NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Recap & Conference Championship Predictions

The NFL Playoffs' Divisional Round delivered drama, surprises, and controversy in true playoff fashion. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens faltered against Buffalo, undone by costly turnovers and a crucial drop by Mark Andrews, ending their Super Bowl hopes. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a shocking upset over the NFC's top-seeded Detroit Lions, keeping his dream season alive as he eyes becoming the first rookie quarterback to start a Super Bowl. On the other side of the NFC, Saquon Barkley continued to put the Philadelphia Eagles on his back, carrying them past the Rams with another dominant performance. And, in the most predictable twist of the weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs advanced yet again, aided by questionable officiating that left fans shaking their heads. As the field narrows, the stakes are only getting higher heading into Championship Weekend.

Will Kansas City Ever Lose?

The Kansas City Chiefs secured a 23-14 victory over the Houston Texans, but once again, controversy overshadowed their win. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs found themselves on the favorable side of two highly questionable penalties called against the Texans’ defense for contact on Mahomes. Both penalties extended crucial drives, ultimately resulting in 10 pivotal points for Kansas City. After the game, Texans' linebacker Will Anderson voiced the frustration shared by fans and players alike: “We knew it was going to be us versus the refs going into this game.” The sentiment is growing louder—why does Kansas City consistently benefit from officiating decisions in key moments? Not even Tom Brady's Patriots dynasty drew this level of referee support. Fans are growing weary, and the Chiefs' playoff games are becoming more predictable for all the wrong reasons. Buffalo, the hope of many, may be next in line, but with the officiating trend, skepticism rests sadly in fans' minds.

Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews Falter in Loss to Buffalo

This past weekend, Lamar Jackson did nothing to improve his playoff woes. The Baltimore Ravens’ season came to a frustrating end with a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills, marking yet another playoff disappointment for John Harbaugh, Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens. The loss was defined by costly mistakes, starting with Jackson’s two first-half turnovers that set the tone. “Can’t have that shit,” Jackson said bluntly after the game. “That’s why we lost the game. As you can see, we move the ball wonderfully—it’s ... hold on to the f---ing ball. Sorry for the language. That shit’s annoying. I’m tired of this shit.” While Jackson took ownership of his mistakes, the defining moment came late in the game when Mark Andrews dropped a wide-open pass on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the game with under two minutes to play. Ravens fans and social media have turned their frustration on Andrews, with many calling the drop the game-losing play. Despite moments of brilliance throughout the season, Baltimore’s inability to execute in key playoff moments continues to haunt them. What's next for them in 2025?

Jayden Daniels Shocks the World

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders shocked the world with a stunning victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions, advancing to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991! Daniels delivered a phenomenal performance, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns while adding 50 rushing yards, proving why he’s one of the most electrifying rookies in recent memory. The Commanders’ defense also came up big, intercepting Jared Goff three times and fueling a dominant 45-point offensive outburst. With their incredible run continuing, the question now is: can Washington pull off another upset in Philadelphia and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl? How amazing would it be to see a rookie quarterback like Daniels make history on the biggest stage?

Saquon Barkley is Built Different

Saquon Barkley was an unstoppable force in the Philadelphia Eagles’ snowy Divisional Round win over the LA Rams, carrying the team to a 27-20 victory. Barkley ran 26 times for a jaw-dropping 205 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard burst early in the game and a breathtaking 78-yard score late in the fourth quarter to seemingly seal the win. However, the Rams weren’t done, responding with a quick touchdown, forcing a three-and-out from the Eagles, and driving into the red zone with under a minute to play. That’s when the Eagles’ defensive line, led by Jalen Carter, rose to the occasion. On the final two plays, Carter delivered Chris Jones-esque pressure, forcing two incompletions and securing the win for Philadelphia. Barkley may have carried the offense, but the defense’s clutch moments made all the difference. Now the question looms: can the Eagles halt the Commanders’ Cinderella run in the NFC Championship?

Conference Championship Predictions

AFC Championship - Prediction: Chiefs 28 Bills 25.

NFC Championship: Prediction: Eagles 24 Commanders 20

I promise, nobody in America outside of Philadelphia and Kansas City wants to see this Super Bowl rematch but here we go...