The NFL playoffs are heating up, with the divisional round now taking shape after an exciting Wild Card weekend. Here's a look at the updated playoff picture and key matchups heading into Sunday’s action.
Teams Advancing to the Divisional Round
Houston Texans emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Chargers in the opening game of Wild Card weekend, advancing to the divisional round.
Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs are also set to play in the next round, joining the Texans.
Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers, making them the fourth team to punch their ticket to the divisional round.
Projected Divisional Round Matchups
NFC:
Detroit Lions vs. Lowest NFC Seed Remaining
Second-highest NFC Seed Remaining vs. Second-lowest NFC Seed Remaining
AFC:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Lowest AFC Seed Remaining
Second-highest AFC Seed Remaining vs. Second-lowest AFC Seed Remaining
The Ravens and Texans will enter as the AFC’s No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, respectively, while the Lions and Chiefs await the outcome of Sunday’s Wild Card games to determine their opponents.
Remaining Wild Card Matchups and Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 12:
No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills - 1 p.m. ET
No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles - 4:30 p.m. ET
No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 8 p.m. ET
Monday, Jan. 13:
No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams - 8 p.m. ET
Divisional Round Preview
Saturday, Jan. 18:
AFC/NFC matchup - 4:30 p.m. ET
AFC/NFC matchup - 8:15 p.m. ET
Sunday, Jan. 19:
AFC/NFC matchup - 3 p.m. ET
AFC/NFC matchup - 6:30 p.m. ET
Championship Weekend
Sunday, Jan. 26:
NFC Championship - 3 p.m. ET
AFC Championship - 6:30 p.m. ET
Super Bowl LIX:
Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. ET: AFC champion vs. NFC champion
What to Watch For on Sunday
With two Wild Card games set for Sunday, teams are waiting eagerly to see how the matchups unfold. If the Bills or Eagles win, the No. 2 seeds will face the second-lowest remaining seed in the next round. However, should the Broncos or Packers pull off upsets, they will be matched up against the division winners.
The Broncos ended a historic playoff drought by clinching a postseason spot with a decisive victory over a Chiefs backup squad in Week 18. A win on Sunday would allow them to face the Kansas City Chiefs starters in the divisional round.
For the Eagles, much depends on the return of Jalen Hurts, who has been recovering from a concussion that sidelined him for the final two regular-season games.
Rookie Quarterbacks Look to Make History
On Sunday, two teams will be led by first-year quarterbacks looking to make their mark in the postseason:
Bo Nix will lead the Broncos, aiming to become the eighth rookie quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game.
Jayden Daniels is the starting quarterback for the Commanders, also striving for the same historic achievement.
Both players are stepping into the spotlight at a critical time, with their teams’ playoff hopes riding on their performances.