NFL · 7 months ago

4 NFL Teams That Should Be Worried Heading Into the Divisional Round

Grant White

Host · Writer

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Baltimore Ravens
A clear dividing line separates the top teams from the rest of the AFC Conference. Then, a less distinct line separates the Buffalo Bills from the Baltimore Ravens. Still, the gap between these teams puts the Ravens at a significant disadvantage heading into the Divisional Round.

The Bills made short work of the Denver Broncos. After a game-opening drive, Denver was held to just 154 yards the rest of the way. That's a bad omen for the Ravens, who rely almost exclusively on their running game to drive their offense. They must develop a new game plan to maximize their production in the Divisional Round.

More concerningly, Baltimore must find a way to slow down Josh Allen and the Bills offense. Not including his sham of a start in Week 18, Allen has led the Bills to 185 points and 2,147 over his last five starts. There are too many variables stacked against the Ravens in this one.

Ravens vs. Bills Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans secured a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round, just their sixth playoff win in franchise history. Still, the accolades will probably end there as they struggle to get past the mighty Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.

Houston's offense has looked pedestrian lately. Including a 429-yard outburst against the Chargers, the Texans are averaging just 338.0 yards per game over their last three. Worse, that's translated to just 19.0 points per game. While their defense has stacked up well, the Texans must replicate last week's four-interception performance if they hope to have any chance in the Divisional Round.

The Texans' Divisional Round matchup against the Chiefs is their Mount Everest. Unfortunately for Houston fans, we don't see them making the climb. There are too many weaknesses on this Texans roster, and Kansas City outmatches them on every front.

Texans vs. Chiefs Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have done the most with the least recently. Despite operating below-average metrics virtually across the board, LA is off to the Divisional Round for a showdown versus the Philadelphia Eagles. It all comes to a head on Sunday, with the Rams looking out-gunned in Philly.

The Linc is an unforgiving venue, but that's the least of the Rams' concerns ahead of the Divisional Round. The Eagles had the most imposing defense this season, holding opponents to 278.4 yards and 17.8 points per game. They were particularly stout against the pass, limiting foes to a paltry 174.2 yards per game.

The Rams will have to find a way to get their offense in gear, but that seems increasingly unlikely in the Divisional Round. LA will likely be playing its last game of the season.

Rams vs. Eagles Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Detroit Lions
Suddenly, the first seed in the NFC doesn't look like an advantage anymore. The Detroit Lions are tasked with doing something few teams ahead of them have been able to do: get past the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders are battle-tested. After their Wild Card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Commanders improved to 5-0 in their last five one-possession games. Moreover, Jayden Daniels has looked like an unstoppable force every time he steps onto the field. Even with an extra week to prepare, we're weary about Detroit's chances of containing the dual-threat quarterback.

The Lions can fight fire with fire, turning to their league-leading offense. But their path to the NFC Championship Game isn't as unobstructed as the betting line would make you believe.

Commanders vs. Lions Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
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Baltimore Ravens
A clear dividing line separates the top teams from the rest of the AFC Conference. Then, a less distinct line separates the Buffalo Bills from the Baltimore Ravens. Still, the gap between these teams puts the Ravens at a significant disadvantage heading into the Divisional Round.

The Bills made short work of the Denver Broncos. After a game-opening drive, Denver was held to just 154 yards the rest of the way. That's a bad omen for the Ravens, who rely almost exclusively on their running game to drive their offense. They must develop a new game plan to maximize their production in the Divisional Round.

More concerningly, Baltimore must find a way to slow down Josh Allen and the Bills offense. Not including his sham of a start in Week 18, Allen has led the Bills to 185 points and 2,147 over his last five starts. There are too many variables stacked against the Ravens in this one.

Ravens vs. Bills Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates