By Josh NFL Divisional Playoffs: Key Matchups and Updates
Game 1: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 18th, 4:30 PM ET
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Storyline: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs aim for their third consecutive Super Bowl title. Meanwhile, rookie QB C.J. Stroud leads the Texans in their bid for their first-ever AFC Championship appearance.
Game 2: Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
- Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 18th, 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- TV Coverage: FOX (Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi)
- Radio Coverage: Sirius XM, Big 100 (iHeart Radio)
- Odds: Lions -9.5 | O/U 55.5
Storyline:
The Commanders (13-5) face their toughest challenge of the season, traveling to Detroit to battle the NFC’s top-seeded Lions (15-2). Washington, led by QB Jayden Daniels, must deliver a flawless performance to keep up with Detroit’s high-powered offense and suffocating defense.
- Commanders Recent Play: Daniels’ late-game heroics secured a win over Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round.
- Lions Dominance: With home-field advantage and a stellar 15-2 record, Detroit is poised to push for a Super Bowl appearance.
Injury Updates
Lions:
- Out: RG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring), DT Pat O’Connor, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Reserve/Injured)
- Inactive: QB Hendon Hooker (emergency), LB Mitchell Agude, DT Brodric Martin, OL Colby Sorsdal, OL Giovanni Manu
Commanders:
- Out: WR K.J. Osborn, QB Jeff Driskel (emergency), CB Michael Davis, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., LB Dominique Hampton, DE Andre Jones Jr., G Chris Paul
Playoff Stakes
- A Lions win secures their spot in the NFC Championship against the winner of Sunday’s Rams vs. Eagles game.
- A Commanders victory would mark their first conference championship appearance since 1992.
Prediction: Washington 30 – Detroit 28
Stay tuned for game updates and highlights!