Three of the divisional round playoff matchups were rematches from the regular season, though changes have occurred and teams have progressed since those contests. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs began their quest for a historic three-peat with a victory over the Houston Texans. The Chiefs' offense, highlighted by tight end Travis Kelce, is now fully engaged in playoff mode. The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders faced off for the first time this season, a matchup the Lions likely wish had gone differently. Coming off a bye week and with a healthier squad, the Lions experienced an unexpected upset, leaving them to contemplate missed opportunities. Meanwhile, Washington is buoyed by the performance of rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, propelling the team to its first NFC Championship Game since winning a title in the 1991 season.

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles will look to rediscover their excellence against a Los Angeles Rams team they defeated in Week 12. The Rams' starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, boasts a 5-1 playoff record. Additionally, the matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills features MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. The Ravens dominated the Bills in a Week 4 victory at M&T Bank Stadium, though this upcoming game will be played under freezing temperatures in Buffalo. Analysts from Moneyline will delve into the aftermath of each game, extracting their key insights.

As the Texans review their season, C.J. Stroud is under scrutiny for the Houston Texans' underwhelming 19th-ranked scoring offense and passing attack, which finished outside the top 20 in yardage. While Stroud takes on his share of the blame, the Texans must bolster their quarterback's supporting cast to progress further in the postseason. Stroud faced significant pressure this season, taking the second-most sacks at 52. Against the Chiefs, he was sacked eight times and required assistance to exit the field late in the game. Pro Football Focus reported that offensive linemen Shaq Mason, Tytus Howard, Blake Fisher, Kenyon Green, and Juice Scruggs collectively allowed 26 sacks. With room for development among younger players, the Texans also face uncertainty at wide receiver as 31-year-old Stefon Diggs, recovering from a torn ACL, heads toward free agency. The Texans will need to add depth at the wide receiver position to support Stroud’s growth.

Transitioning to the Chiefs, their season initially exhibited vulnerability, winning by narrow margins. However, over the last month, they have accelerated their performance, with ambitions for a third consecutive Super Bowl title. In what many deemed an underwhelming regular season for Travis Kelce, he reactivated his playoff prowess on Saturday, recording seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, making history as the second player to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in the playoffs, following Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Patrick Mahomes delivered an exceptional touchdown pass to Kelce while falling to the ground, allowing the Chiefs to seize control with a commanding lead in the fourth quarter. With Mahomes as their starting quarterback, the Chiefs have achieved eleven regular-season victories for seven consecutive terms, highlighting their capacity to elevate their performance in the postseason.

The Washington Commanders have realized an impressive turnaround in the 2024 season, prompting acknowledgment for head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters. After finishing 4-13 in 2023, the Commanders swiftly adapted to a playoff-ready roster. Rookie Jayden Daniels, a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, has functioned as a top-tier quarterback since the season's outset. Surprising many with their rapid ascension, the Commanders demonstrated their capabilities by defeating the NFC's top seed on the road. Daniels exhibited exceptional composure, and Quinn’s aggressive strategy imposed continuous pressure on the Lions. Washington's defense produced five takeaways during the game, while offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury consistently generated big plays. Looking ahead, the Commanders project with $93 million in available cap space for the 2025 season, poised to bolster their roster further.

In contrast, the Lions entered the playoffs with a historic 15-win season and the NFC's top seed, but injuries plagued their campaign, particularly on defense. The absence of key players, alongside the early exit of cornerback Amik Robertson due to an elbow injury, hindered their performance. Throughout the contest, the Lions struggled to contain Washington's passing offense, amplified by three Jared Goff turnovers, including one that resulted in a touchdown for the Commanders. Ultimately, a fourth turnover from a trick play by wide receiver Jameson Williams further sealed their fate. The Lions' season concludes with the frustration of missed opportunities, pondering how a healthier roster might have fared. Despite these setbacks, the team possesses significant cap space to enhance their roster during the offseason, emphasizing their potential to remain a title contender as they regroup for 2025.