season record: 186-92 (.668)
Saturday
Houston Texans (11-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), 4:30 p.m. — The average margin of victory in six wild card games last weekend was 15.2 points. This round should be a little tighter. The Texans showed a little giddy-up in their offense — and especially their defense — against the Chargers. They are going to need a little more of that horsepower against the Chiefs, especially on the road. Patrick Mahomes and others might be a little rusty after three weeks, but it did give him more time to heal that ankle that was supposedly injured. The Chiefs have won their past nine games at home. Doubt that will change.
Prediction: Chiefs, 28-17
Washington Commanders (13-5) at Detroit Lions (15-2), 8 p.m. — Jayden Daniels has shown he is the closest thing to Lamar Jackson in the league, which means he is a problem for any defense, especially one with the injures incurred by the Lions. He has led the Commanders to the winning touchdown or field goal in the final minute of each of the past four victories. The Lions, however, look downright unbeatable at home. They are averaging 39.4 points in their past seven games at Ford Field.
Prediction: Lions, 39-28
Sunday
Los Angeles Rams (11-7) at Philadelphia Eagles (15-3), 3 p.m. — In the past four games in which they played their regulars, the Rams have allowed just 33 points. That defense will come in handy against the Eagles, who, like all the all other divisional-round hosts, are nearly unbeatable at home. They have won their past nine games at the Link, even when they didn’t have Jalen Hurts. The Rams, however, looked very impressive beating the Vikings, beyond their defense. They will have a lot of nationwide support behind them, especially this side of the state.
Prediction: Eagles, 24-17
Baltimore Ravens (13-5) at Buffalo Bills (14-4), 6:30 p.m. — The Bills have won 12 of their past 13 games at home, with the only loss coming to the Chiefs in last year’s AFC championship game. They had an easy time last week against the Broncos, but that won’t be the case against the Ravens. They have won five in a row by an average of score of 33-11. However, it is unlikely they will rush for 299 yards as they did against the Steelers. This is the best matchup of the day. The winner be the AFC’s representative in the Super Bowl. Mark it down.
Prediction: Ravens, 34-30
First Published: January 16, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Updated: January 17, 2025, 2:24 p.m.