The matchups for the AFC Divisional Round are locked in, promising intense competition. The Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, head to New York to face off against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, reigning champions of Super Bowls 57 and 58, play host to the Houston Texans in a high-stakes battle at Arrowhead Stadium.
Will Patrick Mahomes guide the Chiefs to yet another AFC Championship appearance, or can rookie sensation C.J. Stroud and the Texans pull off an astonishing upset? Who will come out on top in the showdown of star quarterbacks in Buffalo? Adding to the excitement, both games are rematches from earlier in the season.
What? 2024/2025 NFL Divisional Round.
Where? USA
When? No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs vs. No. 4 Houston Texans, Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m. ET. No. 2 Buffalo Bills vs. No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. ET
The Houston Texans proved their doubters wrong with a solid performance against the Chargers. Defensive standouts like edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter were relentless, while cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. made his mark with two interceptions in the win.
In Week 16, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious over Houston with a 27-19 win. With a goal of becoming the first team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl titles, Kansas City appears primed for another deep postseason run. The Chiefs are well-rested and, under Andy Reid’s leadership, have been historically dominant following a bye week.
The addition of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to Kansas City’s offense provides another weapon for Patrick Mahomes, further enhancing their already explosive attack. Meanwhile, Chris Jones will exploit a Houston offensive line that has struggled throughout the season.
Mahomes has now led the Chiefs to six straight AFC Championship appearances, and it’s clear that he and his team are poised to make it seven. Another trip to the AFC title game seems all but certain.
Alternative Line: Kansas City Chiefs -6.0Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
This showdown pits the two leading MVP contenders against each other in what promises to be a thrilling clash.
In the wild card round, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills easily dispatched a young Broncos team, while Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens ran away from the Steelers with a dominant performance.
Buffalo remains undefeated at home this season, enjoying the comfort of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park for their Sunday matchup. However, the Bills will need every advantage they can get, considering they were crushed 35-10 by the Ravens in Baltimore back in Week 4.
In that earlier contest, Allen was limited to just 180 passing yards, and that was before the Ravens’ defense truly hit its stride. Baltimore has since become one of the most formidable defensive units in the league, with Jackson leading a high-powered offense.
Expect Jackson to take his talents to Buffalo and demonstrate to everyone why he’s the front-runner for MVP this season.
Baltimore RavensBuffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Buffalo Bills, crowned AFC East champions, kicked off Sunday with a commanding victory over the Denver Broncos. The action then shifted to the NFC, where the Philadelphia Eagles edged past the Green Bay Packers in a tightly contested matinee, and the Washington Commanders pulled off a surprising upset against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the night game.
The Wild Card Round will wrap up with a Monday night clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings.
AFCWild Card Round Results:
No. 2 Buffalo Bills cruised past the No. 7 Denver Broncos with a dominant 31-7 performance.
No. 3 Baltimore Ravens secured a 28-14 victory over the No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers in a solid showing.
No. 4 Houston Texans overwhelmed the No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers with an impressive 32-12 win.
See below, our top rated sportsbooks where you can place your NFL bets.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.