Playoffs NFL: Excitement Kicks Off with Divisional Round 2024-2025!
The NFL Divisional Round for the 2024-2025 season is finally upon us, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exhilarating weekends in football. This Saturday, we’re eager to witness the clash of titans, featuring the top seeds from each conference. The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a three-week bye for their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, will take on the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions will host the young Washington Commanders, led by rising star Jayden Daniels at Ford Field.
(1) Kansas City Chiefs 23 – 14 Houston Texans (4)
As the Divisional Round began, both teams showcased their ironclad defenses. The Texans successfully disrupted Mahomes’ rhythm early on, while the Chiefs upheld their tradition of crushing opposing offenses on third down. With tension soaring, the first quarter ended in a nail-biting 6-3 showdown, as both teams relied on their kickers to put points on the board.
Struggling offensively, Kansas City turned to the dynamic duo of Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce to push the ball downfield. This partnership bore fruit when Kareem Hunt punched it in from five yards out, giving the Chiefs a small cushion. But the Texans weren’t about to fold easily; a well-placed field goal trimmed their deficit to 13-6 at halftime.
Travis Kelce rumbles for 49 yards!
📺: #HOUvsKC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/dKYyXKnOZ5— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
Back fresh from the locker room, the Texans came out swinging, orchestrating a 10-minute drive capped by a Joe Mixon touchdown. Unfortunately for Houston, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn couldn’t add the extra point, keeping them at 13-12. But just as it seemed the Chiefs were on their heels, Mahomes delivered an acrobatic pass to Kelce, and the champions were back in control at 20-12.
As the clock wound down, the Chiefs’ defense applied relentless pressure on CJ Stroud, resulting in a final safety for the Texans, but it was too little, too late. The game ended 23-14, solidifying Kansas City’s seventh straight trip to the AFC Championship.
Unbelievable.
📺: #HOUvsKC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/rDsGcSKFAK— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
The Texans may have bowed out, but kudos to them for making the reigning champs work for their victory. With this matchup, the stage is set for the Chiefs as they chase yet another Super Bowl appearance.
(1) Detroit Lions 31 – 45 Washington Commanders (6)
In a shocking twist, the Washington Commanders upset the number one seeded Detroit Lions in a Divisional Round thriller that will be remembered for seasons to come. Entering the matchup, many anticipated the Commanders’ shaky run defense would struggle against a Lions team accustomed to dominating on the ground. And they were right: the Lions piled up a jaw-dropping 201 rushing yards off just 23 carries! However, playing from behind for much of the game took the wind out of their sails.
While the Lions’ rushing attack was impressive, their passing offense faltered spectacularly. Quarterback Jared Goff, who was in MVP discussions earlier this season, tossed three interceptions, severely undermining Detroit’s chances. Their trademark trick plays backfired as well, notably with Jameson Williams throwing an ill-fated pick that turned the tides in favor of Washington.
JAMESON WILLIAMS PICKED OFF
4TH TURNOVER OF THE DAY FOR THE LIONS…😬
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/JV3fhkHOyi
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 19, 2025
On the flip side, the Commanders played smart football, minimizing errors and maximizing their offensive threats. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels working seamlessly with running back Brian Robinson, Washington avoided turnovers while creating five opportunities at critical points in the game. Dyami Brown also shone, finishing with 98 receiving yards and playing a pivotal role in the offense.
This stunning victory marks the Commanders’ first conference championship appearance since 1991—a thunderous statement that reverberates throughout the NFL. Meanwhile, the Lions faced a disappointingly early exit in their quest for a Super Bowl berth after a promising season. They’ll surely be back next year, ready to take the league by storm.
Photo Credit: © Denny Medley-Imagn Images