NFL · 10 months ago

AFC & NFC Divisional Round 2024: What NFL Fans Need to Know

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles (15-3) are back in the spotlight, led by running back Saquon Barkley, who continues to set records. Barkley’s dominance this season, including a franchise-record 255 rushing yards in Week 12, has been key to the Eagles’ success. Philadelphia’s balanced attack and strong defense make them favorites to advance to the NFC Championship for the second time in three years.

Facing the Rams, Philadelphia is determined to build on their strong Wild Card performance. Barkley’s game-breaking ability and the team’s home-field advantage could prove decisive as they aim to solidify their place among the NFL’s elite.

Rams vs. Eagles Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
NFL Divisional Round Preview
For the second time in NFL history, the same four AFC teams – Baltimore, Buffalo, Houston, and Kansas City – are in the Divisional playoffs in consecutive seasons. Over in the NFC, Detroit stands out as the only team to return to the Divisional round in back-to-back years, joined by Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia, and Washington. Notably, this is the 12th consecutive season where three teams reached the Divisional playoffs after missing the round the previous year, emphasizing the NFL’s dynamic competitiveness.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) enter the Divisional playoffs as the AFC’s top seed, aiming to make history by becoming the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Guided by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are riding a seven-game postseason win streak. Reid, with 26 career playoff wins, trails only Bill Belichick in NFL history, while Mahomes ranks among the league’s all-time postseason leaders in wins (15), passer rating (105.8), and touchdown passes (41).

Tight end Travis Kelce is another key figure, boasting the most postseason receptions (165) and ranking second in receiving yards (1,903). The Chiefs were undefeated at home this season and hold a psychological edge over Houston, having defeated them in Week 16. With a win, Kansas City would advance to its sixth consecutive AFC Championship, underscoring their dominance in the Mahomes era.

Texans vs. Chiefs Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans (11-7) are enjoying a breakout season, led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud, one of only six quarterbacks to win playoff games in each of his first two seasons, has revitalized the franchise. The Texans secured their spot in the Divisional round with a commanding Wild Card win over the Chargers, marking a significant step toward their first-ever AFC Championship appearance.

Houston’s defense and Stroud’s poise under pressure will be key as they face the powerhouse Chiefs. While they lost to Kansas City in Week 16, the Texans are playing with renewed confidence and determination. A win would cement their status as one of the league’s rising powerhouses and mark a historic moment for the franchise.

Spread: Chiefs -8.5 | Moneyline: Chiefs -460 | Texans +350 | Total: 41.5

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Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens (13-5) bring a high-powered offense and an MVP-caliber quarterback, Lamar Jackson, into the Divisional playoffs. Jackson, the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback, made history during the Wild Card round, becoming the first player to record 175 passing yards, 75 rushing yards, and two touchdown passes with a 75% completion rate in a postseason game.

Running back Derrick Henry adds another layer of explosiveness, rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card win. The Ravens’ offense, which averages over 30 points per game, combined with their physical defense, makes them a dangerous opponent for the Bills. Baltimore’s balanced attack and playoff-tested stars make them serious contenders to advance further.

Spread: Ravens -1.5 | Moneyline: Ravens -116 | Bills -102 | Total: 51.5
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills (14-4) come into the Divisional playoffs as one of the league’s most dynamic teams. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, who was named the AP second-team All-Pro, the Bills averaged 30.9 points per game during the regular season, ranking second in the NFL. Buffalo’s offense has been unstoppable at home, scoring 30 or more points in eight of nine games this season.

Buffalo’s defense complements their offense with a league-best +157-point differential. Their history with the Ravens includes a 2020 playoff victory, and while they lost to Baltimore earlier this season, the Bills are poised for redemption. Allen’s dual-threat capabilities and the team’s playoff experience make them a formidable contender as they aim for their first Super Bowl appearance in nearly three decades.

Ravens vs. Bills Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders (13-5) have emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led the charge, showcasing poise and precision in his playoff debut with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns. Washington’s Wild Card victory over Tampa Bay marked their first postseason win since 2005 and keeps them on track for their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991.

Commanders vs. Lions Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates

Despite entering as underdogs against Detroit, the Commanders bring momentum and a strong defensive unit to the matchup. Daniels’ composure and the team’s balanced performance make them a dark horse capable of shaking up the playoffs.

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Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions (15-2) have been one of the most exciting stories of the season, securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. Led by quarterback Jared Goff, Detroit’s offense averaged a league-best 33.2 points per game during the regular season. Goff’s postseason experience and efficiency were evident last year, and the Lions hope to build on their historic 2023 playoff run.

Detroit’s balanced roster, featuring standout players on both offense and defense, has delivered consistent results all season. As they host Washington in the Divisional round, Detroit is focused on reaching their first Super Bowl, a goal that feels closer than ever.

Spread: Lions -9.5 | Moneyline: Lions -520 | Commanders +400 | Total: 55.5
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams (11-7) are a dangerous playoff contender, combining a strong defense with the veteran leadership of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams tied a postseason record with nine sacks in their Wild Card win over Minnesota, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Stafford’s consistency in the playoffs, with six consecutive games of 200+ passing yards and two touchdowns, keeps Los Angeles competitive.

The Rams’ defense, led by rising stars like rookie linebacker Jared Verse, is a major asset. Verse’s 57-yard fumble recovery touchdown in the Wild Card round set a rookie postseason record. As they take on the Eagles, the Rams aim to continue their strong postseason tradition and make another deep run.

Spread: Eagles -5.5 | Moneyline: Eagles -275 | Rams +225 | Total: 43.5
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles (15-3) are back in the spotlight, led by running back Saquon Barkley, who continues to set records. Barkley’s dominance this season, including a franchise-record 255 rushing yards in Week 12, has been key to the Eagles’ success. Philadelphia’s balanced attack and strong defense make them favorites to advance to the NFC Championship for the second time in three years.

Facing the Rams, Philadelphia is determined to build on their strong Wild Card performance. Barkley’s game-breaking ability and the team’s home-field advantage could prove decisive as they aim to solidify their place among the NFL’s elite.

Rams vs. Eagles Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
NFL Divisional Round Preview
For the second time in NFL history, the same four AFC teams – Baltimore, Buffalo, Houston, and Kansas City – are in the Divisional playoffs in consecutive seasons. Over in the NFC, Detroit stands out as the only team to return to the Divisional round in back-to-back years, joined by Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia, and Washington. Notably, this is the 12th consecutive season where three teams reached the Divisional playoffs after missing the round the previous year, emphasizing the NFL’s dynamic competitiveness.

AFC & NFC Divisional Round 2024: What NFL Fans Need to Know

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