2025 NFL playoffs: Our experts make picks for divisional round

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The NFL's 2025 postseason moves forward with the divisional round, featuring four key games on Saturday and Sunday.

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Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their picks for this week's divisional games:

Texans at Chiefs

:

• KC Chiefs - 500 favorites, Texans +375 underdogs
• Chiefs -8.5
• : 41.5

Chiefs 27, Texans 20

The Chiefs defeated the Texans in their Week 16 game, and I would anticipate a similar outcome this time around. In their last five matchups, the Chiefs have won four of them, and it usually proves tough to bet against Patrick Mahomes, who has a perfect 6-0 record in divisional-round contests.

Brendan Sugrue threw the pass that led to the team's winning score on the fifth play of the game, as the Chiefs defeated the Texans 24-19.

There's no debate on whether the Kansas City Chiefs are going to rest or rust, thanks to Andy Reid's expertise in preparing his team after a bye week. With key players returning to health at the right time, the Chiefs are poised to secure their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game appearance. Although, they may face some challenges when facing the Texans' formidable pass rush led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs will likely find a way to overcome this obstacle.

Vincent Parise (3rd quarter): Chiefs 28, Texans 14

The Kansas City Chiefs are the two-time defending champions, but for how long? They're not playing exciting football these days, but they remain the team that consistently beats their opponents in a particular way. Another AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium seems all but certain. Despite some early season struggles, the Houston Texans will likely have a solid foundation to build on for next season.

Commanders at Lions

:

• The Washington Commanders are favored by 400 points, while the Lions are underdogs at -550.
• Lions -9.5
• : 55.5

The Lions beat the Commanders 34-20.

The Bears will have to wait a bit longer for their second interview with Ben Johnson, as the Lions appear destined for the Super Bowl. Despite a long list of injuries this season, they hold the top spot in the NFC until someone can prove otherwise. While the Commanders have been fortunate all season, it's not enough to counter Detroit's elite offense and dominant defense.

Brendan Sullivan, starting goalkeeper for the Lions, performed particularly well on the field, allowing only one goal while putting up a strong defensive game to aid in their 34-21 victory over the Commanders.

As much as I'd love to pick an upset solely for the big Ben Johnson sweepstakes to get more exciting, I can't do it. Washington can't defy the odds forever and the high-energy crowd in Detroit will be too much for Jayden Daniels. They had a great run, but it's coming to an end in the Motor City.

The Lions beat the Commanders 31-20.

Who had the type of season the Chicago Bears had hoped for. The Detroit Lions are considered elite and the top favorite in the NFC at this point. They should be able to handle their business relatively easily.

Rams at Eagles

:

• Los Angeles Rams -275, Los Angeles Rams to Win +225
• Eagles -6
• : 43.5

The Eagles won 27-23 over the Rams.

The Rams have been one of the most underappreciated teams in the NFC, but they're about to face a tough challenge against a strong Eagles team that includes MVP Contender Saquon Barkley and a top-notch Philadelphia defense. The Eagles previously defeated the Rams this season, and that was on the road. Now, with home-field advantage and a winning streak, Philly goes on to the NFC Championship.

Bryce Perkins' Rough Day: Rams Fall to Eagles 23-13

The Rams were able to shut down Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense last week, but can they now succeed in a road game against one of the league's top rushing offenses? The Philadelphia Eagles already beat the Rams in a road game, and I believe their defense will be too strong for the Rams. As a result, quarterback Matthew Stafford will be forced to make some critical mistakes, giving the Eagles an opportunity to follow up on Saquon Barkley's lead to victory.

The final score of the game is 21-20, in favor of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Philadelphia Eagles appear to have the most talented team overall in the NFL, but they're not living up to expectations. Despite dealing with team chemistry issues this season, they'll face a tough challenge from the Los Angeles Rams, who entered the playoffs on a hot streak.

Ravens at Bills

:

• The Ravens are the underdogs with odds of -115 to win, while the Bills are the favorites with odds of -105.
• Ravens -1
• : 51.5

LynnS Maple (2-3): Bills 27, Ravens 30

This is the main event of the postseason so far, featuring the top two players in the running for MVP: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. This matchup should be an exhilarating one. Expect it to be a close game throughout, with the outcome possibly coming down to the final possession. Following this reasoning, I'm picking the home team to win.

1. Ravens 27, Bills 24

This could be the number one game of the season and I'm sad it’s not the AFC Championship matchup. Both the Ravens and Bills have similar strengths and weaknesses and are led by MVP-caliber quarterbacks. This one will come down to coaching, and I have a lot of confidence in John Harbaugh more than Sean McDermott. While I'd love to see both teams advance, this feels like a really special year for the Ravens.

Buffalo Bills are ahead with 30 points, while the Baltimore Ravens have 24 points.

If the Chiefs end up winning, the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens will face off to determine which team gets to head to Arrowhead to face defeat. Anything could happen, making the outcome unpredictable. Both teams strongly believe their quarterbacks are deserving of the MVP award, and it's hard to argue with either of their claims. This matchup is the game of the week by a wide margin, pitting two talented sides against each other for a spot in the AFC Championship. We've seen some great Ravens teams, but if the Bills perform as well as they can, they might just be the greatest team Buffalo has ever produced.

The 2025 NFL Playoffs: Our Experts' Predictions for the Divisional Round