2025 NFL Playoff Schedule: Divisional Round Matchups
The excitement of the NFL playoffs intensifies this weekend with the pivotal divisional round set to unfold. In the AFC, only four teams are left standing, while the NFC also boasts four contenders fighting for supremacy.
This weekend’s victors will secure their spots in their respective conference championship games scheduled for next weekend, with the champions of those matchups advancing to the Super Bowl.
However, let’s not rush ahead, as we’ve got four exhilarating games to tackle first, and they promise to be thrilling.
Here’s a detailed look at this weekend’s matchups, highlighting their kickoff times and viewing options.
What is the 2025 NFL playoff schedule for the divisional round and how can I watch?
Saturday, Jan. 18
AFC: (4) Houston Texans at (1) Kansas City Chiefs, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes)
The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs have the biggest target on their back as they aim to make history by winning an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl. While they haven’t dominated this season, they still managed 15 wins. Coming off a bye week and resting several starters in their regular-season finale two weeks ago, the question remains: will new father Patrick Mahomes and his teammates exhibit any signs of rust in this contest?
Conversely, the Texans made a statement in the wild-card round by trouncing the Los Angeles Chargers, picking off Justin Herbert four times. Despite losing to the Chiefs, 27-19, in Kansas City during Week 16, the young and talented Texans are aiming to overcome their history of not advancing past this round.
NFC: (6) Washington Commanders at (1) Detroit Lions, 8 p.m. ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
The Commanders secured their spot by narrowly defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a clutch game-winning field goal — their first playoff victory since 2006. Their next challenge? The Lions and their dynamic offense. While Washington is ahead of schedule in terms of development, they may find themselves playing with house money. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has exceeded expectations, but this matchup represents a significant test.
Detroit, as the NFC’s top seed, is eager for its first Super Bowl appearance in history. With a high-powered offense and a bold head coach in Dan Campbell, they will leverage their recent bye week — but will it give them an edge?
Sunday, Jan. 19
NFC: (4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo)
(Peacock is owned by TODAY.com’s parent company, NBCUniversal.)
The Eagles showcased a fierce defense in their wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers. They possess a well-rounded team loaded with talent on both offense and defense, confidently living up to their Super Bowl-contender status.
The Rams had a dominant win over the Minnesota Vikings, scoring 27-9 in their wild-card game, which took place in Arizona due to wildfires in Los Angeles. The Rams displayed their might by sacking Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times, which ties the playoff record in the Super Bowl era. After a rocky start to the season at 1-4, the Rams have regained their footing, although they lost to the Eagles 37-20 in their previous encounter in Week 12.
AFC: (3) Baltimore Ravens at (2) Buffalo Bills, 6:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The weekend’s concluding game also promises to be the highlight match. The Ravens triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their wild-card contest, while the Bills sealed their victory against the Denver Broncos. Both teams are led by MVP-caliber quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson for the Ravens and Josh Allen for the Bills, both of whom have achieved remarkable accomplishments but lack a Super Bowl appearance on their resumes — a significant gap for each.
In their Week 4 meeting, the Ravens dominated the Bills with a 35-10 victory in Baltimore.
This matchup is crucial with two star quarterbacks vying for success, and the loser may well view this game as the end of a season that fell short of expectations since both teams are undoubtedly in Super Bowl-or-bust mode.
