By Mummy Grace 
NFL Playoff Power Rankings: Divisional Round Edition
If your team is among the final eight in the NFL Playoffs, congratulations! Your squad is just three wins away from lifting the Lombardi Trophy. As we enter the Divisional Round, teams that earned a bye are set to prove their dominance, while others ride the momentum from their Wild Card victories.
Here are the updated NFL Playoff Power Rankings heading into the Divisional Round:
1. Detroit Lions
Fresh off their bye week, the Lions top our rankings as they prepare to host the Washington Commanders. Detroit secured the NFC’s top seed with a thrilling Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, entering the postseason on a high.
David Montgomery’s return provides a big boost to the offense. Meanwhile, the injury-riddled defense will regain Terrion Arnold for this matchup. As the Lions aim for back-to-back NFC Championship appearances, they hope the bye week doesn’t disrupt their rhythm.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills dominated the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round with a convincing 31-7 victory. Buffalo’s offense was in top form, highlighted by James Cook’s stellar 120-yard, one-touchdown performance on the ground.
Quarterback Josh Allen found Curtis Samuel and Ty Johnson for touchdowns while also contributing 46 rushing yards. With a red-hot Baltimore Ravens team on deck, Buffalo’s offense will need another stellar showing in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning AFC champions return from their bye week to host the Houston Texans. While Kansas City’s Week 18 game allowed for much-needed rest, the Texans’ explosive Wild Card performance could pose unexpected challenges.
Patrick Mahomes and company will be ready to continue their march toward another Super Bowl title, as they sit comfortably in third place in our rankings.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens cruised past their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a 28-14 Wild Card win. Powered by Derrick Henry’s monstrous 186-yard, two-touchdown performance and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, Baltimore’s ground game looked unstoppable.
Defensively, the Ravens were dominant, sacking Russell Wilson four times and holding Pittsburgh to just 280 total yards. They’ll need a complete team effort against the Bills to advance to the AFC Championship.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles survived a shaky offensive performance to beat the Green Bay Packers 22-10 in the Wild Card round. Jalen Hurts struggled to connect with his receivers, as A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for just 65 yards. Saquon Barkley carried the offense, rushing for 119 yards on 25 carries.
Philadelphia’s defense will need to step up as they prepare to host a dangerous Los Angeles Rams team in the Divisional Round.
6. Washington Commanders
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels shined in his playoff debut, leading the Commanders to a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Daniels accounted for 304 total yards and two touchdowns, including key connections with Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin.
The Commanders now face a daunting task as they travel to Detroit to face the top-seeded Lions. Despite being underdogs, Daniels’ impressive rookie season gives Washington a fighting chance.
7. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams dismantled the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in their Wild Card matchup, sacking Sam Darnold nine times in a defensive clinic. Matthew Stafford was sharp, spreading the ball across multiple targets. However, Cooper Kupp’s lone catch for 29 yards is a concerning trend.
Los Angeles faces a tough road test against the Eagles in the Divisional Round, where Stafford and the Rams’ defense will need to replicate their Wild Card success.
8. Houston Texans
The Texans shocked the NFL world with a 32-28 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 282 yards, connecting with Nico Collins for a touchdown, while Joe Mixon added 106 yards and a score on the ground.
Houston faces an uphill battle against the Chiefs, but if they can keep their offensive momentum alive, they could push Kansas City to the limit.
The Divisional Round promises plenty of excitement as these eight teams fight for a spot in the Conference Championships. Stay tuned for more updates as the road to Super Bowl LIX continues!