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HomeSportRanking the Most Exciting Matchups in the NFL Divisional Playoffs

Ranking the Most Exciting Matchups in the NFL Divisional Playoffs

 

NFL Divisional Playoff Watchability Rankings: Which Matchup is the Most Exciting?


The wild-card weekend has surpassed us, with five out of the six games either being uneventful or one-sided. This has often been the trend of “Super” wild-card weekends since they were introduced in 2020.

 

However, the divisional round usually brings the most thrilling playoff moments. In the AFC, every division champion is participating. The NFC features three out of four division champions still in the mix, alongside a wild-card team with a rookie quarterback who plays like a pro.

Let’s rank the four matchups from least thrilling to most exciting—though we’re enthusiastic about all of them.

4. No. 4 Houston Texans at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC)

Welcome to the divisional round, ESPN! “The Worldwide Leader” is stepping up for its first divisional-round game, as the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions face a team that many thought might pull off an upset last week.

 

Despite having stars like Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud at quarterback, the strength of both teams lies in their defenses. The talents of the QBs do bring some excitement, but the chances of this being a low-scoring game puts it at the bottom of our list. Perhaps one day the Texans will push for a more spirited playoff start.

 

3. No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 1 Detroit Lions (Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, FOX)

This matchup falls short of the other NFC game mainly due to the potential for a lopsided score. Washington is one of the most compelling stories of 2024, featuring Jayden Daniels and a significant turnaround under head coach Dan Quinn after the challenging era of Dan Snyder’s ownership. The Lions are tough contenders for any team, and they’ll be well-prepared, eager to secure a spot in the NFC Championship next week.

However, the Commanders did engage in the most thrilling wild-card game last weekend (as anticipated). Perhaps they can surprise us this time.

 

2. No. 4 Los Angeles Rams at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)

Much like the previous NFC matchup, this game is nearly interchangeable with the No. 3 spot. Recent performances indicate that both teams’ defenses could create a tough contest, but this game might present a closer fight, which is why it ranks at No. 2. Both teams are likely vying for a trip to Detroit next Sunday for a chance at the Super Bowl.

1. No. 3 Baltimore Ravens at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+)

For the second consecutive year, CBS is showcasing the highlight matchup of divisional weekend as the grand finale. Last year featured the Bills against the Chiefs at home. This time, it’s a showdown between the two favorites for league MVP.

 

This game is framed around Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson, but let’s remember: quarterbacks don’t actually compete against each other directly. The fact that these two are going head-to-head during some of the best seasons of their careers is the real excitement. Additionally, it’s a rematch from four years ago when the Bills sent Jackson and the Ravens packing in the divisional round.

Allen will face a formidable Baltimore defense that has excelled against the pass over the last third of the season. Jackson aims to secure his second-ever playoff win on the road. Will one of these quarterbacks upset the Chiefs on Championship Sunday (the anticipated outcome)? Who will get the chance for redemption against Kansas City? First, they need to get past each other.