The Athletic Provides Live Coverage of Ravens vs. Texans and 49ers vs. Packers in AFC and NFC Divisional Round Matchups
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is here, and fans are in for a treat. The wild-card round may have lacked competitiveness, but the upcoming matchups promise to be fantastic showdowns. The Athletic is providing live coverage of the Ravens vs. Texans in the AFC Divisional Round matchup and the 49ers vs. Packers in the NFC Divisional Round matchup.
Texans at Ravens: The upstart vs. the mainstay
The Ravens, as the top seed in the AFC, make their playoff debut against an impressive and surprising Texans team. The two teams couldn’t be more different historically, with the Ravens being a stable and well-respected organization while the Texans have struggled with dysfunction. John Harbaugh, the second-longest-tenured coach in the NFL, has led the Ravens to the playoffs in 11 of his 16 seasons, including a Super Bowl win. On the other hand, DeMeco Ryans is a rookie head coach trying to instill excellence within a franchise that has only reached the playoffs seven times in its 22-season existence.
Both teams have talented young quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and C.J. Stroud, who are MVP candidates. While Baltimore excels at running the ball, Houston has a slightly better passing game. Both teams rely heavily on their defenses, with Baltimore holding teams to a league-low 16.5 points per game. It will be interesting to see how experience factors into each team’s success, as the Ravens are well accustomed to big games but are seeking their first playoff victory since 2020.
Packers at 49ers: Master vs. the apprentice
Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur, close friends and former co-workers, face off in a postseason matchup between two of the brightest offensive minds in the league. Their history dates back to 2008 when they worked together in Houston. They have since worked together in Washington and Atlanta before taking on head coaching roles. Both coaches’ offenses reflect the hallmarks of the Mike Shanahan offense, with zone-blocking schemes, bootlegs, quick-hitters, and play-action passing attacks.
The 49ers have been conference front-runners all season, while the Packers started slow but finished strong to secure a playoff spot. Oddsmakers project the 49ers as 9 1/2-point favorites, but the Packers are used to the underdog role. It will be a test for Jordan Love, who threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions in the wild-card game. Can the Packers’ defense deliver another stunner, or will the 49ers’ well-oiled offensive machine prevail?
Buccaneers at Lions: The redeemed castoffs
Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield, both former No. 1 overall draft picks, go head-to-head as the Lions host the Buccaneers. Ironically, neither quarterback remains with the team that drafted him. Goff was traded to Detroit after the Rams grew impatient despite a Super Bowl appearance. Mayfield, on the other hand, was let go by the Browns following an injury-plagued season.
Both quarterbacks have shown grit and resilience with their new teams. Goff has helped turn around a long-suffering Lions franchise, while Mayfield has embraced the challenge of leading the Buccaneers into a new era. The Lions enter the game as 6 1/2-point favorites, but Mayfield’s offense has capitalized on the backing of an aggressive defense.
Chiefs at Bills: Top guns
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, meet for a seventh time with a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line. Allen and the Bills have had success against Mahomes in the regular season, but the Chiefs have prevailed in their playoff matchups. This time, the game takes place in Buffalo, and the Bills will look to turn the tables.
Both quarterbacks had challenging regular seasons, but they finished strong. The Chiefs’ defense has been impressive, ranking second in both yards and points allowed. Mahomes will face his first road playoff game, and it remains to be seen if Buffalo’s defense and a hostile crowd can derail his hopes for another Super Bowl title.
The divisional round matchups promise excitement and high-stakes football. The Athletic’s live coverage will keep fans updated on all the action as the teams battle for a spot in the conference championships.